Cost of Living by State (2026)
Compare cost of living by state in 2026. See which states are cheapest and most expensive for housing, groceries, utilities, and more.
The cost of living varies dramatically across the United States. Housing costs are the biggest driver of differences between states, but groceries, utilities, healthcare, and taxes all play a role. Explore our Rent by State, Average Home Prices by State, and Cheapest States to Live pages for more detail.
The Rent Index: 2015–2026
U.S. typical market rent (Zillow ZORI, all homes + multifamily, smoothed)
Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), All Homes Plus Multifamilykeepingupwithinflation.com
Then (2019)
$1,340/mo
Now (2026)
$1,895/mo
Change
+41%
The Electricity Index: 2015–2026
Average price per kilowatt-hour, residential (U.S. City Average)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (FRED series APU000072610)keepingupwithinflation.com
Then (2019)
13.0¢/kWh
Now (2026)
19.2¢/kWh
Change
+48%
The Gas Pump Index: 2015–2025
U.S. regular unleaded gasoline, annual average price per gallon
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)keepingupwithinflation.com
Then (2020)
$2.19/gal
Now (2025)
$3.22/gal
Change
+47%
Most Expensive States
Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, D.C. consistently rank as the most expensive places to live, driven primarily by housing costs.
Most Affordable States
Mississippi, Kansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, and West Virginia offer the lowest overall costs of living. Housing costs in these states can be 50-60% below the national average.
The Housing Factor
Housing typically accounts for 60-70% of cost-of-living differences between states. A median home in Mississippi costs around $160,000 compared to over $750,000 in California.
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