Introduction
Based on the cost of living index – which measures the relative cost of goods and services in a particular location – the cheapest states to live in are Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, and Georgia. These states have a cost of living index below 89, which is significantly lower than the national average of 100. The top 10 cheapest states to live in are all located in the southern and midwestern regions of the United States. On the other hand, the northeastern and western states, including New York, California, and Hawaii, have the highest cost of living indices.
In general, the cost of living tends to be lower in the South and Midwest regions of the United States, while it is higher in the West and Northeast regions. This is due to factors such as differences in housing costs, taxes, and wages. However, it is important to note that the cost of living can vary significantly within a state, with cities generally being more expensive than rural areas.
Cheapest Cost of Living in the US
| # | State | Cost of Living Index | Living Wage | Minimum Hourly Wage | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 85 | $15.66 | $7.25 | $46,637 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 85.8 | $15.75 | $7.25 | $60,096 |
| 3 | Kansas | 87.5 | $16.38 | $7.25 | $75,979 |
| 4 | Alabama | 88.1 | $15.91 | $7.25 | $56,929 |
| 5 | Georgia | 88.6 | $17.64 | $7.25 | $61,497 |
| 6 | Missouri | 89.1 | $16.29 | $11.15 | $63,594 |
| 7 | Iowa | 89.2 | $16.18 | $7.25 | $72,429 |
| 8 | Indiana | 89.9 | $15.79 | $7.25 | $70,190 |
| 9 | West Virginia | 90 | $15.45 | $8.75 | $46,836 |
| 10 | Tennessee | 90.2 | $15.45 | $7.25 | $62,166 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 90.6 | $15.55 | $11 | $50,784 |
| 12 | Nebraska | 91.9 | $16.6 | $9 | $78,109 |
| 13 | Ohio | 91.9 | $15.61 | $9.3 | $62,689 |
| 14 | Michigan | 92.2 | $16.36 | $9.87 | $64,488 |
| 15 | Texas | 92.5 | $16.41 | $7.25 | $67,404 |
| 16 | Wyoming | 92.5 | $15.25 | $7.25 | $71,052 |
| 17 | Illinois | 92.6 | $18.16 | $12 | $79,253 |
| 18 | Louisiana | 93.6 | $16.15 | $7.25 | $57,206 |
| 19 | New Mexico | 94 | $16.25 | $11.5 | $53,463 |
| 20 | South Carolina | 94.3 | $17.47 | $7.25 | $62,542 |
| 21 | South Dakota | 94.5 | $14.85 | $9.95 | $73,893 |
| 22 | Kentucky | 94.9 | $15.46 | $7.25 | $55,629 |
| 23 | Wisconsin | 95.5 | $16.4 | $7.25 | $69,943 |
| 24 | North Carolina | 95.7 | $17.14 | $7.25 | $62,891 |
| 25 | North Dakota | 97.1 | $15.37 | $7.25 | $68,882 |
| 26 | Minnesota | 97.5 | $17.74 | $10.33 | $80,441 |
| 27 | Pennsylvania | 98.2 | $16.67 | $7.25 | $72,627 |
| 28 | Idaho | 99.6 | $16.16 | $7.25 | $76,918 |
| 29 | Florida | 102.8 | $17.24 | $10 | $59,734 |
| 30 | Utah | 102.8 | $16.98 | $7.25 | $87,649 |
| 31 | Virginia | 102.8 | $19.4 | $11 | $80,268 |
| 32 | Nevada | 103.2 | $16.24 | $10.5 | $64,340 |
| 33 | Colorado | 104.6 | $19.16 | $12.56 | $84,954 |
| 34 | Montana | 104.8 | $16.32 | $9.2 | $64,999 |
| 35 | Delaware | 105.6 | $17.74 | $15.2 | $68,687 |
| 36 | Arizona | 105.8 | $17.43 | $12.8 | $70,821 |
| 37 | New Jersey | 112.4 | $20.57 | $13 | $88,559 |
| 38 | Rhode Island | 112.9 | $17.8 | $12.25 | $74,982 |
| 39 | Washington | 114.2 | $18.54 | $14.49 | $87,648 |
| 40 | Maine | 115.3 | $17.88 | $12.75 | $71,139 |
| 41 | Vermont | 115.9 | $17.81 | $12.55 | $76,079 |
| 42 | New Hampshire | 116.1 | $17.32 | $7.25 | $88,841 |
| 43 | Connecticut | 116.8 | $19 | $14 | $80,958 |
| 44 | Oregon | 121.2 | $19.51 | $13.5 | $81,855 |
| 45 | Maryland | 124 | $19.74 | $12.5 | $97,332 |
| 46 | Alaska | 126.6 | $16.72 | $10.34 | $81,133 |
| 47 | New York | 134.5 | $21.99 | $13.2 | $72,920 |
| 48 | California | 137.6 | $21.82 | $14 | $81,575 |
| 49 | Massachusetts | 149.7 | $21.88 | $14.25 | $86,566 |
| 50 | District of Columbia | 152.2 | $23.13 | $10.5 | $90,640 |
| 51 | Hawaii | 184 | $21.99 | $10.1 | $82,199 |
Cheapest States to Live in
