Average cost of living by state

The cost of living is one of the most important things to consider when you decide to move. The USA has 50 states and 6 dependent territories, and we are sure that one of them can be your choice. So, when you decide to move, always choose based on your needs, wishes, and possibilities. In these situations, there are many things that you need to consider, choose, and for which you need to make important decisions. But what is most important is to be informed about the average cost of living by state. After you’ve chosen your new place to live, contact Best Cross Country Movers and they’ll take care of the rest. You probably already know that states are divided into more favorable and less favorable ones, that’s why we will introduce you to the top 20 countries that might be the ideal choice for you.

Why is it important to be informed about the cost of living in your chosen state?

One of the leading things that will influence your decision the most will be the average cost of living by state. We all know that in the last three years, the economy has been significantly shaken, and the most significant impact was left by the pandemic of the Covid 19 virus, not only in America but also in the whole world. America successfully fought back, but the consequences are still being felt. The American economy is getting stronger, but the costs are higher in some places. So, today, after three years of successful warfare, we can freely say that America came out of that battle stronger.

The main question is, why are the average cost of living by state is important, and why do they affect your final choice? The answer is simple. Your life, that is, your way of life, will depend on it. It’s always important to choose according to your possibilities, as well as to find out whether your monthly budget can cover all monthly expenses. If you are moving with your family, you must be sure that the place you choose can provide them with everything they need. Especially for children. That is why it’s important to consider the average living cost when choosing the state where you will move to.

How to choose an ideal state for you?

When choosing a new place for your life, regardless of whether you are alone, whether you are moving with your family, you are a student, or a millennial, apart from living expenses, you need to pay attention to other factors that can affect your life. The crime rate, business opportunities, education, health care, and much more are things you should consider when making important decisions. And moving is one of the biggest decisions in your life. But also the most important.

This will be a long story, and you must read it to the end because we will meet you with some of the most favorable countries for family life, with countries that can be an excellent choice for students, millennials, etc. We will also introduce you to some of the most expensive countries to live in, which can offer you luxury and comfort. Maybe even one of them will be your new place to live.

So, one of the best ways to choose the ideal state for you is to always choose based on your needs and possibilities. Also, research is necessary to know whether the chosen state meets all the requirements.

What is the average cost of living?

You read the title, but you understood it best. We have revealed to you why it’s important to consider living costs before you move, and how the cost of living can influence your decision. But for you to understand the further story, we need to introduce you to the general term “average cost of living“.

Average living expenses represent the amount of money needed to cover the monthly expenses of an individual or several family members. These costs relate to food, accommodation, health care, transportation, bills, and other necessities. It’s also important to know that costs can vary from state to state. That’s why we decided to introduce you to the cost of living in some of the top 20 states in the USA for living. Cost-of-living indices are used for counting salary, as well as social insurance. Also, every year research is done and living expenses for the previous year are determined.

Another very important thing you need to know before we continue is how to understand the cost of living index. Therefore, the cost indices are calculated based on the comparison line. Thus, costs are compared across states in the US and used as a baseline set at 100. States are then divided relative to this baseline. For example, a country with a cost of living index of 200 is twice as expensive as the national average. Likewise, living in a country with an index of 50 will cost about half the national average. This would mean that all states with a cost index below 100 are considered the most favorable states for living in the USA. While those with an index above 100 are considered the most expensive.

The average cost of living in the USA

The average cost of living by state can depend on the location where you live. Also, as we said, it depends on whether it’s a single person or, for example, a family of four. When we talk about the cost of living in the USA for a single person, they amount to about $3,199 per month, which represents a sum of $38,266 per year. While, as you can imagine, the living expenses of a family of four are twice as high. And they amount to $85,139 a year.

Now we will present to you some of the basic living costs of a family of four:

• Rent: $1,784
• Bills: $300
• Transport: $819
• Groceries: $610
• Restaurant food: $198
• Health care: $431
• Health insurance: $306
• Entertainment: $243
• Fuel: $131
• Clothing: $120
• Household equipment: $70
• Personal hygiene: USD 54
• Education: $106

The total costs will be about $5,172. But this amount isn’t final, so, don’t panic. Because living expenses, first of all, depending on your lifestyle. If, for example, you use public transport or walk to work, your transport costs will be lower, and fuel costs will be almost non-existent. Also, the average price of food + a meal in a restaurant is too high, but know that one individual will not have such high costs. For example, health insurance because most employers pay part of the insurance to their employees.

