Muskogee was recently named the ninth-cheapest place to live by Bloomberg Businessweek, a financial publication. The list included 25 cities in the United States.

Marie Seabolt, deputy director of business development for the Muskogee City-County Port Authority, said she wasn’t surprised.

“Muskogee has consistently ranked within the top 15 least expensive cities in the nation for the last five or more years,” Seabolt said. “This distinction comes from a variety of factors, most notably are low transportation and housing costs.”

Seabolt said Muskogee’s unique economic situation is a boon for people who move here.

“Given these low costs, residents living in Muskogee enjoy a much higher standard of living as compared to residents in other parts of the state and of the nation,” she said. “That allows them to stretch their hard-earned dollars further, something other communities would love to be able to offer. So, there are definite benefits to be gained by moving to Muskogee.”

Seabolt added that Oklahoma was rated in the top 28 of states as a place to do business.

“That’s according to CNBC Top States for Doing Business Report,” she said.

Bloomberg’s website describes Muskogee as an “economic hub” and home to several major employers. It also went on to list U.S. Census Bureau statistics like the estimated area household income of $35,169.

Port of Muskogee Director Scott Robinson said he agrees with the Bloomberg article.

“We are a hub for many reasons,” Robinson said. “Look at the VA Regional Office for example and all the employees there. We also have a manufacturing backbone. And you can see the growth in Muskogee that relates more to being a hub.”

Robinson said another reason it’s more economical to live in Muskogee is the price of houses.

“We know that real estate is cheaper in Muskogee than in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, for example,” he said. “And, when things go bad in other parts of the country, Muskogee is always more stable. We don’t have the boom and bust cycle here.”

Reach Keith Purtell at (918) 684-2925 or kpurtell@muskogeephoenix.com.

Why Muskogee is ranked ninth

Monthly rent for two-bedroom apartment: $527.

Monthly house payment: $801.

Gallon of gas: $2.673.

Hamburger: $2.97.

Half-gallon of milk: $2.08.

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek

More info

To see the Bloomberg Businessweek Web page: http://images.businessweek.com/slideshows/20110616/the-25-cheapest-cities-in-the-u-s-/slides/18