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 (2023) | Percentage Change (vs. 2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 86 | 1.18% |
| 2 | Oklahoma | 86.9 | 1.28% |
| 3 | Kansas | 87.2 | -0.34% |
| 4 | Alabama | 88.2 | 0.11% |
| 5 | Georgia | 89.3 | 0.79% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 89.3 | -0.78% |
| 7 | Iowa | 89.9 | 0.78% |
| 8 | Missouri | 89.9 | 0.9% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 90.1 | -0.55% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 90.4 | 0.22% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 91.3 | -0.65% |
| 12 | Ohio | 91.4 | -0.54% |
| 13 | Indiana | 91.5 | 1.78% |
| 14 | Illinois | 92.1 | -0.54% |
| 15 | Michigan | 92.1 | -0.11% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 92.1 | -0.43% |
| 17 | Louisiana | 92.2 | -1.5% |
| 18 | Texas | 92.9 | 0.43% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 93.4 | -1.16% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 94.1 | 0.11% |
| 21 | Kentucky | 94.5 | -0.42% |
| 22 | Wisconsin | 95.1 | -0.42% |
| 23 | Minnesota | 95.6 | -1.95% |
| 24 | North Carolina | 95.8 | 0.1% |
| 25 | North Dakota | 96 | -1.13% |
| 26 | South Carolina | 96.4 | 2.23% |
| 27 | Pennsylvania | 97 | -1.22% |
| 28 | Idaho | 99.2 | -0.4% |
| 29 | Nevada | 101.7 | -1.45% |
| 30 | Florida | 101.9 | -0.88% |
| 31 | Virginia | 102.6 | -0.19% |
| 32 | Utah | 102.7 | -0.1% |
| 33 | Montana | 103 | -1.72% |
| 34 | Delaware | 103.3 | -2.18% |
| 35 | Colorado | 104.8 | 0.19% |
| 36 | Arizona | 107.1 | 1.23% |
| 37 | New Jersey | 111.7 | -0.62% |
| 38 | Rhode Island | 111.8 | -0.97% |
| 39 | Maine | 112.5 | -2.43% |
| 40 | Connecticut | 114.4 | -2.05% |
| 41 | New Hampshire | 114.6 | -1.29% |
| 42 | Washington | 115.6 | 1.23% |
| 43 | Oregon | 116.2 | -4.13% |
| 44 | Maryland | 120.7 | -2.66% |
| 45 | Alaska | 125.3 | -1.03% |
| 46 | New York | 126.6 | -5.87% |
| 47 | California | 139.7 | 1.53% |
| 48 | Massachusetts | 143.1 | -4.41% |
| 49 | District of Columbia | 149.7 | -1.64% |
| 50 | Hawaii | 181.5 | -1.36% |
| 51 | Vermont | 400 | 245.13% |
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
88.2
↑ 0.11%
Vs 2022
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
125.3
↓ 1.03%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#45
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
107.1
↑ 1.23%
Vs 2022
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
90.1
↓ 0.55%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#9
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
139.7
↑ 1.53%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#47
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
104.8
↑ 0.19%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#35
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
114.4
↓ 2.05%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#40
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
103.3
↓ 2.18%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#34
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
149.7
↓ 1.64%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#49
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
101.9
↓ 0.88%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#30
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
89.3
↑ 0.79%
Vs 2022
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
181.5
↓ 1.36%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#50
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
99.2
↓ 0.4%
Vs 2022
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
92.1
↓ 0.54%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#14
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
91.5
↑ 1.78%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#13
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
89.9
↑ 0.78%
Vs 2022
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
87.2
↓ 0.34%
Vs 2022
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
94.5
↓ 0.42%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#21
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
92.2
↓ 1.5%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#17
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
112.5
↓ 2.43%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#39
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
120.7
↓ 2.66%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#44
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
143.1
↓ 4.41%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#48
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
92.1
↓ 0.11%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#15
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
95.6
↓ 1.95%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#23
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
86
↑ 1.18%
Vs 2022
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
89.9
↑ 0.9%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#8
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
103
↓ 1.72%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#33
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
91.3
↓ 0.65%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#11
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
101.7
↓ 1.45%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#29
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
114.6
↓ 1.29%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#41
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
111.7
↓ 0.62%
Vs 2022
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
94.1
↑ 0.11%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#20
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
126.6
↓ 5.87%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#46
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
95.8
↑ 0.1%
Vs 2022
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
96
↓ 1.13%
Vs 2022
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
91.4
↓ 0.54%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#12
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
86.9
↑ 1.28%
Vs 2022
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
116.2
↓ 4.13%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#43
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
97
↓ 1.22%
Vs 2022
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
111.8
↓ 0.97%
Vs 2022
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
96.4
↑ 2.23%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#26
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
93.4
↓ 1.16%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#19
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
90.4
↑ 0.22%
Vs 2022
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
92.9
↑ 0.43%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#18
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
102.7
↓ 0.1%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#32
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
400
↑ 245.13%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#51
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
102.6
↓ 0.19%
Vs 2022
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
115.6
↑ 1.23%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#42
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
89.3
↓ 0.78%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#6
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
95.1
↓ 0.42%
Vs 2022
Ranked in the US
#22
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
92.1
↓ 0.43%
Vs 2022
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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