Mississippi is a state with the lowest living cost in the USA

If you are looking for a state with the lowest cost of living to move to, Mississippi is it. And best cross-country movers in Mississippi can confirm that. So, the cost of living in Mississippi is about 83.3% and is 17% lower than the national average in the USA. In Mississippi, the highest costs can be related to health services and amount to about 94.9%, and the lowest costs are borne by housing costs, which on average amount to about 66.3%, which is 34% lower than the average. Groceries and clothes are also cheaper than average and amount to about 92.2% for food and 93.1 for clothes and shoes. Median home prices in Mississippi are around $141,900.

If in Mississippi, you want to rent an apartment or a house for life, the rent per month can range from $623 to $1202, and the prices vary depending on the size of the house or apartment you want to rent. Transportation costs in Mississippi can average about 83.4%.

The most expensive city to live in Mississippi is Madison, the average cost of living in Madison is about 105.1% on average. Home prices in Madison are around $303,300, which is much higher than the average for all of Mississippi. The monthly rent is about $810 for a studio apartment, and the prices for apartments and houses with more rooms range from $842 to $1,387. The most affordable city to live in Mississippi is Clarksdale. The cost of living in Clarksdale is about 69.7%. The biggest costs are the costs of utilities which amount to about 96.1. And average home prices in Clarksdale are around $70.000. So, Mississippi can be a good choice! 

Top states for families with low living cost 

First, we will start from the top states for family life. What is important when choosing a place for your family is that living expenses are affordable. Oklahoma and Alabama are one of the most favorable states for family life. So, Oklahoma is a state in the Central South region of the USA. The State of Oklahoma is the best choice if you are moving with your family because it’s the state with the lowest cost of living and it is 87.9%, which means that it’s below the average in the USA. So, if you decide to move, the best cross-country moving companies in Oklahoma are at your disposal. In Oklahoma, health services can cost you the most, which is 115.8%, and housing can cost you the least, which is 54%.

Alabama is a state with 5 million residents. And it’s also the best choice for family life, just like Oklahoma. Alabama’s cost of living is also very low at 87.9%, which is also below the US average. Costs in Alabama are very similar to Oklahoma. Health care is also the most expensive at 102.2%, and housing costs are about 55.9%. The average price of groceries in Alabama is about 94.4%, which is more affordable than the average in other parts of the US. Average home prices are around $165,200, which is a little higher than in Oklahoma, but it might help you decide on the state. Best long-distance movers in Alabama maybe can help you to decide. Also, Alabama is affordable if you live alone, the cost of living is around $35,859 per year. And the average living cost by state for a family of four is $68,723 a year.

Tennessee is also an ideal state for families

Tennessee is another state in a series of states that are favorable for family life. Primarily because the cost of living isn’t that high. The average cost of living in Tennessee is about 87.6%, which is very similar to Oklahoma and Alabama and is also below the average for the entire US region. In Tennessee, health services can also cost you the most, amounting to about 101.9%, which is a little more than the average in the US. The cheapest costs are around housing and amount to 71.2%. Groceries in Tennessee can cost you 95.4%, which is also below average.

If you have decided to buy a house, the average price can be around $231,600. In Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, the most expensive cost is housing and it’s 113.3%, while the lowest cost represents health at 96.7%. Memphis is another city in Tennessee, that is the biggest one, and its cost of living is 76%. You can see that it’s much more affordable than Nashville. The most expensive costs in Memphis are related to health and amount to 98.4%, while the cheapest costs are for housing and amount to 37.1%. As we can see, is much below the average of the entire Tennessee.

Cost of living is one of the important factors to consider when choosing an ideal place for family life. But besides that, there are many other things like education, work, entertainment, etc. So, when you make your final decision, contact us and we will help you find one of the best cross-country moving companies in Tennessee. We will connect you with movers who will be your greatest support.

Average living costs in the best states for students

When choosing where to go to college, it’s important to choose top-rated schools. But it’s also important to look at the average living costs by state. That’s why I would like to introduce you to the best states for students. To start, New Jersey is one of the best states for students. And student moving isn’t that difficult if you have the best long-distance movers in New Jersey by your side. New Jersey is a state with 5 highly rated colleges. The average cost of tuition in New Jersey is about $14,360. Room rates average around $9,052. The cost of groceries and food in New Jersey is about 105.8%, which is slightly above the average for the entire USA. In the state of New Jersey, the cost of clothing, restaurants, and other places of entertainment is about 108.7%.

