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.

As of mid-2024, Montevideo ranked as the second Latin American and Caribbean metropolis with the highest cost of living index. The Uruguayan capital obtained an index score of 54.1, only second to Port of Spain, in Trinidad and Tobago, with 56.4 points. Monterrey and Panama City were the third and fourth most expensive cities to live in Latin America and the Caribbean that year, with scores surpassing 45 points each.

The average for 2021 based on 20 countries was 97.17 index points. The highest value was in Bermuda: 212.7 index points and the lowest value was in Nicaragua: 49.42 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The average for 2021 based on 11 countries was 67.5 index points. The highest value was in Uruguay: 100.24 index points and the lowest value was in Suriname: 43.15 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

In 2024, the annual cost for a private room in an assisted living facility in the U.S. amounted to 70,800 U.S. dollars. However, costs varied greatly from one state to another. The most expensive states for a private room in assisted living was found in Hawaii, followed by Alaska and DC.

Of the most populous cities in the U.S., San Jose, California had the highest annual income requirement at ******* U.S. dollars annually for homeowners to have an affordable and comfortable life in 2024. This can be compared to Houston, Texas, where homeowners needed an annual income of ****** U.S. dollars in 2024.

The cost of living is spiraling. Prices are going up, household expenses are rising, and the U.S. inflation rate reached a 40-year record high in 2023. Many consumers are looking for new ways to deal with this situation and refer to social media for support. So, which social media platforms have the most helpful content to deal with the current cost of living crisis in the U.S.? According to an exclusive survey by We Are Social and Statista Q, around 61 percent of TikTok users in the United States find helpful content there. Coming on number second is YouTube, as 56 percent of YouTube users find life hacks, tricks, money saving tips and other suitable advice to deal with inflation in 2023.

There is more to housing affordability than the rent or mortgage you pay. Transportation costs are the second-biggest budget item for most families, but it can be difficult for people to fully factor transportation costs into decisions about where to live and work. The Location Affordability Index (LAI) is a user-friendly source of standardized data at the neighborhood (census tract) level on combined housing and transportation costs to help consumers, policymakers, and developers make more informed decisions about where to live, work, and invest. Compare eight household profiles (see table below) —which vary by household income, size, and number of commuters—and see the impact of the built environment on affordability in a given location while holding household demographics constant.*$11,880 for a single person household in 2016 according to US Dept. of Health and Human Services: https://aspe.hhs.gov/computations-2016-poverty-guidelinesThis layer is symbolized by the percentage of housing and transportation costs as a percentage of income for the Median-Income Family profile, but the costs as a percentage of income for all household profiles are listed in the pop-up:Also available is a gallery of 8 web maps (one for each household profile) all symbolized the same way for easy comparison: Median-Income Family, Very Low-Income Individual, Working Individual, Single Professional, Retired Couple, Single-Parent Family, Moderate-Income Family, and Dual-Professional Family.An accompanying story map provides side-by-side comparisons and additional context.--Variables used in HUD's calculations include 24 measures such as people per household, average number of rooms per housing unit, monthly housing costs (mortgage/rent as well as utility and maintenance expenses), average number of cars per household, median commute distance, vehicle miles traveled per year, percent of trips taken on transit, street connectivity and walkability (measured by block density), and many more.To learn more about the Location Affordability Index (v.3) visit: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/location-affordability-index/. There you will find some background and an FAQ page, which includes the question:"Manhattan, San Francisco, and downtown Boston are some of the most expensive places to live in the country, yet the LAI shows them as affordable for the typical regional household. Why?" These areas have some of the lowest transportation costs in the country, which helps offset the high cost of housing. The area median income (AMI) in these regions is also high, so when costs are shown as a percent of income for the typical regional household these neighborhoods appear affordable; however, they are generally unaffordable to households earning less than the AMI.Date of Coverage: 2012-2016 Date Released: March 2019Date Downloaded from HUD Open Data: 4/18/19Further Documentation:LAI Version 3 Data and MethodologyLAI Version 3 Technical Documentation_**The documentation below is in reference to this items placement in the NM Supply Chain Data Hub. The documentation is of use to understanding the source of this item, and how to reproduce it for updates**

Title: Location Affordability Index - NMCDC Copy

Summary: This layer contains the Location Affordability Index from U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - standardized household, housing, and transportation cost estimates by census tract for 8 household profiles.