The cheapest states to live in are Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in in the US, with a cost of living index of 85. The second cheapest state to live in is Oklahoma, with a cost of living index of 85.8. The third and fourth cheapest states to live in are Kansas and Alabama, with cost of living indexes of 87.5 and 88.1 respectively. The fifth least expensive state to live in is Georgia, with a cost of living index of 88.6. Missouri is the sixth cheapest state to live in in the US, with a cost of living of 88.6. The seventh and eighth cheapest states to live in are Iowa and Indiana, with cost of living indexes of 89.2 and 89.9 respectively. West Virginia is the ninth least expensive state to live in with a cost of living index of 90. Finally, the tenth cheapest state to live in is Tennessee, with a cost of living index of 90.2.
The top 10 cheapest states to live in are:
1. Mississippi – 85
2. Oklahoma – 85.8
3. Kansas – 87.5
4. Alabama – 88.1
5. Georgia – 88.6
6. Missouri – 89.1
7. Iowa – 89.2
8. Indiana – 89.9
9. West Virginia – 90
10. Tennessee – 90.2
Cheapest State to Live In
Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in the United States, with a cost of living index of 85. This means that the cost of goods and services in Mississippi is 15% lower than the national average. The low cost of living in Mississippi can be attributed to several factors, including low housing costs, low taxes, and affordable healthcare. In fact, Mississippi has the lowest cost of housing in the country, with the median home price at $46,637. Additionally, the state has a low-income tax rate, which contributes to lower overall taxes for residents.
States by Cost of Living
Alabama
Ranked in the US
#4
Living Wage
$15.91
Ranked in the US
#12
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#32
$56,929
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#46
Alabama is the fourth cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 88.1. The state's low cost of living is due to its affordable housing options, low taxes, and relatively low healthcare costs. Additionally, Alabama has a low overall tax burden, which contributes to its affordability.
Alaska
126.6
Ranked in the US
#46
Living Wage
$16.72
Ranked in the US
#26
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.34
Ranked in the US
#22
$81,133
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#12
Arizona
105.8
Ranked in the US
#36
Living Wage
$17.43
Ranked in the US
#31
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.8
Ranked in the US
#9
$70,821
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#28
Arkansas
Ranked in the US
#11
Living Wage
$15.55
Ranked in the US
#7
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11
Ranked in the US
#18
$50,784
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#49
California
137.6
Ranked in the US
#48
Living Wage
$21.82
Ranked in the US
#47
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14
Ranked in the US
#4
$81,575
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#11
Colorado
104.6
Ranked in the US
#33
Living Wage
$19.16
Ranked in the US
#42
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.56
Ranked in the US
#11
$84,954
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#8
Connecticut
116.8
Ranked in the US
#43
Living Wage
$19
Ranked in the US
#41
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14
Ranked in the US
#5
$80,958
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#13
Delaware
105.6
Ranked in the US
#35
Living Wage
$17.74
Ranked in the US
#34
Minimum Hourly Wage
$15.2
Ranked in the US
#1
$68,687
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#32
District of Columbia
152.2
Ranked in the US
#50
Living Wage
$23.13
Ranked in the US
#51
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.5
Ranked in the US
#20
$90,640
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#2
Florida
102.8
Ranked in the US
#29
Living Wage
$17.24
Ranked in the US
#29
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10
Ranked in the US
#25
$59,734
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#44
Georgia
Ranked in the US
#5
Living Wage
$17.64
Ranked in the US
#33
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#33
$61,497
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#42
Georgia is the fifth cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 88.6. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options and relatively low healthcare costs. Georgia also has a low sales tax rate, which makes goods and services more affordable for residents.
