Map Shows How Cost of Living Compares in Every State
The least expensive states were concentrated in the Midwest and South, while the most expensive were in the Northeast and West.
While Americans increasingly worry about rising inflation, the cost of living varies greatly between states. Oklahoma, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center's analysis, stands as the most affordable state in the nation in the first quarter of 2026, scoring an 83.5 out of 100. This indicates the state's costs, including groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, and health, are 16.5 percent below the national average.
Hawaii, conversely, is the most expensive state, scoring 184.8, representing nearly 85 percent above the national average, primarily due to high housing costs. Generally, states like Hawaii, Alaska, the Northeast, and the West Coast are more expensive, while the Midwest and South are cheaper, reflecting the traditional higher housing costs in these regions.
Housing is the most significant expense for American households, accounting for 33.4 percent of total spending in 2024, or an average of $26,266 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Oklahoma, housing costs are lower, with the median home price at $261,681 compared to Hawaii's $747,600, according to Redfin data.
Despite Oklahoma's lower median household income of $65,039, the money goes further due to the lower cost of living. In contrast, Hawaii sees a median household income of $100,389, but the high cost of living makes it the least affordable state.
Inflation and the cost of living are major concerns for Americans, as indicated by a recent poll by Marquette University Law School, conducted from July 22-29, which found 35 percent of respondents deemed it the country’s most important issue. The economy came in second at 15 percent. Nearly 80 percent of respondents noted that grocery and petrol prices have risen over the past six months, and 69 percent expect inflation to continue rising.
Only 19 percent feel financially better off than a year ago. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from July 29 to August 3 revealed that 48 percent of Americans consider the cost of living their most significant factor in voting decisions for the November midterms, potentially affecting President Donald Trump's standing. The poll also showed Americans prefer Democrats over Republicans by 35 percent to 27 percent on handling the cost of living, with 70 percent disapproving of Trump's management of inflation and the cost of living.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