Colorado is another state very suitable for a student. The quality of life index shows that the standard of living in Colorado is very high. The cost of living in Colorado is about 121.1%, which is slightly higher than in New Jersey. The average cost of tuition is around $9,144. While the average room rates are around $6,541. Colorado has 6 highly ranked colleges, one more than New Jersey. The price of clothes, shoes, restaurants, cafes, and other places are also less than in New Jersey and amount to about 100.2%. According to the information we received for the best long-distance movers in Colorado, there are a large number of students who decide to stay in Colorado after their studies. The opportunities offered by Colorado are great, both for a living and for a career.

Washington – an affordable state for students

And one more affordable state for college in Washington. Along with New Jersey and Colorado. Washington has 2 highly ranked colleges, which is less than New Jersey and Colorado. Tuition costs average about $7,168, while room rates average about $6,725. The total cost of living in Washington is about 118.7%. The cost of groceries in Washington can be around 101.1, which is a little more than in Colorado, but less than in New Jersey. If you want to rent accommodation, the prices can range from $1,168 for a studio, to $2,488 for accommodation with several rooms.

Washington offers you a lot of other possibilities, and quality life but is also very affordable. When we look at tuition prices in New Jersey and Colorado, Washington has the most affordable. Also, moving to Washington is very expensive, and the best long distance movers in Washington have moved a large number of people, including students, millennials, families, and seniors.

Hawaii has the highest average living cost 

In addition to favorable states and the USA, there are also those that are very expensive to live in, with high living standards. One of those countries, and at the same time the country with the highest average living cost, is Hawaii.

Hawaii is an island paradise in the USA, and because of its beauty, it’s often the choice of families for vacations, and couples for honeymoons. Most people when they visit Hawaii are blown away by its beauty and wish they could stay forever. This is exactly where the problem arises, because Hawaii is the country with the highest percentage of living expenses, and hardly anyone can afford such a luxury. So if you’ve been thinking about moving to Hawaii, best long distance movers in Hawaii will advise you to research about the cost of living. Because, the average cost of living in Hawaii is 193.3%, which is both not that affordable.

In Hawaii, housing and utilities can be expensive. The average cost of housing is about 268.9%, and the cost of utilities is about 185.8%. The lowest percentage of expenses in the state is health care and it amounts to 94.3%. Home prices In Hawaii are also very high, and average prices are around $732,000. In Hawaii, monthly rent for a studio can cost up to 1,457 dollars, and for a house with several rooms, the rent can reach prices from $1,609 to $3,468, depending on the number of rooms. Food and grocery costs amount to about 150.7%. The city with the most affordable prices in Hawaii is Hana. And the most expensive city to live in Hawaii is Wailea. If you want to buy a home in Wailea, the median prices are around $1,228,800, which is more expensive than in Hana.

The most expensive states to live in the USA

New York is one of the most expensive states to live in. After Hawaii, it has the most expensive cost of living. The cost of living in New York is about 148.2%. Housing costs are the highest and it’s about 230.1%. The lowest costs are costs of shoes, clothes, restaurants, and fun, on average about 101.6%. Food costs in New York can cost you about 118.4%. While the costs of transportation and utilities start at around 99.8% for utilities, and 108.7% for transportation. Average house prices in New York are around $373,000, which is slightly above the average for the entire USA. According to data from the best cross-county moving companies in New York, 43,000 households moved to New York between 2021 and 2022. So, New York can be a good choice for people who are looking for a better and more comfortable life. 

California is another state in the series of very expensive states to live in and has a very high average cost of living. California is a state that amazes most people with its beauty, so if you’ve been thinking about starting a new life there, the best long distance movers in California advise you to first research more about the cost of living. The average cost of living in California is about 142.2%. In California, the highest costs are related to housing and amount to about 239.1 %, which is slightly more than in New York. The lowest costs are health care costs, which amount to 92.4% on average. The cost of groceries and food in California is about 105.1%. Average home prices in California average around $684,800, which is higher than in New York, and rental prices in California range from $1,374 to $3,038.

Massachusetts and Oregon are also the most expensive states to live in 

Massachusetts is also one of the states with high living costs. 6,873 million people live in Massachusetts, and this place maybe can be your home. The cost of living in Massachusetts is on average about 127.2%, which is less than the costs of California and New York. Average housing costs in Massachusetts are about 176.4%, while the lowest costs are related to health care, which amounts to about 83.7%. Average home prices in Massachusetts are around $510,500, which is lower than in California. The cost of groceries is about 108.9%, which is more than in California. In Massachusetts, the cost of clothes, shoes, restaurants, and other places of entertainment is about 109%, which is slightly higher than the average for the entire territory of the USA. Best long distance in Massachusetts advises you to research customs and tradition. Because it’s very different from other states in the USA.

