Ask HN: What cheaper cities are the best?

Today, like any other day, there are top posts and threads about relocating, remote work etc on the front page. Lots of people are moving from more expensive cities to cheaper ones.

But which are the best cheaper cities, especially for those who do value cities that aren't just full of retirees or mostly tech workers?

I'll go first: I was pleasantly surprised by Durham NC when I visited there. It's small but fairly vibrant for its size, with plenty of young people and people of diverse backgrounds and livelihoods. (ie not just mostly tech workers, lol) For a North American city, it's fairly walkable and bikeable, and it's on an Amtrak line that can take you to neighboring cities and the entire East Coast. Cost of housing is reasonable, and because it's in the "Research Triangle", there is a viable local job market for academics and professionals, so techies don't necessarily have to rely exclusively on remote work.

Where else is good? Would love to hear more!