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 Essex County, MA (MWACL25009) from 2009 to 2023 about Essex County, MA; Boston; adjusted; MA; average; wages; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Cost of Living Index for Massachusetts (M04072US000MAM324NNBR) from Jan 1910 to Dec 1943 about MA, CPI, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Comprehensive cost of living breakdown for Massachusetts including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare costs for retirement planning.

Living expenses and utilities

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Middlesex County, MA (MWACL25017) from 2009 to 2023 about Middlesex County, MA; Boston; adjusted; MA; average; wages; 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 Berkshire County, MA (MWACL25003) from 2009 to 2023 about Berkshire County, MA; Pittsfield; adjusted; MA; average; wages; 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 Bristol County, MA (MWACL25005) from 2009 to 2023 about Bristol County, MA; Providence; adjusted; MA; average; wages; 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

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 Barnstable County, MA (MWACL25001) from 2009 to 2023 about Barnstable County, MA; Barnstable Town; adjusted; MA; average; wages; 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 Hampshire County, MA (MWACL25015) from 2009 to 2023 about Hampshire County, MA; Springfield; adjusted; MA; average; wages; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Hampden County, MA (MWACL25013) from 2009 to 2023 about Hampden County, MA; Springfield; adjusted; MA; average; wages; real; and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for Worcester County, MA (MWACL25027) from 2009 to 2023 about Worcester County, MA; Worcester; adjusted; MA; average; wages; 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 Plymouth County, MA (MWACL25023) from 2009 to 2023 about Plymouth County, MA; Boston; adjusted; MA; average; wages; real; and USA.