20 States With the Highest Cost of Living (California Isn’t #1)
Bills are high everywhere. But some states are much worse than others.
This gallery ranks the 20 most expensive states to live in using the Cost of Bills Index Report (COBI). It tracks real costs like housing, insurance, and utilities.
👉 Tap or cycle through the slides to see which states made the list from #20 to #1.
Table of Contents
About the Numbers in This Gallery
The rankings in this gallery are based on the Cost of Bills Index (COBI). It tracks ten common household bills.
Important Note: These numbers do not include groceries, child care, taxes, or other everyday living costs. It just includes bills.
So if the totals seem low, that’s why. They reflect monthly bill obligations, not full cost-of-living estimates.
👉 Swipe to see which 20 states are the most expensive when it comes to recurring bills.
20th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Illinois
Living in Illinois means juggling higher bills across the board. The average household spends $2,204 a month on essentials, with an income of $82,621.
19th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Texas
Life in Texas comes with bigger bills than many realize. Monthly household expenses average $2,208, while the typical income sits at $77,449.
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18th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Minnesota
In Minnesota, household bills average $2,216 a month, supported by an income of $86,752.
17th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Florida
Living in Florida brings sunshine, and some serious bills. Households spend about $2,259 per month, while average income is $71,445.
Florida may sell the dream of coastal living, but it comes with plenty of financial trade-offs.
16th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Nevada
Rising costs are the reality in Nevada. Average household bills run $2,279 monthly, with incomes around $74,674.
No state income tax softens the blow a little, but don’t expect Nevada to be a budget-friendly choice anymore.
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15th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Utah
Utah’s rising living costs are catching many off guard. The average household spends $2,290 a month, backed by an income of $88,613.
Utah’s strong job market keeps attracting new residents, but each influx pushes prices higher.
14th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Oregon
In Oregon, monthly bills reach $2,363, with an average household income of $79,189.
13th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Virginia
Virginia households face average monthly bills of $2,406, supported by an income of $93,397.
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12th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Alaska
Alaska’s stunning scenery comes at a price. Monthly household expenses average $2,410, while the median income hits $86,140.
11th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Rhode Island
Rhode Island households spend about $2,469 a month, with incomes averaging $83,651.
The coastal lifestyle may be appealing, but it comes with a steady stream of steep expenses. Careful budgeting is a must for anyone hoping to thrive in this small but pricey state.
10th State With the Highest Cost of Living: New Hampshire
New Hampshire isn’t cheap for anyone calling it home. Average household expenses run $2,482 a month, with incomes around $92,699.
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9th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Colorado
Colorado’s bills keep climbing. Households here spend an average of $2,553 each month, with income levels around $91,038.
8th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Connecticut
Connecticut residents face an average monthly bill of $2,569, with incomes around $98,025.
Connecticut’s proximity to major cities and quality schools remain big draws, but the financial trade-offs are undeniable. It takes sharp financial management to stay ahead here.
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7th State With the Highest Cost of Living: New York
Living in New York isn’t for the faint of wallet. Households pay about $2,627 each month, with average incomes of $88,943.
New York offers unmatched culture and opportunity, but residents need a strong income and a solid budget to thrive in this high-cost environment.
6th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Washington
Washington households face monthly bills averaging $2,644, backed by incomes around $95,033.
5th State With the Highest Cost of Living: Maryland
Maryland residents are no strangers to high bills. The average household spends $2,676 each month, supported by an income of $101,920.
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4th State With the Highest Cost of Living: New Jersey
New Jersey life doesn’t come cheap. Households spend around $2,802 per month, with incomes averaging $104,132.
3rd State With the Highest Cost of Living: Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the cost of living demands attention. Households spend about $2,817 each month, with average incomes at $102,709.
2nd State With the Highest Cost of Living: California
California delivers plenty of lifestyle, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Monthly household bills hit an average of $3,010, while incomes hover around $99,201.
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The State With the Highest Cost of Living: Hawaii
Hawaii tops the list for the highest cost of living in the U.S. Households spend about $3,091 per month, with an average income of $95,409.
Hawaii’s beauty is unmatched, but so is the price of making a life here.
What It Means to Live in a High Cost of Living State
Living costs aren’t created equal, and in these states, the gap is wide. Housing, utilities, insurance, and transportation all stack up fast, pushing monthly expenses well beyond the national average.
For some, the trade-offs are worth it: better jobs, lifestyle, or proximity to family. For others, moving to a lower-cost state could offer more breathing room in the budget. The key is knowing what you’re up against and making a plan that fits your goals.
No matter where you live, smart money decisions are what keep you ahead.
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