Unhappy with the prices you're paying for groceries, housing, healthcare, and more? You're certainly not alone.

With rising costs continuing to put a strain on Americans' wallets, read on to discover where every state ranks when it comes to the cost of living, from the cheapest to the most expensive.

Based on the latest cost of living index from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), with data correct as of October 2026.

MERIC measures the cost of living in different states by looking at six key categories: groceries, housing, utilities (including electricity and water), transportation, healthcare, and other everyday expenses, which are classed as 'miscellaneous'.

To calculate the cost of living for each state, MERIC takes the average of these costs from different cities and metro areas within that state. The result is compared to the national average, which is set at 100.0. So, if a state's cost of living index is above 100, it means living there is more expensive than the US average, and if it's below 100, it's more affordable. Let's start with the most economical...

Living costs in Oklahoma are refreshingly affordable, coming in 17% below the national average. Buying a home is also affordable, being the cheapest state by this metric.

Housing affordability drives the state's low costs, as healthcare and grocery costs aren't all that economical, sitting not far below the average for the US.

While groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous outlays are on the pricey side in the Yellowhammer State, housing, healthcare, and transportation (including that all-important gasoline price) tend to be cheaper than the national average.

Another plus is Alabama's relatively low property and state income tax rates.

Housing is extremely economical in Iowa, with the state ranked third-lowest by this measure. However, grocery prices are tracking close to the national average, with transportation and health care costs not far behind.

Iowa is America's number one egg-producing state, and while the cupboard staple remains comparatively affordable there, with a dozen typically costing $4.44, it did experience extreme "eggflation" after major producers allegedly conspired to manipulate and artificially inflate prices.

Living costs in West Virginia are reasonably affordable, coming in at 13% below the national average. The Mountain State boasts the third-cheapest overall housing costs, with the nation’s lowest median monthly rent at just $850.

While groceries aren’t ridiculously cheap, West Virginia is one of 41 states that host Aldi, America's most affordable supermarket, with 16 outlets located there. Of course, everything is relative, and West Virginia's median salary of $45,300 is the third-lowest in the country.

The cost of living is edging up in Kansas, and while the state was previously one of the cheapest for groceries, it's now at 95.3 on that measure, not far off the national average.

Cheaper housing softens its overall cost of living score, though it's not nearly as affordable as Oklahoma or Alabama in that respect. That said, Kansas offers America's 34th-highest median salary at $48,010, making it one of the best states to live comfortably.

Mississippi is especially affordable when it comes to housing. It lands near the top of the list for leasing a home, with a median monthly rent of $990.

Costs across the other five categories covered by the index all come under the US average, though utility prices run high. However, the median salary in the Magnolia State is the lowest in the country at just $40,120, and its poverty rate of 18% is the second-highest. This means that while living costs are low, many residents may still struggle to make ends meet.

The seventh-cheapest state overall, Missouri ranks a not-too-shabby 39th in the country for median salary, so residents get a pretty good deal with all things considered.

Among the highlights are the second cheapest transportation costs in America and the cheapest eggs – a dozen cost just $4.24 on average in the Show-Me State.

Arkansas has the second-lowest median salary, with the typical wage a comparatively modest $43,630. However, living costs in the state are very reasonable.

The standouts include housing, where Arkansas has the fourth-lowest median monthly rent at $982, as well as healthcare. According to the MERIC index, only two other states have lower healthcare costs.

Indiana ranks 38th for median salary, which stands at $47,860, but the figure compares favorably with the cost of living in the state, and income inequality isn't a huge issue.

Housing is especially affordable – the median home sale price is a budget-friendly $282,000 – plus groceries, utilities, healthcare, and transportation expenses all come in under the nationwide average.

Tennessee ranks a lowly 41st for median wage and has no state minimum wage, with employees having to make do with the federal base of $7.25 per hour.

Nevertheless, housing in the state is cheap by nationwide standards. Moreover, the state is one of seven that levies no income tax, and Tennessee has one of the lowest tax burdens overall.

Georgia ranks 33rd for median salary, but the state has a relatively wide gap between rich and poor and a higher poverty rate than the national average.

