Massachusetts is the most expensive state for a family of four to live comfortably, requiring an annual income of $313,747, up from $301,184 last year. For single individuals, Massachusetts ranks second with a $120,141 annual income requirement, while Hawaii is the most expensive for singles at $124,467. Hawaii ranks as the second-most expensive state for a family of four, with Connecticut third at $290,368 and Vermont included among the top ten at $286,790. Mississippi is the least expensive for a four-person family at $186,618, and West Virginia is cheapest for singles at $78,790. Year-over-year comfortable-living thresholds rose about $5,844 for singles and $9,360 for four-person families. Rankings derive from MIT's Living Wage Calculator adjusted to a 50-30-20 budget.
SmartAsset found that Massachusetts is the most expensive state for a family of four to live comfortably. A Massachusetts family's income needs to be $313,747 to live comfortably, SmartAsset reported. Last year, a four-person household needed an income of $301,184 to do so. Meanwhile, the most expensive state for a single person to live comfortable is Hawaii with a $124,467 salary needed. For single individuals, Massachusetts is a close second with a yearly income of $120,141 needed.
To live comfortably in any state this year, a single person needs to make around $5,844 more than they did in 2024 and a four-person family needs to earn about $9,360 more, according to SmartAsset. SmartAsset ranked the states by utilizing data from MIT's Living Wage Calculator and applying the income to the 50-30-20 budget, where 50% of household income goes to necessities, 30% to desires, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.
Collection
[
|
...
]