Hawaii
Ranked in the US
#51
Living Wage
$21.99
Ranked in the US
#49
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.1
Ranked in the US
#24
$82,199
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#9
Idaho
Ranked in the US
#28
Living Wage
$16.16
Ranked in the US
#14
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#34
$76,918
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#18
Illinois
Ranked in the US
#17
Living Wage
$18.16
Ranked in the US
#39
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12
Ranked in the US
#15
$79,253
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#16
Indiana
Ranked in the US
#8
Living Wage
$15.79
Ranked in the US
#11
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#35
$70,190
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#29
Indiana is the eighth cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 89.9. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options, low taxes, and relatively low healthcare costs. Additionally, Indiana has a lower cost of living than the national average for goods and services, making it a more affordable place to live.
Iowa
Ranked in the US
#7
Living Wage
$16.18
Ranked in the US
#15
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#36
$72,429
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#25
Iowa is the seventh cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 89.2. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options, low taxes, and relatively low healthcare costs. Iowa also has a lower cost of living than the national average for goods and services, contributing to its overall affordability.
Kansas
Ranked in the US
#3
Living Wage
$16.38
Ranked in the US
#21
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#37
$75,979
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#20
Kansas is the third cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 87.5. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options, low taxes, and relatively low healthcare costs. Kansas also has a low sales tax rate, which contributes to the overall affordability of goods and services in the state.
Kentucky
Ranked in the US
#22
Living Wage
$15.46
Ranked in the US
#6
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#38
$55,629
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#47
Louisiana
Ranked in the US
#18
Living Wage
$16.15
Ranked in the US
#13
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#39
$57,206
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#45
Maine
115.3
Ranked in the US
#40
Living Wage
$17.88
Ranked in the US
#38
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.75
Ranked in the US
#10
$71,139
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#26
Maryland
Ranked in the US
#45
Living Wage
$19.74
Ranked in the US
#45
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.5
Ranked in the US
#13
$97,332
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#1
Massachusetts
149.7
Ranked in the US
#49
Living Wage
$21.88
Ranked in the US
#48
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14.25
Ranked in the US
#3
$86,566
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#7
Michigan
Ranked in the US
#14
Living Wage
$16.36
Ranked in the US
#20
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.87
Ranked in the US
#27
$64,488
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#35
Minnesota
Ranked in the US
#26
Living Wage
$17.74
Ranked in the US
#35
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.33
Ranked in the US
#23
$80,441
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#14
Mississippi
Ranked in the US
#1
Living Wage
$15.66
Ranked in the US
#9
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#40
$46,637
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#51
Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 85. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its low housing costs, affordable healthcare, and low taxes. The median home price in Mississippi is $128,200, which is the lowest in the country, and the state also has a low-income tax rate, contributing to overall lower taxes for residents.