Groceries and utilities run high, while healthcare costs more than the national average, but housing softens its overall score, with house prices notably cheaper than the national median average.

Nebraska's living costs are all the more reasonable when the median salary is factored in. The Cornhusker State is ranked 29th by this metric, with the figure standing at $48,980.

Housing is the standout, with the median home sale price a relatively affordable $295,000. Groceries and miscellaneous expenses, however, are only slightly less pricey than the national averages, and healthcare is significantly more expensive.

Based on median salary, New Mexicans earn even less than the residents of Nebraska and Georgia, and the state has the third-highest poverty rate in America at 17.8%.

Housing isn't as cheap as you might expect, and utility bills are relatively economical. However, grocery prices are tracking close to the national average, with healthcare expenses just above it.

North Dakotans generally live well for less compared to residents of other states. The median salary is the 18th-highest in the US at $52,480, yet the state ranks a decent 14th for cheapness.

Housing and utilities are the standouts in terms of affordability, with North Dakota boasting the third cheapest utility costs in the nation. However, groceries and healthcare are on the costly side; the latter is 6.7% pricier than the nationwide average.

Texas ranks 31st for its median salary, which sits at $48,620, though the state is one of the seven that doesn't impose an income tax.

Groceries, housing, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are all more affordable in relation to the national average. Texas also has the third-cheapest gasoline prices in America, according to AAA Fuel Prices. The major downside is the cost of utilities, which exceeds the US average.

Life in Louisiana presents considerable economic challenges. A median salary of just $45,520 ranks the state fourth-lowest in the nation, while a staggering 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line – the highest rate in America. This is further compounded by significant income inequality.

The saving graces are housing costs and utilities: Louisiana's median home sale price is $242,500, and only four other states boast cheaper utility bills.

The median salary for Michigan is $49,270, and an increasing amount of that is likely being eaten by grocery costs, with the state tracking just a fraction under the national average.

On the bright side, housing is reasonable; the median home sale price is just $285,000, and healthcare is markedly more affordable.

Housing affordability is also South Carolina's biggest draw from a cost of living standpoint. The Palmetto State is 20.5% cheaper than the US average by this metric.

Groceries, transportation, and healthcare, however, aren't all that cheap, with South Carolinians paying around the national average.

Ohio, which ranks 27th nationwide for median salary, is a good all-rounder in terms of cost of living. While prices aren't dirt-cheap, they tend to be reasonable across the board, from housing and utilities to healthcare.

However, like many Americans, Ohians are feeling the pinch when it comes to gasoline prices, with the state currently ranked 20th most expensive by this measure.

Minnesota has the 12th highest median salary in the country at $56,920 but the 20th cheapest living costs, so residents of the state live comparatively well for less.

They save the most on housing. Utilities and transportation are also cheaper compared to the US average, but Minnesotans pay significantly more for healthcare, 14.4% above the national average.

South Dakotans seeking a better life may want to consider moving to the state's northern namesake. The median salary for the Mount Rushmore state is only $47,080, much lower than North Dakota's figure, and living costs are higher overall.

Kentucky has the eighth-lowest median wage in the country at just $46,920, but living costs can be punishingly high.

Grocery prices are tracking at a full 2% above the national average, and while housing is relatively affordable, transportation costs are close to the national average.

Wyoming's median salary is $50,270, with the state ranking joint 22nd in this respect. Employees in Wyoming pay no state income tax, and the tax burden in the state is one of the lowest nationally. The fittingly named Equality State also scores well for income equality.

Another bonus is the state's wallet-friendly fast-food prices, with Wyoming tied with North Carolina for the lowest McDonald's prices in the country.

Illinois has a higher median salary, but its tax burden is heavier, and the state imposes America's joint-heftiest property tax, along with New Jersey.

Still, housing costs are much lower than the national average, and the state's residents save on groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses too. However, they pay more than the US average for transportation and healthcare.

For the budget-minded, Pennsylvania's biggest appeal is its affordable housing costs. For instance, the median home sale price of $315,000 is significantly lower than the nationwide median.