Notes: This map is copied from source map: https://nmcdc.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=de341c1338c5447da400c4e8c51ae1f6, created by dianaclavery_uo, and identified in Living Atlas.

Prepared by: dianaclavery_uo, copied by EMcRae_NMCDC

Source: This map is copied from source map: https://nmcdc.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=de341c1338c5447da400c4e8c51ae1f6, created by dianaclavery_uo, and identified in Living Atlas. Check the source documentation or other details above for more information about data sources.

Feature Service: https://nmcdc.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=447a461f048845979f30a2478b9e65bb

UID: 73

Data Requested: Family income spent on basic need

Method of Acquisition: Search for Location Affordability Index in the Living Atlas. Make a copy of most recent map available. To update this map, copy the most recent map available. In a new tab, open the AGOL Assistant Portal tool and use the functions in the portal to copy the new maps JSON, and paste it over the old map (this map with item id

Date Acquired: Map copied on May 10, 2022

Priority rank as Identified in 2022 (scale of 1 being the highest priority, to 11 being the lowest priority): 6

Tags: PENDING

In the United States, Hawaii was the state with the most expensive housing, with the typical value of single-family homes in the 35th to 65th percentile range exceeding ******* U.S. dollars. Unsurprisingly, Hawaii also ranked top as the state with the highest cost of living. Meanwhile, a property was the least expensive in West Virginia, where it cost under ******* U.S. dollars to buy the typical single-family home. Single-family home prices increased across most states in the United States between December 2023 and December 2024, except in Louisiana, Florida, and the District of Colombia. According to the Federal Housing Association, house appreciation in 13 states exceeded **** percent in 2023.

According to a recent study, Colombia had the lowest monthly cost of living in Latin America with 546 U.S. dollars needed for basic living. In contrast, four countries had a cost of living above one thousand dollars, Costa Rica, Chile, Panama and Uruguay. In 2022, the highest minimum wage in the region was recorded by Ecuador with 425 dollars per month.

Can Latin Americans survive on a minimum wage? Even if most countries in Latin America have instated laws to guarantee citizens a basic income, these minimum standards are often not enough to meet household needs. For instance, it was estimated that almost 22 million people in Mexico lacked basic housing services. Salary levels also vary greatly among Latin American economies. In 2022, the average net monthly salary in Brazil was lower than Ecuador's minimum wage.

What can a minimum wage afford in Latin America? Latin American real wages have generally risen in the past decade. However, consumers in this region still struggle to afford non-basic goods, such as tech products. Recent estimates reveal that, in order to buy an iPhone, Brazilian residents would have to work more than two months to be able to pay for it. A gaming console, on the other hand, could easily cost a Latin American worker several minimum wages.

This table contains data on the percent of households paying more than 30% (or 50%) of monthly household income towards housing costs for California, its regions, counties, cities/towns, and census tracts. Data is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Consolidated Planning Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). The table is part of a series of indicators in the [Healthy Communities Data and Indicators Project of the Office of Health Equity] Affordable, quality housing is central to health, conferring protection from the environment and supporting family life. Housing costs—typically the largest, single expense in a family's budget—also impact decisions that affect health. As housing consumes larger proportions of household income, families have less income for nutrition, health care, transportation, education, etc. Severe cost burdens may induce poverty—which is associated with developmental and behavioral problems in children and accelerated cognitive and physical decline in adults. Low-income families and minority communities are disproportionately affected by the lack of affordable, quality housing. More information about the data table and a data dictionary can be found in the Attachments.

VITAL SIGNS INDICATOR Poverty (EQ5)

FULL MEASURE NAME The share of the population living in households that earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty limit

LAST UPDATED December 2018

DESCRIPTION Poverty refers to the share of the population living in households that earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty limit, which varies based on the number of individuals in a given household. It reflects the number of individuals who are economically struggling due to low household income levels.

DATA SOURCE U.S Census Bureau: Decennial Census http://www.nhgis.org (1980-1990) http://factfinder2.census.gov (2000)

U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey Form C17002 (2006-2017) http://api.census.gov

METHODOLOGY NOTES (across all datasets for this indicator) The U.S. Census Bureau defines a national poverty level (or household income) that varies by household size, number of children in a household, and age of householder. The national poverty level does not vary geographically even though cost of living is different across the United States. For the Bay Area, where cost of living is high and incomes are correspondingly high, an appropriate poverty level is 200% of poverty or twice the national poverty level, consistent with what was used for past equity work at MTC and ABAG. For comparison, however, both the national and 200% poverty levels are presented.

