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West Virginia and Kansas had the lowest cost of living across all U.S. states, with composite costs being half of those found in Hawaii. This was according to a composite index that compares prices for various goods and services on a state-by-state basis. In Oklahoma, the cost of living index amounted to **** — well below the national benchmark of 100. Expensive places to live included Hawaii, Massachusetts, and California.

Housing costs in the U.S. 

Housing is usually the highest expense in a household’s budget. In 2024, the average house sold for approximately ** U.S. dollars, but house prices in the Northeast and West regions were significantly higher. Conversely, the South had some of the least expensive housing. In West Virginia, and Mississippi, the median price of the typical single-family home was less than ** U.S. dollars. That makes living expenses in these states significantly lower than in states such as Hawaii and California, where housing is much pricier. 

What other expenses affect the cost of living? 

Utility costs such as electricity, natural gas, water, and internet also influence the cost of living. In Alaska, Hawaii, and Connecticut, the average monthly utility cost exceeded *** U.S. dollars. That was because of the significantly higher prices for electricity and natural gas in these states.