Healthcare is notably affordable too, while groceries are almost 5% cheaper than the national average, as are miscellaneous expenses. However, utility bills are tracking 9.5% above the US average.

Wisconsinites, or Cheeseheads as they're often called, have a median wage of $50,270, but living costs in the state can be high, and housing isn't as affordable here.

Grocery prices are sailing close to the national average, while healthcare costs top it by almost 3%.

North Carolina is a pricier place to live compared to its southern namesake, though South Carolinians tend to earn less, which balances things out somewhat.

And while housing, groceries, and utilities are higher in the Tar Heel State, healthcare expenses are cheaper than in South Carolina.

Utah ranks 24th for median salary, but the Beehive State has the lowest income inequality in the nation and the second-lowest poverty rate at just 9%.

Housing and transportation are pricier than the US average, but utility bills and healthcare costs are much lower, with groceries a fraction under the national average.

Healthcare is Virginia's cost of living highlight, with prices coming in almost 5% below the national average.

However, groceries will now set you back more than the national average in the state, while housing and transportation costs aren't far behind. The median wage is decent at $55,690, and as a bonus, Virginia has some of the cheapest McDonald's prices in the nation.

Looking to save money on electricity, natural gas, water bills, and so on? Then Idaho is the state to move to, as it boasts the cheapest utilities in the country, according to MERIC. But while housing is slightly cheaper than the US average, groceries and transportation are more expensive.

Idaho is ranked a disappointing joint 35th for median salary, but it's worth noting the state scores well for income equality.

Living costs in Delaware are around the nationwide average, though groceries and healthcare do cost more.

The key upside is the state's decent wages – it's ranked 19th for median income – and the tax burden is light too, with no sales tax and a modest property tax rate.

Florida's median salary isn't great, with the state ranked 37th by this metric. Florida also has one of the largest gaps between rich and poor in America. On the bright side, the Sunshine State doesn't levy income tax and has America's sixth-lowest tax burden overall.

Housing is just under the US average, but groceries, transportation, and healthcare track above the national mean.

Coloradans tend to live a lot better for less in a relative sense. The state has America's fifth-highest median salary and its fourth-lowest poverty rate.

In terms of the MERIC categories, groceries, housing, and healthcare are more expensive than the national average, but utilities work out cheaper, 14.6% below the US median.

Connecticut's bumper pay levels also go a long way toward mitigating its steep living costs – the Constitution State has America's sixth-highest median salary. A major con is its heavy tax burden, with Connecticut's property tax the third-highest nationally.

Among the MERIC categories, utilities make for the most expensive from a relative standpoint, coming in at 24.3% above the national average.

While housing, groceries, and transportation are more expensive than the national average, with gasoline prices the third most expensive nationally, Nevada stands out for having the lowest bread prices in the country.

Grocery prices on the whole have crept up, but residents do enjoy the second-cheapest utility bills in the nation, almost 25% below the national average.

Montana ranks 30th nationally for median income and doesn't levy a sales tax, which takes the edge off prices for clothing and other essentials. That's just as well, as groceries come in at 6% above the national average.

Housing costs are high though, with the median house sale price in the state edging past the $500,000 mark.

New Hampshire has relatively generous wages that effectively offset its higher cost of living – it's ranked an impressive 16th for median wage. Moreover, the state has America's lowest poverty rate at just 7.2% and doesn't impose a sales tax.

While costs across five MERIC categories are higher than the US average, groceries are a fraction below, and New Hampshire boasts the second-cheapest bread prices in the country.

It's tough for many Arizonans to get by since the state's median salary is low in relation to living costs. At $50,980, it's only the 25th highest in the country. Thankfully, the state's tax burden is rather light, and Arizona's property tax is the fourth-lowest nationally.

Housing is especially expensive in the Grand Canyon State, but healthcare costs and groceries come in just under the national average.

Incomes compare favorably with living costs in Oregon. The state is the 13th most expensive, while its median salary of $57,000 is the 11th-highest in the country.

Housing is the biggest drain on Oregonians' finances in a relative sense, but transportation, healthcare, and groceries are also more expensive than the US average, though the state's lack of sales tax does provide some relief. Plus, utilities come in just below the nationwide mean.

