Kiplinger compiled the list based on the Council for Community and Economic Research's calculations of living expenses in 307 urban areas. Its Cost of Living Index measures prices for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services. They screened out cities with population below 50,000. All ten finalists, while different in many ways, shared one overarching similarity: super-affordable housing options for renters and homeowners alike.
McAllen is ranked number 2! Take a look at the list of the ten cheapest places to live by following the link below.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-cheapest-u-cities-live-040001247.html