For Vital Signs, the poverty rate is defined as the number of people (including children) living below twice the poverty level divided by the number of people for whom poverty status is determined. Poverty rates do not include unrelated individuals below 15 years old or people who live in the following: institutionalized group quarters, college dormitories, military barracks, and situations without conventional housing. The household income definitions for poverty change each year to reflect inflation. The official poverty definition uses money income before taxes and does not include capital gains or noncash benefits (such as public housing, Medicaid, and food stamps). For the national poverty level definitions by year, see: https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/threshld/index.html For an explanation on how the Census Bureau measures poverty, see: https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/about/overview/measure.html

For the American Community Survey datasets, 1-year data was used for region, county, and metro areas whereas 5-year rolling average data was used for city and census tract.

To be consistent across metropolitan areas, the poverty definition for non-Bay Area metros is twice the national poverty level. Data were not adjusted for varying income and cost of living levels across the metropolitan areas.

This statistic shows the most affordable metro areas in the Unites States in 2017, by share of income spent on living expenses. In 2017, Omaha was the second most affordable metro area because 25.18 percent of the median blending annual household income was spent on the average cost of owning or renting a home as well the average cost of utilities and taxes.

The average for 2021 based on 165 countries was 105.854 index points. The highest value was in South Korea: 208.84 index points and the lowest value was in India: 58.17 index points. The indicator is available from 2017 to 2021. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Mobile Home Rental Market Outlook

The global mobile home rental market size was valued at USD 9.3 billion in 2023, and it is projected to reach USD 17.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing demand for affordable housing solutions and the rising trend of mobile living among different demographics. As urbanization continues to increase and housing prices soar, mobile homes present a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional housing. The flexibility, affordability, and customization options associated with mobile homes have made them an attractive choice for many, thereby fueling the growth of the rental segment.

One of the primary growth factors for the mobile home rental market is the rising affordability crisis in urban housing. As property prices continue to skyrocket in major cities around the world, more individuals and families are turning to mobile homes as a practical solution. Mobile homes offer a lower cost of living, reduced maintenance expenses, and the ability to relocate easily, making them an appealing option for those who face financial constraints. Additionally, mobile homes are increasingly being designed with modern amenities and high-quality materials, improving their appeal and livability.

Another significant growth driver is the increasing acceptance and popularity of mobile home parks. These parks provide a community-based living environment with amenities such as recreational facilities, security, and maintenance services. This community aspect, combined with the affordability of mobile homes, attracts a diverse range of renters, from young professionals to retirees. Moreover, governments in various regions are also supporting the development of mobile home parks to address the housing shortage, further boosting the market.

The growing trend of minimalistic and sustainable living is also contributing to the market's expansion. Many individuals are prioritizing smaller, eco-friendly living spaces that reduce their carbon footprint. Mobile homes, which often employ sustainable building practices and materials, cater to this demographic. The ability to downsize and live a more sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort is a strong selling point for mobile homes, increasing their popularity among environmentally conscious renters.

Regionally, North America holds the largest share of the mobile home rental market due to the high demand for affordable housing solutions and the presence of well-established mobile home communities. Europe is also witnessing significant growth, driven by similar affordability concerns and an increasing preference for flexible living options. Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by rapid urbanization, population growth, and government initiatives supporting affordable housing. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions are also showing promising growth potential, albeit at a slower pace.

Type Analysis

The mobile home rental market can be segmented by type into Single-Wide, Double-Wide, and Triple-Wide homes. Single-Wide mobile homes are the most traditional and common type, featuring a narrow and elongated structure that is easy to transport and set up. These homes are highly popular among individual renters and small families due to their affordability and simplicity. Despite their smaller size, many single-wide homes are equipped with modern amenities, making them a comfortable living option. The demand for single-wide homes remains strong, particularly in regions where affordable housing is scarce.

Double-Wide mobile homes consist of two sections that are joined together to create a larger living space. These homes offer more interior space and design flexibility compared to single-wide models, catering to families and individuals who require more room. The growing preference for spacious living environments without the high costs associated with traditional homes is driving the demand for double-wide mobile homes. Additionally, double-wide homes often feature more advanced amenities and higher quality finishes, further enhancing their appeal.

