High Cost-of-Living States
These states have cost-of-living indices substantially above the national average (100), driven primarily by housing costs in their major metros.
California
California contains some of the most expensive real estate in the country, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area and coastal Southern California. State income tax rates reach 9.3% at moderate incomes and up to 13.3% at the top bracket.
New York
New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the country, with housing, food, and transportation all substantially above average. Upstate New York is dramatically more affordable. State income tax reaches 6.85% at moderate incomes.
Massachusetts
Boston is a major high-cost metro, driven by a constrained housing supply and high demand from education and tech sectors. The state has a flat 5% income tax rate.
Washington, D.C. Area
The D.C. metro area (including Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland) has high housing costs driven by federal employment and a strong professional services economy. Maryland has an income tax of up to 5.75%.
Washington State
Seattle has seen dramatic housing cost increases since 2015 due to tech industry growth. Washington State has no income tax, which partially offsets higher housing costs for higher earners. Portland, OR is somewhat lower.
Hawaii
Hawaii has the highest cost of living of any U.S. state, driven by remoteness, import costs for goods, and extremely constrained land supply. Utilities and groceries are significantly above mainland averages.
Mid-Range States
These states have cost-of-living indices broadly near the national average, though individual metros may fall significantly above or below.
Colorado
Denver has seen sharp housing price appreciation since 2015. Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Boise, ID is a similar story — rapid growth pushing up housing in a historically affordable market.
Illinois & Minnesota
Chicago is notably above average due to housing and local taxes, while Minneapolis sits near average. Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax; Minnesota has a progressive tax reaching 9.85%.
Florida
Florida has no state income tax, making it popular for retirees and remote workers. Housing costs have risen sharply in coastal metros since 2020. Interior Florida remains relatively affordable.
Lower Cost-of-Living States
These states consistently score below the national average on cost-of-living indices, making them popular relocation destinations for people leaving high-cost metros.
Texas
Texas has no state income tax and generally lower housing costs than coastal metros, making it one of the top relocation destinations in the country. Property taxes are higher than average, which partially offsets the income tax advantage. Austin has seen significant appreciation.
Tennessee & Georgia
Tennessee has no income tax on wages and affordable housing in most markets. Atlanta is near the national average; Nashville has risen. Memphis and Louisville are among the most affordable large cities in the country.
Ohio, Indiana & Nebraska
The Midwest's mid-size cities consistently rank among the most affordable in the country. Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Omaha all offer significantly below-average costs with strong local job markets.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City and Tulsa are consistently among the most affordable large metros in the country. Low housing costs, no significant state income tax burden, and lower overall price levels make them attractive for budget-conscious movers.
All States — Quick Reference
Jump directly to city comparisons for any state. Index figures below are approximate metro averages relative to the U.S. national average of 100.
| State | Sample Major City | Approx. Index | Income Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Anchorage | 130 | None | High utilities; remote goods cost premium |
| Arizona | Phoenix | 96 | 2.5% flat | Rapid growth in major metros |
| California | San Francisco | 212 | Up to 13.3% | Highest housing costs in the nation |
| Colorado | Denver | 118 | 4.4% flat | Sharp housing appreciation since 2015 |
| Florida | Miami | 119 | None | No income tax; coastal housing rising |
| Georgia | Atlanta | 100 | 5.49% | Near national average overall |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | 192 | Up to 11% | Highest overall cost in the nation |
| Illinois | Chicago | 118 | 4.95% flat | High local taxes add to cost |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | 84 | 3.05% flat | Consistently among the most affordable |
| Kentucky | Louisville | 83 | 4.5% flat | Very affordable for a mid-size city |
| Maryland | Baltimore | 113 | Up to 5.75% | DC proximity drives Northern MD costs |
| Massachusetts | Boston | 162 | 5% flat | Constrained housing supply drives costs |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | 105 | Up to 9.85% | Near average overall; high income tax |
| Missouri | Kansas City | 88 | Up to 4.95% | Affordable large city |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 86 | Up to 6.64% | Very affordable; strong job market |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | 103 | None | No income tax; near average overall |
| New Mexico | Albuquerque | 87 | Up to 5.9% | Affordable Southwest option |
| New York | New York City | 187 | Up to 10.9% | NYC dominates; upstate far lower |
| North Carolina | Raleigh | 97 | 4.75% flat | Growing tech hub; near national avg |
| Ohio | Columbus | 88 | Up to 3.99% | Affordable large cities across the state |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma City | 82 | Up to 4.75% | Among the most affordable large metros |
| Oregon | Portland | 128 | Up to 9.9% | No sales tax; high income and housing cost |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | 111 | 3.07% flat | Pittsburgh much more affordable than Philly |
| Tennessee | Nashville | 100 | None on wages | No income tax; strong relocation destination |
| Texas | Houston | 92 | None | No income tax; varied by city |
| Utah | Salt Lake City | 106 | 4.65% flat | Housing rising; strong job market |
| Virginia | Richmond | 95 | Up to 5.75% | Northern VA near DC costs; rest lower |
| Washington | Seattle | 155 | None | No income tax; high housing costs |
| Wisconsin | Milwaukee | 88 | Up to 7.65% | Affordable Midwest option |
Index is relative to U.S. national average = 100. Figures are approximate metro-area averages. Tax rates reflect 2023 rates and are subject to legislative change. See our methodology →
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