How Much Income Families Need To Live In Each State

The income families need by state accounts for two working parents and at least a couple of children in the household. But still, some states require a lot to live comfortably.

Alabama-$194k

Anything under $200k is made to look feasible but under that, well, it tends to mean that people are struggling. Living paycheck to paycheck is a common theme across the nation.

Alaska-$243k

There are some states in which it would appear that the cost of living is greater than others. In more isolated locations where goods have to be imported, the costs are often higher.

Arizona-$231k

One thing to remember about these numbers is that families need basic necessities first and foremost. Everything else that is needed to “live comfortably” is highly subjective.

Arkansas-$181k

It does beg the question as to why some states require less for comfortable living than others. From various taxes to amenities there are a lot of costs that fluctuate.

California-$277k

Some states require a lot more considering the desirability of the region. California is one of those places where people flock for one reason or another.

Colorado-$265k

Then again, isolation comes with a price too. A place becomes less isolated when more and more people realize how great a place is, but costs can rise or fall depending on what families need vs. what they want.

Connecticut-$280k

Somehow it was easy to expect that the eastern states might have been more expensive. A few of them are, but Connecticut is right in the thick of the pack.

Delaware-$229k

It’s fair to say that Delaware doesn’t get a lot of notice from a lot of people. But, it does manage to exist as an expensive state.

Florida-$209k

One would think that Florida might be a little more expensive. But seeing how so many retirees make their way to the southern tip of the USA, it’s easy to think that the cost of living might need to adjust.

Georgia-$213k

It’s interesting to think of how the southern states divvy up their population and fortunes. Some states are pricey, some aren’t.

Hawaii-$295k

Living in Hawaii is known to be expensive, and this number above is simply comfortable. Imagine what those who live in the upper echelon might pay on average.

Idaho-$211k

Idaho is kind of a pricey state believe it or not. But it’s not the worst of the bunch.

Illinois-$232k

The midwestern states are undoubtedly valuable, but whether this drives up the cost of living is hard to say. There are a lot of variables to take into account.

Indiana-$206k

One thing to take into mind is that each state does have its own reasons for being so expensive to live in. Not only that, but this is the average cost, not a universal one.

Iowa-$211k

Given how much the rest of the USA depends on the Midwest it’s fair to think that it’s an ideal place to live. At least some areas must be.

Kansas-$197k

Several states fall below the $200k mark, but they’re still a little pricey considering the average paycheck in this nation. How these numbers are created is tough to imagine.

Kentucky-$190k

Some states might boast more individuals who live within their means and don’t end up driving up the average. That’s a thought at least.

Louisiana-$190k

Then again, some states make do with what they have. At least, that’s the popular line of thought in some cases.

Maine-$230k

The accessibility that some states have to their own goods feels as though it could contribute to these numbers. If things need to be imported then it’s likely that costs go up quite a bit.

Maryland-$239k

As one of the more desirable, but smaller states, Maryland is apparently quite expensive. How this affects its population is minimal since like all states, there are the haves and have-nots.

Massachusetts-$301k

As the most expensive state in the east, Massachusetts is steeped in history as well as costs. Why this is the case is kind of a story in itself.

Michigan-$214k

As most people should be able to guess, the cost of living is determined by the cost of goods and services in that state. In some states, the desirability of goods and services is typically more expensive.

Minnesota-$245k

It’s odd to think that a state that gets so insanely cold in the winter would be that popular. But the population of Minnesota and many states around it would argue that point.

Mississippi-$178k

There must not be a severe need for expensive goods or services in this state. It’s true, that families need the basics, but some states appear to take it easy on their residents.

Missouri-$202k

The cost of running towns, cities, and other locations likely has a lot to do with this number. But trying to attain it is insanely difficult for some folks.

Montana-$211k

Montana is a big place, and it does cost a little bit to live there. This could be one of the results of living in a desirable location.

Nebraska-$213k

There is still a bit of mystery as to why some states take more to live in when it comes to income. This is especially true when it comes to what the state has to offer.

Nevada-$237k

This isn’t much of a surprise since Nevada is home to Reno and Las Vegas, which are two big reasons why people come to the state. But living here is anything but cheap.

New Hampshire-$244k

The east side of the nation appears to be one of the more expensive places in the world to live. But then again, it does have a lot of allure for many people.

New Jersey-$254k

Even though Jersey is maligned in much of pop culture, it does appear to be a popular spot. Perhaps we only get one side of the story in the movies.

New Mexico-$204k

The further west one goes they’ll find hot spots of activity and culture that people enjoy. Also, some locations are either more accessible to natural resources, or less.

New York-$279k

Anytime New York is mentioned a lot of people tend to chime in about how expensive it is. But of course, the saying is that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.

North Carolina-$209k

In some states, the overall history and natural charm add to the reasons why people enjoy living there. It’s also why businesses are opened, or maintained.

North Dakota-$202k

While its southern namesake gets a lot more attention for a few things, North Dakota appears to be a popular spot. Trying to figure out why is up to those who live there though.

Ohio-$209k

The states situated in the middle of the nation have their ups and downs like anyone else. But the cost of living here is kind of steep for…reasons.

Oklahoma-$194k

Some states are great enough that the residents have a great deal of pride in where they live. The history, the attractions, and the overall feel of the place create a push for people to experience what it’s like within their borders.

Oregon-$257k

Given that Oregon possesses so many different regions that cater to many people, it’s easy to see why families have flocked to this state. A few cities have set the pace for this state in a big way.

Pennsylvania-$230k

Every state has something that draws people to it, be it the history, the goods and services, or something else. Pennsylvania is steeped in history, and this is where Hershey’s was founded.

Rhode Island-$249k

Sometimes smaller locations are more desired since it’s almost like a getaway. But that opportunity does come with a cost.

South Carolina-$201k

States in the South are often glamorized by many for a few things, history being chief among them. Plus, some people enjoy being this close to the coast.

South Dakota-$193k

It’s fair to state that that Mount Rushmore is one of the prime reasons people come to this state. But it could also be that the families don’t need to make as much to be comfortable.

Tennessee-$196k

Despite the passage of years, some states still have a reputation born from history. That could mean a lot of things, but it often means that some states are considered easier to live in due to the cost of living.

Texas-$201k

This feels like a low number for Texas since there’s a great deal going on in this state. But it’s obviously families need a little less in the Lonestar State to get by.

Utah-$218k

Trying to reason why things cost so much in some states is tough. Utah isn’t a tough place to live. But it’s obviously kind of spendy.

Vermont-$248k

Does anyone else note that the eastern states appear to cost a little more for families? It’s not perfect in the West or the Midwest, but the East appears kind of costly.

Virginia-$235k

It’s easy to guess that this number isn’t shared by everyone. There are plenty of families that are still living on less and doing just fine.

Washington-$257k

As one of the most expensive western states, Washington is riddled with desirable locations to live. Of course, a lot of those areas demand a lot from families.

West Virginia-$189k

This just goes to show that not all eastern states are insanely expensive to live in. The price is still a little high, but it’s not unattainable.

Wisconsin-$225k

The importance of this state is kind of obvious. But it’s still likely that the cost needed has to do with several other factors.

Wyoming-$203k

Wyoming is a beautiful place, there’s no denying it. That beauty does come with a hefty price tag though.