Triple-Wide mobile homes represent the largest and most luxurious segment within the mobile home rental market. These homes consist of three joined sections, providing a spacious and comfortable living environment that can rival traditional houses. Triple-wide homes are designed to offer maximum comfort and luxury, often featuring multiple bedrooms, large kitchens,

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.

This statistic illustrates the most popular social networks among Millennials for finding the most relevant content on the cost of living crisis in the United States in 2023. According to a survey by We Are Social and Statista Q, 61 percent of Millennials who use TikTok find the most relevant content over there, followed by another 59 percent of the consumers who use YouTube.

The Washington State University (WSU) Energy Program's Building America (BA) team conducted a case study of a high-performance affordable housing community: The Woods (Figure 1). This BA effort is part of a larger-scale study of 30 homes funded from 2013-2016 by Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) and the Bonneville Power Administration. The Woods is a Habitat for Humanity (HFH) community of homes certified by ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest (ESHNW); the community is in the marine climate of Tacoma/Pierce County, Washington. This research report builds on an earlier preliminary draft 2014 BA report and includes significant billing analysis and cost-effectiveness research from a collaborative and ongoing DHP research effort for TPU and the Bonneville Power Administration. This final BA report focuses on the results of field testing, modeling, and monitoring of ductless mini-split heat pump hybrid heating systems in seven homes built and first occupied at various times between September 2013 and October 2014. The report also provides WSU documentation of high-performance home observations, lessons learned, and stakeholder recommendations for builders of affordable high-performance housing. The research goal of the U.S. Department of Energy's BA research team Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction was to compare a ductless heat pump (DHP) hybrid system (DHP in common area/electric resistance [ER] in bedrooms) to an all-electric zonal ER system in high-performance single-family affordable housing. This effort included assessing the costs and benefits of a DHP/ER hybrid system located in the main living area to offset the primary heating demand of zonal ER heaters in the bedroom zones and comparing these findings to data from of new affordable single-family housing in Washington State. This report includes: (1) Measured indoor and outdoor temperatures and relative humidity (RH) in the homes. (2) Field testing results of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning equipment; ventilation system airflows; building envelope tightness; lighting, appliance, and other input data required for preliminary Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) modeling; and ENERGY STAR field verification (3) BEopt modeling results compared to measured energy use. (4) A comparison of the space heat energy consumption of a DHP/ER hybrid heating system and a traditional zonal ER heating system installed in the same home. This comparison is made by implementing a series of weekly "flip-flop tests" (referred to here as "switchback" tests per TPU) to compare space heating, temperature, and RH in zonal ER heating mode with a DHP/ER mode as discussed in the Building America Test Plan (Lubliner 2010a). (5) Cost data from HFH and other sources related to building efficiency measures focusing on the DHP/ER hybrid heating system. (6) An evaluation of the thermal performance and cost benefit of DHP/ER hybrid heating systems in these high-performance homes employing life cycle cost analysis for energy code policy and monthly cash flow analysis of HFH homeowners. (7) Post-monitoring occupant survey results. The report also provides the following stakeholder findings and recommendations: (1) DHP single-head systems at The Woods are cost-effective to new homebuyers of these high-performance all-electric homes. (2) Stakeholder education is needed on design, inspection, and commissioning; documentation is needed for heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and from ENERGY STAR builders, verifiers, and inspectors to help ensure that the houses meet the goal of "build tight, ventilate right." (3) A code gap in inspection and enforcement was identified that should be addressed by: (3a) Improving the fire marshal's approach to sprinkler attic piping freeze protection; (3b) Improving the maintenance of ceiling insulation continuity; and (3c) Educating the local building inspector on attic insulation inspection concerns that allow for maximizing design improvements and performance of HRV attic ducting while ensuring ceiling insulation continuity (with respect to the location of HRV) in compliance with the Washington State Energy Code. 1 - The Woods Jameson - Tacoma, WA 2 - The Woods El Jeffe - Tacoma, WA

