18 States With The Highest Cost Of Living In 2024, Alaska Ranks Higher Than New York
As prices continue to rise across the country, hardworking Americans are feeling the impact on their wallets. The cost of living varies big time from state to state, with some areas being much more expensive than others. These differences can affect everything from housing and groceries to transportation and healthcare.
Knowing which states have the highest cost of living can help people make informed decisions about where to live and work. In the first quarter of 2024, several states stand out for their particularly high cost of living. The cost of living index for each state is figured out by averaging the indices from different cities and metro areas within that state.
Nevada
Nevada ranks 33rd in the highest cost of living for 2024, with an index of 102.7. Groceries cost a bit more here, scoring 104.0, and housing costs are notably high at 109.0. Utilities and transportation also add to the cost, with indices of 107.7 and 117.5, respectively. Health costs are 90.6, and miscellaneous expenses come in at 92.3.
Utah
Utah is 34th on the list, with a cost of living index of 102.9. Grocery prices are 98.1, and housing is quite costly at 111.9. Utilities are 94.4, while transportation costs are 99.9. Health expenses are 89.5, and miscellaneous costs are at 102.3.
Florida
The Sunshine State has a pretty high cost of living. Florida ranks 35th with an overall cost of living index of 103.1. Groceries are pricier at 104.7, and housing costs are high at 108.4. Utilities and transportation are also costly, scoring 105.9 and 101.1, respectively. Health costs are 100.6, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly lower at 98.3.
Arizona
Arizona comes in at 36th with a cost of living index of 110.5. Groceries are 102.0, but housing is significantly expensive at 128.5. Utility costs are 101.1, while transportation is 104.9. Health costs are 93.6, and miscellaneous expenses are 105.6.
Maine
Maine is ranked 37th with a cost of living index of 111.3. Grocery prices are 100.7, and housing costs are high at 121.9. Utilities and transportation are also expensive, with indices of 110.9 and 111.0, respectively. Health costs are 114.9, and miscellaneous expenses are 106.7.
Connecticut
Connecticut ranks 38th with an overall cost of living index of 113.2. Groceries are 102.0, and housing costs are high at 117.8. Utilities are very expensive at 133.8, while transportation is 107.6. Health costs are 107.4, and miscellaneous expenses are 111.4.
Rhode Island
The smallest state comes with a big price tag to live there. Rhode Island comes in 39th with a cost of living index of 113.4. Groceries are 101.4, and housing is expensive at 115.4. Utility costs are extremely high at 141.9, while transportation costs are 99.1. Health expenses are 105.2, and miscellaneous costs are also high at 115.4.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks 40th with a cost of living index of 113.6. Groceries are 99.6, and housing is expensive at 116.5. Utilities are 103.7, and transportation costs are quite high at 112.3. Health expenses are 103.5, and miscellaneous costs are 121.7.
New Jersey
New Jersey is 41st on the list with an overall cost of living index of 113.7. Groceries are 103.5, and housing costs are very high at 135.6. Utilities are 100.1, while transportation is 106.9. Health costs are 105.0, and miscellaneous expenses are 106.6.
Oregon
Oregon ranks 42nd with a cost of living index of 114.1. Groceries are quite expensive at 108.5, and housing costs are very high at 135.0. Utilities are 89.1, but transportation costs are extremely high at 121.3. Health expenses are 112.4, and miscellaneous costs are 103.5.
Vermont
Vermont is ranked 43rd with an overall cost of living index of 114.7. Groceries are quite expensive at 105.8, and housing is also very costly at 128.8. Utility costs are high at 112.6, while transportation is 100.8. Health expenses are 109.8, and miscellaneous costs are quite high at 112.5.
Washington
Washington comes in at 44th with a cost of living index of 115.1. Groceries are expensive at 108.3, and housing costs are very high at 127.2. Utility costs are 91.3, but transportation costs are extremely high at 127.1. Health expenses are 117.9, and miscellaneous costs are also high at 109.8.
Maryland
Maryland ranks 45th with an overall cost of living index of 116.2. Groceries are quite expensive at 105.1, and housing costs are extremely high at 141.6. Utilities are 109.5, while transportation is 104.7. Health expenses are 100.7, and miscellaneous costs are also above at 107.2.
New York
New York is 46th on the list, with a cost of living index of 123.1. Groceries are 103.3, and housing costs are extremely high at 166.2. Utilities are 102.3, while transportation costs are 109.9. Health expenses are 105.7, and miscellaneous costs are 107.8.
Alaska
Alaska ranks 47th with an overall cost of living index of 125.1. Groceries are very expensive at 126.5, and housing costs are also high at 120.8. Utilities are extremely high at 148.9, while transportation costs are also very high at 117.0. Health expenses are 153.1, and miscellaneous costs are 120.6.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks 48th with a cost of living index of 144.3. Groceries are 104.0, and housing costs are extremely high at 212.8. Utilities are very high at 149.0, and transportation costs are 113.8. Health expenses are 123.6, and miscellaneous costs are 116.1.
California
California ranks 49th with a cost of living index of 145.0. Groceries are expensive at 112.3, and housing costs are extremely high at 209.7. Utilities are very high at 135.8, while transportation costs are 141.3. Health expenses are 105.7, and miscellaneous costs are 114.1.
Hawaii
Hawaii has the highest cost of living index at 186.2. Groceries are very expensive at 124.1, and housing costs are extremely high at 313.2. Utilities are extremely high at 176.4, while transportation costs are also very high at 138.8. Health expenses are 122.0, and miscellaneous costs are 133.5.
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