Inflation has shown some receding signs since its perpetual uptick in recent years. The prices are dialing down but not enough to offer respite for the US citizens. The consumer price index is still higher than average, making it difficult to meet everyday expenses.
However, the cost of living is not constant and varies throughout the US state-by-state, impacting every domain of life, whether housing, utilities, or groceries. In states with higher costs of living, the situation deteriorates even further, affecting not only individuals but also businesses.
Thus, this comparative analysis from BLUETTI will discuss the top 10 most expensive states to live in the US, helping you decide whether to change your residency or relocate your business.
1. Hawaii
Although Hawaii's beauty is stunning, so are its living costs, which are 63% higher than the national average. Many reasons could be blamed for this, but at the top is its location, due to which almost all everyday use essentials are carried out from outside, and transport charges are added to good’s final costs.
Like many other states, housing is at the top of living costs, and only one in five average households can afford it. Other high expenses include electricity bills that are $359 on average, much higher than other states.
2. California
California, the Golden State, is rightly nicknamed for its high cost of living in the US. The primary reason behind this is the looming threat of climate change, which portrays 60% of its population as prone to significant climate-led catastrophes. This, annexed with the dilapidated regulatory system, ratect up the situation.
Living costs in California are 37% more than that of any other US state. Further segregating its everyday cost of living, its utilities, groceries, clothing, and health care are 22%, 10%, 10%, and 8% higher than the national average, respectively.
But this may seem too low compared to the housing number, which is 97% higher. According to stats by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, in 2023, there was a need for 1,80,000 housing units in the state, but only 80,000 were added, so the rise is inevitable unless the issue is addressed rationally.
3. Massachusetts
Next comes Massachusetts, with its living 48% more costly than the national average. This US state is invariably among the most expensive states, mainly driven by its costly housing of 112% higher than the national aggregate.
Other expenses include groceries and clothing, which are 31% higher, utilities at 16%, and health care at 29%. However, the situation is tamed by above-average pay rates. Data by the Labor Department concludes that pay rates in Massachusetts are highest across the US.
While the average living cost in Massachusetts is quite high, some of its cities like Pittsfield can be reasonable options with its living cost 31% lower than the state and only 2% higher than national norm.
4. New York
Whether it's about fashion, music, lifestyle, or any other aspect of human living, the charm of New York is undeniable. Living here could be a dream for many, but it too comes with a heavy price that is about 27% higher than the national average.
While housing is at the top with 80% higher, the Labor Department estimates that other domains of cost of living are leveling up with the national average.
The costs within New York vary, too, depending on its cities. Manhattan comes at top of the list with 126% higher than national average costs, while Buffalo is at the lowest with costs 5% lower than national aggregates.
5. Washington
For those more concerned about the quality of living, Washington can be an ideal destination. The national capital is famous for its cultural enticements as well as the popular DC’s professional attitude.
While the tour attractions in Washington are almost free, its overall cost of living surpasses the national average by 17%, with again housing at the top by 29%. Following this is the healthcare at 20%, and clothing and groceries at 13% each.
However, notably, the utilities are 7% lower than in other states. So, if you are fascinated by the historic allure of Washington and planning to move here, be ready to endear these high costs.
6. Montana
The recent pandemic resulted in a greater influx of individuals into this Big Sky state, eventually hiking the house and overall cost of living in the state. Also, due to its vulnerability to climate-inflicted disasters, the insurance costs are also going off, directly impacting healthcare and transportation costs.
While there is an urgent need to accommodate the housing crisis, there are debates about the diminishing natural beauty of the state due to rapid urbanization.
Overall per capita costs are housing at $1200, utilities at $300, groceries at $339 per person, transportation at $12775 annually per person, healthcare at $8289 annually per person, and child care at $900 monthly per child.
7. Colorado
Infamous for natural disasters, Colorado ranks second for wildfires and hail storms, making insurance too costly here. However, the overall living costs are 7% more than the national aggregate.
While housing consumes a major monthly budget of 20% above the national average, utilities offer good compensation with 9% lower costs. Other aspects of everyday living, like transportation and groceries, are on par with other states.
One important thing about Colorado is its disparities in cost from city to city, which, unlike any other state, are wide and clear, with Glenwood Springs being the most costly and Pueblo the least expensive.