Paychecks in Little Rhody are also comparatively big, with the diminutive state ranked 13th for median salary. Again, this helps ease its expensive living costs.

Housing and utility bills in Rhode Island are especially pricey, but transportation is actually cheaper than the US average and comes in at 2.6% shy of the nationwide mean, according to MERIC.

Housing is the primary financial strain in Maine, which has seen home prices skyrocket over the past few years. Groceries are at least relatively affordable, with prices only slightly above the nationwide median.

Maine ranks only 21st for median salary, so many people are just scraping by in the state. To make matters worse, the state has the fifth-highest tax burden in America.

Vermont is one of America's most expensive states, but its median wage is only the 14th highest, so the cost of living presents a significant challenge for many residents, especially since the state has the third-highest tax burden in the nation.

Transportation costs and groceries mirror the US average, which does provide some respite. But everything else is steeper. Another letdown is the cost of fast food, and Vermont has the third most expensive McDonald's prices countrywide.

Washington lays claim to the nation's third-highest median salary, which helps offset the state's elevated living costs. It also has the highest state minimum wage, currently set at $17.33 per hour.

Again, housing is particularly expensive, but utilities are comparatively affordable, typically costing around the US average. Motorists are also stung with the fourth-highest gasoline prices countrywide.

Maryland's median wage is the eighth-highest in the country at $59,510, while the minimum wage is a generous $15 per hour.

Housing away from the Washington DC metro area is reasonable, with Cumberland and Baltimore among the cheapest places to buy and rent. And while groceries, transportation, utilities, and general expenses exceed the national average, people in the Free State get quite a good deal overall in terms of cost of living.

Housing in New Jersey is very expensive compared to the nationwide average, and the state has the highest property tax in the nation. Utility costs are close to the US average though, and groceries are only marginally more expensive.

In any case, the Garden State has the ninth-highest median salary at $58,570, which helps balance things out somewhat.

Alaska has to ship in much of its food, so it isn't surprising that grocery costs are the second most expensive in the country. The Last Frontier also has some of the highest McDonald's prices. Utilities are markedly pricey as well, which isn't ideal given the heating demands of the state's long, cold winters. And healthcare costs are the highest nationwide.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Alaska has America's fourth-highest median salary and the lightest tax burden, with no income tax or state sales tax to worry about.

New York's median salary is generous at $59,670, which is the seventh-highest in the country. But New Yorkers are weighed down with the second-heaviest tax burden in America – residents typically have to hand over 12% of their income to state and local governments.

Housing is especially expensive in the Empire State, but groceries are only marginally above the national average.

While not a state, we've chosen to include DC in our round-up. Living costs in the nation's capital aren't for the faint-hearted. Housing is exceedingly costly – DC has the third-highest median home sale price at $764,716 and its median monthly rent of $1,931 is the third-highest nationally. Healthcare is notably expensive as well.

Luckily, grocery and utility costs are relatively reasonable. Best of all, DC has the highest median salary in America at $91,540 and the highest minimum wage, which is set at $18.40 per hour.

Living well is a tall order in California, which has excessive levels of income inequality. The Golden State has only the 10th-highest median salary, but it's the third most expensive. Housing costs are the third-highest in the country, and the median home sale price is the second-highest at $809,227. Meanwhile, gasoline prices are the most expensive in America.

Groceries and healthcare costs are expensive too, with both exceeding the national average by 10%.

Massachusetts ranks second for median salary, which comes in at $63,590, but income inequality is rife in the Bay State and the tax burden is heavy.

Utilities, housing, and groceries are especially pricey, while Massachusetts is the second most expensive state to buy a McDonald's.

Hawaii is a cost of living nightmare. The state has the highest grocery prices in America, including the most expensive bread and eggs. A dozen will set you back around $10 on average in the Aloha State.

Housing costs are the steepest nationally – median monthly rent is the highest in the US at $1,868 – and Hawaii is the most expensive state for utilities and transportation, with the second-highest gasoline prices in the country. Adding insult to injury, the state has only the 15th-highest median salary and America's highest tax burden.

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