Missouri
Ranked in the US
#6
Living Wage
$16.29
Ranked in the US
#18
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11.15
Ranked in the US
#17
$63,594
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#37
Missouri is the sixth cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 89.1. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options, low taxes, and relatively low healthcare costs. Additionally, Missouri has a lower cost of living than the national average for goods and services, making it a more affordable place to live
Montana
104.8
Ranked in the US
#34
Living Wage
$16.32
Ranked in the US
#19
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.2
Ranked in the US
#29
$64,999
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#34
Nebraska
Ranked in the US
#12
Living Wage
$16.6
Ranked in the US
#24
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9
Ranked in the US
#30
$78,109
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#17
Nevada
103.2
Ranked in the US
#32
Living Wage
$16.24
Ranked in the US
#16
Minimum Hourly Wage
$10.5
Ranked in the US
#21
$64,340
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#36
New Hampshire
116.1
Ranked in the US
#42
Living Wage
$17.32
Ranked in the US
#30
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#41
$88,841
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#3
New Jersey
112.4
Ranked in the US
#37
Living Wage
$20.57
Ranked in the US
#46
Minimum Hourly Wage
$13
Ranked in the US
#8
$88,559
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#4
New Mexico
Ranked in the US
#19
Living Wage
$16.25
Ranked in the US
#17
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11.5
Ranked in the US
#16
$53,463
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#48
New York
134.5
Ranked in the US
#47
Living Wage
$21.99
Ranked in the US
#50
Minimum Hourly Wage
$13.2
Ranked in the US
#7
$72,920
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#23
North Carolina
Ranked in the US
#24
Living Wage
$17.14
Ranked in the US
#28
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#42
$62,891
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#38
North Dakota
Ranked in the US
#25
Living Wage
$15.37
Ranked in the US
#3
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#43
$68,882
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#31
Ohio
Ranked in the US
#13
Living Wage
$15.61
Ranked in the US
#8
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.3
Ranked in the US
#28
$62,689
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#39
Oklahoma
Ranked in the US
#2
Living Wage
$15.75
Ranked in the US
#10
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#44
$60,096
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#43
Oklahoma is the second cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 85.8. The state's low cost of living is due to affordable housing and low taxes. Additionally, Oklahoma has a low sales tax rate, which makes goods and services more affordable for residents.
Oregon
121.2
Ranked in the US
#44
Living Wage
$19.51
Ranked in the US
#44
Minimum Hourly Wage
$13.5
Ranked in the US
#6
$81,855
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#10
Pennsylvania
Ranked in the US
#27
Living Wage
$16.67
Ranked in the US
#25
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#45
$72,627
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#24
Rhode Island
112.9
Ranked in the US
#38
Living Wage
$17.8
Ranked in the US
#36
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.25
Ranked in the US
#14
$74,982
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#21
South Carolina
Ranked in the US
#20
Living Wage
$17.47
Ranked in the US
#32
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#46
$62,542
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#40
South Dakota
Ranked in the US
#21
Living Wage
$14.85
Ranked in the US
#1
Minimum Hourly Wage
$9.95
Ranked in the US
#26
$73,893
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#22
Tennessee
Ranked in the US
#10
Living Wage
$15.45
Ranked in the US
#4
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#47
$62,166
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#41
Tennessee is the tenth cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 90.2. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options, low taxes, and relatively low healthcare costs. Additionally, Tennessee has a lower cost of living than the national average for goods and services, making it a more affordable place to live.
Texas
Ranked in the US
#15
Living Wage
$16.41
Ranked in the US
#23
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#48
$67,404
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#33
Utah
102.8
Ranked in the US
#30
Living Wage
$16.98
Ranked in the US
#27
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#49
$87,649
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#5
Vermont
115.9
Ranked in the US
#41
Living Wage
$17.81
Ranked in the US
#37
Minimum Hourly Wage
$12.55
Ranked in the US
#12
$76,079
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#19
Virginia
102.8
Ranked in the US
#31
Living Wage
$19.4
Ranked in the US
#43
Minimum Hourly Wage
$11
Ranked in the US
#19
$80,268
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#15
Washington
114.2
Ranked in the US
#39
Living Wage
$18.54
Ranked in the US
#40
Minimum Hourly Wage
$14.49
Ranked in the US
#2
$87,648
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#6
West Virginia
Ranked in the US
#9
Living Wage
$15.45
Ranked in the US
#5
Minimum Hourly Wage
$8.75
Ranked in the US
#31
$46,836
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#50
West Virginia is the ninth cheapest state to live in, with a cost of living index of 90. The state's low cost of living can be attributed to its affordable housing options and low taxes. West Virginia also has a lower cost of living than the national average for goods and services, making it a more affordable place to live.
Wisconsin
Ranked in the US
#23
Living Wage
$16.4
Ranked in the US
#22
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#50
$69,943
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#30
Wyoming
Ranked in the US
#16
Living Wage
$15.25
Ranked in the US
#2
Minimum Hourly Wage
$7.25
Ranked in the US
#51
$71,052
- 0%
Vs 2020
Ranked in the US
#27
FAQs
What is the cheapest state to live in in the US ?
Mississippi is the cheapest state to live in, as it has the lowest cost of living in the US, with a cost of living index of 85.
What are the cheapest states to live in ?
The cheapest states to live in are Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
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