Most Expensive States to Live In 2023 - Wisevoter (2024)

Alabama

Alaska

Alaska is the fifth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 126.6. The state has a high cost of living due to its remote location and harsh climate, which makes it difficult to transport goods and services. Additionally, Alaska has a high cost of energy, which can make it expensive to heat homes during the long winter months.

Arizona

Arizona is the fifteenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 105.8. While Arizona's cost of living is lower than some of the more expensive states, it is still relatively high compared to the national average. The high cost of living in Arizona can be attributed to factors such as housing costs, healthcare expenses, and energy costs. However, Arizona's warm weather and favorable tax rates may make it an attractive place to live for some individuals.

Arkansas

California

California is the third most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 137.6. The state has a high cost of housing, especially in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Additionally, California has a high state income tax rate, which can make it challenging for residents to save money.

Colorado

Colorado is the eighteenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 104.6. The high cost of living in Colorado can be attributed to factors such as high housing costs, healthcare expenses, and energy costs. Additionally, Colorado's thriving economy and growing population have led to increased competition for goods and services, which can further drive up costs.

Connecticut

Connecticut is the eighth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 116.8. The state's high cost of living is largely due to its proximity to major cities such as New York and Boston, which can increase the cost of goods and services. Additionally, Connecticut has a relatively high tax burden, with residents paying some of the highest income and property taxes in the country. The state's high cost of housing and utilities also contributes to its overall cost of living.

Delaware

Delaware is the sixteenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 105.6. Delaware's high cost of living can be attributed to factors such as high taxes, healthcare expenses, and energy costs. Additionally, Delaware's proximity to major urban centers on the East Coast can lead to higher prices for goods and services due to increased demand.

District of Columbia

Florida

Florida is the twentieth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 102.8. While the state has no income tax, it does have a high sales tax and property taxes, which can make it expensive to live in some areas. The state's popularity as a retirement destination also drives up the cost of living, as retirees often require access to healthcare and other services. However, Florida does have a lower-than-average cost of housing, which can help offset some of these costs.

Georgia

Hawaii

Hawaii is the most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 184. This is because the state is far away from the mainland and heavily reliant on imports. As a result, the cost of goods is significantly higher than in other states, especially for food, housing, and transportation. The state also has a high tax rate, which adds to the overall cost of living.

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maine is the eleventh most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 115.3. The high cost of living in Maine can be attributed to various factors, including high taxes, energy costs, and healthcare expenses. Additionally, Maine's location in the northeast region of the United States means that goods and services may be more expensive due to the transportation costs associated with getting them to the state.

Maryland

Maryland is the sixth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 124. The state's high cost of living can be attributed to several factors, including the high cost of housing and utilities. In particular, the cost of living in the state's major cities such as Baltimore and Annapolis is significantly higher than in rural areas. Additionally, Maryland has a relatively high tax burden, with residents paying some of the highest income taxes in the country.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the second most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 149.7. The state has a high cost of housing, healthcare, and education. Additionally, Massachusetts has a high income tax rate, which can make it challenging for residents to save money.

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Montana is the seventeenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 104.8. Montana's high cost of living can be attributed to factors such as high housing costs, energy expenses, and healthcare costs. Additionally, Montana is a sparsely populated state with a relatively small economy, which can lead to higher prices for goods and services due to the cost of transportation.

Nebraska

Nevada

Nevada is the nineteenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 103.2. This is largely due to the state's tourism industry, which leads to high demand for housing, food, and entertainment in cities like Las Vegas and Reno. The state also has a high sales tax, which can make it expensive to purchase goods. However, Nevada does not have a state income tax, which can help offset some of these costs.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is the ninth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 116.1. The state's high cost of living is largely due to its strong economy and high standard of living. In particular, the cost of housing and healthcare in the state is significantly higher than in other parts of the country. Additionally, New Hampshire has a relatively high tax burden, with residents paying some of the highest property taxes in the country.

New Jersey

New Jersey is the fourteenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 112.4. The high cost of living in New Jersey can be attributed to several factors, including high taxes, energy costs, and housing expenses. Additionally, New Jersey is situated in a region of the country with a high cost of living, which can lead to higher prices for goods and services.

New Mexico

New York

New York is the fourth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 134.5. The state has a high cost of housing, especially in New York City. Additionally, New York has a high state income tax rate, which can make it challenging for residents to save money.

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Oregon is the seventh most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 121.2. The state's high cost of living is largely due to its strong economy and high standard of living. In particular, the state's major cities such as Portland and Eugene are among the most expensive places to live in the country. Additionally, Oregon has a relatively high cost of healthcare and childcare, which can contribute to the overall cost of living.

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the thirteenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 112.9. Rhode Island's high cost of living can be attributed to factors such as high housing costs, energy expenses, and healthcare costs. Additionally, Rhode Island is a small state with a high population density, which can lead to higher prices due to increased demand for goods and services.

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Vermont is the tenth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 115.9. The state's high cost of living can be attributed to several factors, including its strong economy and high standard of living. In particular, the cost of housing and healthcare in Vermont is significantly higher than in other parts of the country. Additionally, the state has a relatively high tax burden, with residents paying some of the highest property taxes in the country.

Virginia

Washington

Washington is the twelfth most expensive state to live in, with a cost of living index of 114.2. The cost of living in Washington is driven up by factors such as high housing costs, transportation expenses, and healthcare costs. Washington's thriving economy, particularly in the tech industry, has led to a high demand for housing and increased competition for goods and services, further driving up costs.

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

What are the most expensive states to live in ?

The ten most expensive states to live in are Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New York, Alaska, Maryland, Oregon, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

​​What is the most expensive state to live in ?

The most expensive state to live in is Hawaii, with a cost of living index of 184.