Oregon is one more state with a high cost of living. The cost of living in Oregon is about 113%, which is less than the cost of living in Massachusetts. Housing’s average cost is about 148.9%, while the lowest costs are around utilities, at about 88%. Food costs in Oregon are about 100.4%, which is lower than in Massachusetts, California, and New York. The average cost of healthcare is 88%, which is lower than the average for the entire USA. Average home prices in Oregon are around $438,100. If you decide to rent an apartment or house in Oregon, the monthly rent can cost you from $986 to $1800. According to the data provided by the best long-distance movers in Oregon, many people decide to buy home. In Salem, which is the capital of Oregon, 55% of the total population has their own homes.

Georgia is a favorite state for Millennials

If you want to live in a state with a rich history and culture, and if you are a peach lover, Georgia is the right choice for you. Apart from these benefits, it also has a low cost of living. Annual costs per individual in Georgia average about $38,165. These costs include personal expenses, food costs, utility costs, health care, etc. Georgia is also one of the favorite places for Millennials.

Average living costs to consider if you plan to move to Georgia:

• Grocery 95,5 %
• Health 95,5%
• Housing 80,7%
• Utilities 102,0%
• Transportation 105%

The city with the lowest costs in Georgia is Statesboro, where the cost of living index is about 83.9%, Augusta is another city in Georgia and one of the favorite cities for Millennials, that has the lowest cost of living and according to the index, those costs are about 84%, except for the low cost of living this the city offers beautiful nature, many interesting things to do, and a beautiful view of the river banks. Millennials are people who usually move to Georgia, because, this state can provide them the life they want, without obligations, before 35 years.

Another thing you should think about if Georgia is your choice is moving. We will help you choose one of the best cross country moving companies in Georgia, based on your needs and wishes. So, contact us at any time.

What are people really looking for? Expensive or affordable life?

All this depends on the possibilities and wishes of the customer. For example, young people often look for countries that can offer comfort, luxury, entertainment, and excellent business opportunities. So, we can say that about 38% of the population aged 24-35 are looking for a more luxurious, ie more expensive and comfortable life. In those situations, the youth selections will mainly be New York, California, Oregon, etc. These countries are the most frequent choice of young professionals who, immediately after finishing college, go in search of the ideal state for them.

Now, we come to a group of people who want a little more peaceful life and are mainly looking for places that have a low crime rate as well as a favorable cost of living. When we talk about people who want to start a family, we have already said that their choice can be states like Oklahoma, Alabama, and Tennessee, where the average cost of living is well below the average, and is about 87.5% out of 100 (national average). There is also another third group of people here, namely seniors or pensioners. During a certain period of their lives, these people go in search of a place that can provide them with an affordable life. That is why we will now introduce you to some of the countries that you can consider if you want to retire soon.

Florida, Ohio, and Missouri can be ideal states for retirees

Missouri is a city suitable for our elders, who want to spend the rest of their lives in peace. Missouri is a state known for good food, pizza, and blues, so a good time is guaranteed there. If you decide to make Missouri your new home best long distance movers Missouri can help you. But, first, you need to research living costs and consider is this state is right for you. Missouri has a low cost of living. The average cost of living in Missouri is about 95.5%. Healthcare costs are also not high, and healthcare in Missouri is really at a high level.

When you retire, your life changes a lot, you don’t have to go to work anymore, and you don’t have so much stress anymore. So if you want a fresh start, here are some countries that are suitable for retirees. Attractive Ohio is very suitable for retirees, and besides its beauty and interestingness, it also has an affordable cost of living about 82.6%, which is below the average for the entire USA. If you decide to live in Ohio, best long distance movers in Ohio advise you rent an apartment. Monthly rent prices can range from $615 to $1,248. Also, Florida is one of the best cities for retirees. But at the same time, is one of the favorite states for young people.

Florida is one of the most popular places for young people

Florida is another suitable state for our oldest if you like enjoying the beach and sunny days. But perhaps Florida still attracts a younger population. Florida, also known as the sunny state, is a state in the USA that attracts many with its beauty and warm weather. Florida has an average of 237 sunny days per year. So, if you like to enjoy beautiful beaches, Florida is the place for you.

The younger population most often moves to Florida because, in addition to beauty and beaches, Florida also offers good job opportunities, but also, very importantly, offers young people a good time and, therefore, a social life. Florida offers a rich nightlife as well as beautiful tropical bars that everyone will enjoy. Now all these pleasures that Florida offers are very good, but how much do they cost, and can everyone afford them?

