Report Reveals Most Affordable Cities for Healthy Living in the US 

Healthy living in the US focuses on combating prevalent lifestyle diseases through whole foods, regular physical activity, and stress management. Key strategies include following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to minimize processed foods, aiming for the CDC’s recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, Active People, Healthy Nation, and prioritizing mental well-being.

1. Nutrition & Whole Foods

The standard American diet is heavily reliant on processed foods, making conscious grocery shopping critical.

• Shop the Perimeter: Focus on fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole foods instead of the center aisles.
• Avoid Hidden Additives: Check labels for added sugars, high-fructose corn syrup, and industrial seed oils (e.g., soybean, canola).
• Resources: Access Nutrition.gov for budget-friendly recipe ideas and the American Heart Association’s Healthy Eating for heart-healthy guidelines. 

2. Physical Activity

Maintaining an active lifestyle is a cornerstone of American health initiatives.

• Aerobic & Strength: Combine 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or cycling) with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities, according to the American Heart Association Healthy Living. 
• Local Accessibility: To find parks, trails, and physical activity resources near your area, check out the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation initiative.

3. Mental Health & Sleep

Holistic well-being requires more than just diet and exercise.

• Stress Management: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or consistent rest periods into your daily routine.
• Sleep Hygiene: The CDC recommends adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your body and mind to recharge. 

4. Healthcare & Screenings

Preventive care is highly emphasized in the US healthcare system to catch chronic illnesses early. 

• Routine Checkups: Schedule annual wellness exams with primary care providers, dentists, and eye specialists.
• Preventative Tests: Stay proactive with recommended health screenings. 

Most Affordable Cities for Healthy Living in the US 

A 2026 report on staying fit in America found El Paso, Texas, to be the cheapest place to work out and eat healthy. With obesity rates now over 40% in the US, a new study by Foresight Sports, a golf simulator company, reveals where people can stay in shape without spending much.  

Key Highlights

• Working out and eating healthy costs just $162 monthly in El Paso, Texas, roughly $100 cheaper than in most large cities.
• Louisville residents buy a month’s worth of staples under $190, including lean proteins and fresh produce.
• People in Oklahoma City can get monthly gym memberships for only $33 monthly, half the price compared to other cities. 

This research looked at 30 major US cities to find where staying fit costs the least. The report tracked gym membership prices and the cost of buying healthy food each month, like chicken, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and bread. The study also checked air quality in each city and counted free parks where people can exercise without paying for a gym. Cities ranked highest when they combined low costs with clean air and plenty of outdoor workout spaces.

The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities for Staying Fit

You can access the complete research findings here.

A Closer Look at the Top 5

1. El Paso, Texas

• Monthly gym membership: $18.33
• Healthy grocery basket: $143.75
• Total monthly fitness cost: $162
• Free parks and nature areas: 5
• Health clubs and gyms: 1
• Air pollution index: 36.25

El Paso is the cheapest American city to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The monthly cost of staying active here comes to just around $160, which is $100 less than what people in typical cities pay. Gym memberships in El Paso cost under $20, cheaper than almost anywhere else in the country. Plus, locals here can buy a month’s worth of food for about $140, including chicken, eggs, fresh fruits, and other staples needed for a balanced diet. While the city has fewer health clubs than bigger metros, the low costs make up for it.

2. Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville comes second, offering clean air along with affordable prices for staying fit. Working out and eating healthy here costs under $220, which covers a $42 gym membership and a $175 grocery basket for the whole month. Jacksonville also stands out with its air quality, scoring just 21 on the pollution index, making it the safest place among affordable cities for outdoor running, biking, and other cardio activities. The city has 20+ free parks as well, where residents can work out without spending a cent on gym memberships.

3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City ranks third with monthly fitness expenses under $230. Gym memberships here cost $33, among the cheapest in the top five cities. Eating healthy is not expensive either, with a monthly grocery basket at around $195 for chicken, beef, and whole grains. The city also has the cleanest air of any metro, meaning people can safely run, bike, or exercise outdoors year-round. Oklahoma City does have fewer parks than Jacksonville, but these low pollution levels still make up for it since residents here can work out almost anywhere.

4. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis takes fourth place as another low-cost city for staying healthy. Gym-goers here pay just $28 for memberships, and filling your cart every month with staples like chicken, vegetables, and grains costs only $180. Memphis also stands out with its outdoor fitness infrastructure, offering 9 parks and nature areas where people can hike, run, or do callisthenics for free. The city also has up to 5 major health clubs, giving residents indoor workout options too when the weather isn’t nice.

5. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus rounds out the top five cities where it’s affordable to stay in shape. Those planning to take up a healthy lifestyle here need to budget just $230 for it. Memberships at local gyms average $28, leaving $180 for grocery store shopping for lean meats and fresh produce. Columbus is also noticeably greener compared to other metros, with 10+ parks across its neighborhoods. Plus, there are also up to 10 big gyms across the city where people can work out and get extra coaching or group fitness classes.

A spokesperson from Foresight Sports commented on the study:

“The obesity crisis in America is an economic issue more than anything else. Fast food is cheap and convenient. A burger meal costs less than the ingredients to make a salad at home. Gyms, on the other hand, charge what most people spend on their phone bills. If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, you’re going to pick the cheaper options every time.”

This article was created at the WHN News Desk in collaboration with Amy Davis on behalf of Foresight Sports, a global leader in the development of golf performance, entertainment, and game enhancement solutions. 

As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN neither agrees nor disagrees with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.