The global assisted living market, valued at $165.55 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. The aging global population, particularly in developed nations like the United States, Canada, and across Europe, is a significant driver. Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia, requiring specialized care, further fuels market demand. Moreover, shifting societal preferences towards community-based care options, offering greater independence and personalized services compared to traditional nursing homes, contribute to this growth. Technological advancements in remote patient monitoring, telehealth services, and assistive technologies are also improving the quality of care and efficiency, thus boosting market adoption. The market is segmented by service type (medication monitoring, palliative & hospice care, disease monitoring, mobility assistance, and others) and facility type (adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes), reflecting the diverse needs of the assisted living population. North America currently holds the largest market share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, with growth expected across all regions, particularly in emerging economies experiencing rapid population aging. The competitive landscape is comprised of both large national and regional players, including Atria Senior Living Inc, Brookdale Senior Living Inc, and others. These companies are investing in expanding their service offerings, enhancing care quality, and leveraging technology to meet the growing demand. However, challenges remain, including the high cost of care, regulatory hurdles, and workforce shortages in the healthcare sector. These factors, while posing potential restraints, are not expected to significantly impede the overall market growth, given the substantial and escalating need for assisted living services in the coming years. Strategies focused on innovative care models, improved technology integration, and workforce development will be crucial for sustained market expansion and success within the sector. Recent developments include: March 2024: Epoch Elder Care inaugurated its second assisted living facility in Pune, named "Epoch Picasso House." This new establishment seamlessly combines comfort, care, and warmth, catering to elders who need help with daily activities or have chronic medical conditions.January 2024: Clarest Health announced its acquisition of Remedi SeniorCare, a provider specializing in pharmacy services for long-term and post-acute care.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing in Geriatric Population, Government Supports and Funding and Technological Advancement. Potential restraints include: Increasing in Geriatric Population, Government Supports and Funding and Technological Advancement. Notable trends are: The Medication Monitoring Segment is Expected to Hold a Significant Share Over the Forecast Period.

The US student accommodation market, a significant segment within the broader global student housing sector, is experiencing robust growth, fueled by increasing student enrollment, particularly at higher education institutions, and a rising preference for off-campus living options. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 6.50% signifies considerable expansion potential throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). Key drivers include the growing demand for modern, amenity-rich student housing, a shift from traditional on-campus dormitories to more comfortable and independent living arrangements (homestays, student apartments, off-campus housing), and the increasing involvement of private developers offering specialized services like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and parking. Market segmentation reveals a strong preference for off-campus housing among graduate and postgraduate students seeking greater autonomy and proximity to professional opportunities. The presence of established players like Core Spaces, Greystar, and American Campus Communities indicates a competitive yet dynamic market landscape characterized by ongoing innovation and investment in developing high-quality student accommodation. While challenges remain, such as fluctuating property prices and varying local regulations, the long-term outlook remains positive given the sustained demand for student housing and ongoing investment in infrastructure improvements. The increasing urbanization and concentration of universities in major metropolitan areas further drive demand for student housing. This concentration necessitates larger-scale developments and necessitates greater investment in facilities and services to attract students. Competition amongst providers is fierce, leading to continuous improvements in amenities and service offerings to appeal to discerning students. The market is also seeing the rise of technology-driven solutions, improving the management and accessibility of student housing, from online booking platforms to smart building technologies enhancing resident experiences. The expansion of flexible lease options and the incorporation of co-living spaces cater to the evolving preferences of modern students and further contribute to market expansion. Geographic concentration of universities and student populations creates opportunities for localized market penetration, while larger developers continue to consolidate their national presence through acquisitions and portfolio expansion. The future of the US student accommodation market appears bright, provided effective regulatory frameworks and ongoing market investments. This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the US student accommodation market, encompassing historical data (2019-2024), current estimates (2025), and future projections (2025-2033). Valued at billions, this dynamic market is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, evolving student needs, and the increasing competition among providers. This report is a critical resource for investors, developers, operators, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities and opportunities within this lucrative sector. Key search terms analyzed include: student housing market analysis, off-campus student housing, on-campus housing trends, student accommodation market size, US college housing market, student apartment rentals. Recent developments include: August 2023: Fly Homes, a global student accommodation platform that assists Indian, Nigerian, and Nepalese students in obtaining higher education opportunities abroad, unveiled its student accommodation platform., June 2023: University Living, a premier global student accommodation platform, unveiled StudentAccommodationGupt.ai, an AI-driven tool designed to assist students in locating accommodation that best meets their needs. The newly launched tool is designed to reduce the hassle of accommodation hunting by matching students' desired living quarters in a matter of minutes, providing them with a vast selection of available accommodations.. Key drivers for this market are: Continued Expansion of Higher Education, The Surge in the Number of International Students. Potential restraints include: Affordability and Shortage of Supply, High Cost for International Students. Notable trends are: Enrolment of Students in the US.