Florida ranks 32nd in cost of living, and the average cost of living is about $43,615 per year. In any city you go to in Florida, the most expensive will be housing and personal expenses. Health care is a bit cheaper and is around $6,675 per year. Some places where Floridians spend their money are Walt Disney World whose prices can range from $399 to $1299 for a ticket. So, as the cities are bigger, the cost of living in them is also higher. But best long distance movers Florida can recommend some of the big and very affordable cities in Florida. Some of those cities are Jacksonville, where the average cost of living is about 93.7%, as well as Daytona the average cost of living is 94.2%.

Texas – State with endless business opportunities

Texas is an ideal state for you if you are looking for a job. Young people who have just finished their studies, according to information from best long distance movers in Texas, move to Texas the most. Houston and Austin are perhaps the best cities because they have the best job opportunities. Texas also offers good food and a global menu. Of course, in order to move somewhere, you need to find out about the cost of living in that country. In Texas, the cost of living for an individual is about $39,661. Health care can cost you $5,793.

There are very affordable cities to live in Texas:

• Harlingen – is one of the most affordable cities, the average living cost is 77.3%.
• McAllen – has an expense of 77.7%.

The most expensive city in Texas is Southlake. The total cost of living in Southlake is about 164.3%, which is much higher than the average for the entire USA.  But, Texas is a city that can offer you excellent business opportunities, as well as good earnings. The annual household income is about $64,000.

New Mexico – State with a low average cost of living

New Mexico is another state in the USA that will amaze you with its natural beauty. But this is also one of the states that has a low average cost of living by state. This state is the most geographically diverse of all 50 states because in New Mexico you can hear the sounds of big cities, while there are also rural villages, and there is also the desert. So, the best cross country movers in New Mexico said that this state is definitely a very interesting place to live. And also, there are many interesting things to do.

How much does it cost to live in New Mexico? New Mexico is the 47th most expensive state and also ranks 32nd as the best state to live in. The average living cost in New Mexico is about 88.4%, which is lower than the average for the entire USA. So, we can say that New Mexico is affordable. Household income in New Mexico is about $51,300 per year.

Nevada – One of the most popular states to live

If you’ve thought about moving to Nevada, you’ve probably thought about Las Vegas. Best cross country moving companies in Nevada have clients that most often move to Las Vegas, NE. And if you’ve thought about it, it means you’re a fun-loving person. Las Vegas or better known as the “city of lights” is the city for you if you like fun and gambling. This is city where the fun never stops, and because of the large number of casinos, it also has a very good economy, which has a positive effect on the state’s economy as well.

Now life in Nevada, especially in Las Vegas, is nice, but how much can that pleasure cost us? Nevada has an average living cost by state of about a 110.5%. But goods and services cost 2.5% less than statewide. Nevada also ranks 20th in cost of living. Home prices in Nevada are about 127.5 %. Grocery prices in Nevada average about 100.3%. Costs in the “city of light” that probably interest the majority are around 111.6 percent, which is slightly higher than the national average. Nevada also offers access to numerous parks and national parks, as well as many jobs, not only in the hospitality industry but also in many others.

New Hampshire and Connecticut are states with high average costs of living

Best long distance moving companies in New Hampshire have data that New Hampshire is a frequent choice for many people. New Hampshire offers a rich history and culture, as well as beautiful nature. But this country isn’t that affordable for life and ranks 38th in terms of affordability. So, if you aren’t sure that you can fit living costs in New Hampshire into your monthly budget, carefully research all the possibilities. Average annual living costs in New Hampshire are about $51,750. As in most countries, the highest costs are utilities and housing. There is one city in New Hampshire that has an affordable cost of living, Manchester The cost of living is 111%, which is much cheaper than in Manhattan, whose cost of living is about 241%.

Connecticut, like New Hampshire, is a state with a very high cost of living. So, if you were thinking of starting a new beginning in Connecticut, best cross country movers in Connecticut are at your service. But you should be well informed about the average living cost by state. Connecticut is in 12th place for the highest average cost of living, and the 37th best state to live in. Monthly expenses for one person are about $2,098, which is less than in New Hampshire. But expenses in Connecticut are 22% higher than the average for the entire US. Health care in Connecticut is even 12% higher than the national average. Regarding salary income in Connecticut, on average, it is about $3,870, which is enough to cover expenses for 1.5 months.