One thing to consider...avoid states that have not signed on with the ACA exchanges. If your concern is to have a low cost of living in case of a downturn in income, you want to be in a state where you can qualify for a health insurance subsidy or Medi-care if necessary.
Also consider average incomes as well as cost of living; cheap housing in a poor area without jobs doesn't do you much good unless you can work remotely.
Have you considered Colorado? The Denver side of the Rockies is dry and has relatively little snow, but the mountains are right there and very accessible. And it's hurricane free and I think tornadoes would be very rare.
