When it comes to cost of living, the 50 states in America can feel like entirely different countries. What you need to survive—financially and otherwise—varies drastically depending on where you are.
Living solo in New York City is a world apart from doing the same in Kentucky, especially once the bills start rolling in: Rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare all differ.
Knowing the living costs helps you make smarter choices when job searching, planning a move, or negotiating your salary. So if you’re wondering what it really takes to live comfortably as a single adult, here’s how things shake out across all 50 states, sorted by how much income you’d need to make it all work.
Top-Tier Earners: Where Comfort Crosses $120K
Only two states break the $120,000 mark, and they’re exactly what you’d expect: Hawaii and Massachusetts. According to SmartAsset’s 2025 data, a single person in Hawaii would need to earn $124,467 to live comfortably, while Massachusetts isn’t far behind at $120,141. These numbers reflect basic expenses and the ability to save for the future.
What makes these states so expensive, you ask?
In Hawaii’s case, it’s mostly housing and imported goods. For Massachusetts, it’s high healthcare and rent in places like Boston. In both, the high cost of “just getting by” leaves little room for financial mistakes or surprise bills.
The $105K–$119K Range: High Costs, High Pressure
Right behind the front-runners, this list includes California ($119,475), New York ($114,691), Washington ($109,658), New Jersey ($108,992), Maryland ($108,867), Virginia ($106,704), and Colorado ($105,955). These states combine steep housing prices with rising everyday costs—and SmartAsset’s breakdown factors in rent, food, healthcare, transportation, and savings.
The pressure here is primarily due to higher taxes and urban living. Even in smaller cities, prices don’t drop as much as you’d hope. Still, the job market in these places often matches the high costs, so while it’s not exactly affordable, you might at least be earning enough to keep up.
Middle Of The Pack: Comfort Starts Around $95k
Drop down a tier and you’ll find states where $100K–$105K still keeps things tight, but manageable.
These include Connecticut ($105,165), Oregon ($104,666), New Hampshire ($103,085), Arizona ($101,587), Rhode Island ($101,338), and Alaska ($100,298). Urban centers tend to push costs higher, while smaller towns offer some breathing room.
Sliding a bit lower into the $95K–$99K group are Vermont ($99,632), Georgia ($99,590), Utah ($99,466), Nevada ($99,216), Illinois ($98,010), Delaware ($97,469), Florida ($97,386), Maine ($96,595), Idaho ($96,429), and Pennsylvania ($95,306).
This cluster of states can go either way. A single earner can manage comfortably, but one major hit to your wallet—car repair or missed paycheck—and you’ll feel it. That’s why smart planning and location within the state matter. Living in Miami vs. Gainesville or Reno vs. Carson City makes all the difference.
Comfort In The $90k–$95k Range: Manageable But Watchful
The next stretch brings you to places where $90K to $94K does the job—if you’re careful.
Think North Carolina ($93,766), Montana ($92,851), South Carolina ($92,144), Minnesota ($91,728), Tennessee ($91,478), and Texas ($90,771). These states tend to have lower housing costs than the national average, though big metro areas, like Austin or Nashville, can push you right back into high-cost territory.
Now, if you’re living somewhere smaller or rural, you might find yourself saving more. The key here? Location and cutting costs on non-essentials when needed.
$85K–$89K Zone: Stretch Your Dollars Further
States like Wyoming ($87,942), Kansas ($87,610), New Mexico ($87,402), Nebraska ($87,318), Michigan ($87,235), Wisconsin ($87,194), Iowa ($86,902), Missouri ($86,819), Indiana ($86,570), Mississippi ($86,320), Louisiana ($85,322), and Alabama ($85,280) land here.
In these areas, a steady paycheck goes far. You’ll still have to watch for rising rent prices in certain cities, but groceries, utilities, and healthcare tend to be easier on the wallet. Plus, many of these states offer small-town charm or quieter living, which can be a huge bonus for those burned out by big-city expenses.
Under $85k: The Most Affordable States To Live Solo
Finally, we’ve arrived at the states where you can live solo and still breathe easy on less than $85,000 a year.
In this group, there are West Virginia ($80,829), Arkansas ($81,078), Oklahoma ($84,282), Kentucky ($83,574), Ohio ($84,781), North Dakota ($82,285), and South Dakota ($82,160).
These states prove you don’t need a six-figure salary to feel financially secure. If your lifestyle is modest and you value financial peace of mind over flash, this tier offers serious potential. You might not find every amenity on your doorstep, but you’ll have less financial stress and more opportunities to save.
The Big Takeaway?
Comfort costs vary—sometimes wildly—depending on where you live. In some states, even six figures might feel tight. In others, an $85,000 salary could offer room to breathe. Understanding these locational differences can help you make smarter choices, especially if you’re budgeting for the long haul.
So before packing your bags or daydreaming about a new zip code, check how far your income really goes where you’re headed. Comfort isn’t just about cash—it’s about how that cash stacks up against what life demands where you live.