8. Rhode Island
The smallest state of the country is known for its beautiful beaches. While exact figures are not very much clear, living cost in Rhode Island is higher than many of the the US states.
This state, with its critical importance in American history, is highly prone to climate catastrophes. Notably, as the First Street Foundation notes, 99.5% of its coastal infrastructure is vulnerable to natural calamities. This trickle-down effect impacts insurance costs, making them high and ultimately affecting other aspects of living costs, too.
9. Florida
The state of Florida is struggling through a lot, putting the Sunshine State in a deep management crisis. There is a continuous increase in climate-led disasters mustered by rising construction material costs. The remaining lacuna is filled by brinkmanship litigation, forcing insurance companies to pack their bags. This has placed Floridan on the whims of state-owned insurance companies, whose policyholders doubled in 2022-2024.
However, respite comes in the form of utilities, groceries, and health care costs that are lower than the national average by 2%, 4%, and 5%, respectively.
10. Utah
The Beehive state is ranked fourth in terms of the happiness index throughout the US, making Utah a perfect destination for your social, mental, and physical health and wellness.
However, regarding economics, the overall cost of living is 1% higher than the national average, with transportation leading at 10%. Following the transportation is housing at 4%. The utilities, health services and food is lower than in other states by 7%, 10%, and 2%, respectively.
How Can I Lower My Cost Of Living In The US?
Inflation is wreaking havoc not only in the US but around the globe. A 2021 report published by Friedric-Ebert-Stiftung witnesses a triple increase in protests around the globe, mainly due to the perceived failure of political systems, eventually burdening the common masses with a high cost of living.
In the US, it may be bearable in other states, but managing everyday life expenses is quite a headache in states with above-average living costs. While electricity bills share a major portion of monthly budgets, going solar can be a wise move. It helps you cut your energy bills partially or completely by offering free electricity.
In this regard, below are some BLUETTI solar setups that can effectively help you manage your cost of living in the top 10 most expensive states in the US.
BLUETTI AC200P + 3*PV200
This small and portable unit comes with a pure sine wave inverter with a 2kW output capacity and 4.8kW surge power. Combined with 3 PV200 solar panels, it can generate and supply enough power to run most of your necessary home appliances.
Its built-in battery capacity is 2kWh, which is enough to store power to offer reliable and continuous power during peak electricity hours. Further, the battery's 3500+ charge cycles extend its lifespan to more than 10 years, offering exceptional ROI.
Other features include 17 outports, 7 different ways to recharge, and 700W max solar input, which can be increased to 1200 for fast charging if combined with an AC outlet.
BLUETTI AC200MAX + 2*B230 + 3*PV200
Having the capacity to be a full-time home grid for a medium-sized household or a power backup during outages, AC200MAX has all that you can wish for. Its Price Match Guarantee ensures you are getting the best price in the town. If you find any similar product that is lower priced than this, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of your purchase.
Here are its detailed features
- 2200W output capacity and 4800W surge power, enough to run all your necessary home appliances, whether it's fridge, CPAP, AC, Electric grill, or LED lights.
- The ib-built battery capacity is 2048wH, but it is modular and can be expanded up to 8192 wH.
- The unit features 7 charging streams, including superfast charging in 2 hours through solar and AC combined.
BLUETTI AC500 + B300S Home Battery Backup
Produce electricity, use it at home, sell it to the grid through net metering, and earn some good bucks. Yes! This is achievable through AC500.
Firstly, its 5kW output capacity and 10kW surge will not only run your necessary appliance but will also be enough to run almost all of your home appliances simultaneously.
Next comes its battery capacity, which initially comes at 3072wH, but you can expand it according to your needs with additional B300 batteries to a maximum of 18432wH. However, if expanded, it can run your home for days and weeks.
With basic features like multiple charging streams and output ports, the hassle-free warranty and lifetime customer support effectively help you navigate troubling waters.
Final Words
Every state of the US is distinctive with its allures and disadvantages. However, One common concern for the masses is their cost of living, which is exacerbated in every state especially impacting housing and utility costs. As a bare minimum, BLUETTI solar generators are effective in your electricity cost cutting, offering peace of mind and ensuring your zero carbon footprints, definitely a step towards a bright, clean, and green future.
