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 West Virginia, the cost of living index amounted to **** — well below the national benchmark of 100. Virginia— which had an index value of ***** — was only slightly above that benchmark. 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 2023, 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, Mississippi, and Louisiana, 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.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Los Angeles County, CA (MWACL06037) from 2009 to 2023 about Los Angeles County, CA; Los Angeles; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Santa Clara County, CA (MWACL06085) from 2009 to 2023 about Santa Clara County, CA; San Jose; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

This table contains data on the living wage and the percent of families with incomes below the living wage for California, its counties, regions and cities/towns. Living wage is the wage needed to cover basic family expenses (basic needs budget) plus all relevant taxes; it does not include publicly provided income or housing assistance. The percent of families below the living wage was calculated using data from the Living Wage Calculator and the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. The table is part of a series of indicators in the Healthy Communities Data and Indicators Project of the Office of Health Equity. The living wage is the wage or annual income that covers the cost of the bare necessities of life for a worker and his/her family. These necessities include housing, transportation, food, childcare, health care, and payment of taxes. Low income populations and non-white race/ethnic have disproportionately lower wages, poorer housing, and higher levels of food insecurity. More information about the data table and a data dictionary can be found in the About/Attachments section.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

In 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for medical professional services in the United States was at 432.46, compared to the period from 1982 to 1984 (=100). The CPI for hospital services was at 1,102.12.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Orange County, CA (MWACL06059) from 2009 to 2023 about Orange County, CA; Los Angeles; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

The Consumer Sentiment Index in the United States stood at 51 in November 2025. This reflected a drop of 2.6 point from the previous survey. Furthermore, this was its lowest level measured since June 2022. The index is normalized to a value of 100 in December 1964 and based on a monthly survey of consumers, conducted in the continental United States. It consists of about 50 core questions which cover consumers' assessments of their personal financial situation, their buying attitudes and overall economic conditions.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Contra Costa County, CA (MWACL06013) from 2009 to 2023 about Contra Costa County, CA; San Francisco; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Riverside County, CA (MWACL06065) from 2009 to 2023 about Riverside County, CA; Riverside; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for San Francisco County/city, CA (MWACL06075) from 2009 to 2023 about San Francisco County/City, CA; San Francisco; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Solano County, CA (MWACL06095) from 2009 to 2023 about Solano County, CA; Vallejo; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Kern County, CA (MWACL06029) from 2009 to 2023 about Kern County, CA; Bakersfield; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Sutter County, CA (MWACL06101) from 2009 to 2023 about Sutter County, CA; Yuba City; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Shasta County, CA (MWACL06089) from 2009 to 2023 about Shasta County, CA; Redding; adjusted; average; wages; CA; real; and USA.