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 ****, only second to Port of Spain, in Trinidad and Tobago, with **** 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 ** points each.

In 2024, the annual cost for a private room in an assisted living facility in the U.S. amounted to ****** 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.

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.

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 - the national median price. However, cost varied greatly from one state to another. The least expensive states for a private room in assisted living were South Dakota, and Mississippi. While the most expensive states for assisted living were Hawaii and Alaska.

A dataset listing the 20 richest cities in Connecticut for 2024, including information on rank, city, county, population, average income, and median income.

Rooftop solar photovoltaic installations on residential buildings and nuclear power have the highest unsubsidized levelized costs of energy generation in the United States. If it wasn't for federal and state subsidies, rooftop solar PV would come with a price tag between *** and *** U.S. dollars per megawatt-hour. Rooftop installations have a higher levelized cost range due to their relatively small capacity when compared with utility-scale power plant facilities. LCOE for solar PV Levelized cost of electricity or energy generation (LCOE) is a measure used to compare cost efficiency of different electricity generating technologies. It describes the average expense of building and maintaining a power plant divided by its total power output over the facility’s lifetime. The global levelized cost of electricity for solar PV averaged **** U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour in 2023. The economic viability of solar PV installations is dependent on a variety of factors largely centering around topography and the predominant weather pattern at the installation site. In regions with high sunshine duration, installing solar PV would come with lower LCOE’s as electricity production may be higher. As countries may stretch across highly variable topography and even across climate zones, solar PV LCOE may also vary greatly within a country. The U.S. has some of the lowest LCOE’s for utility-scale solar PV. Capital costs by energy technology In terms of capital costs – the one-time expense arising from the purchase of land, construction material, and building of the power plant for new power plants expected to come live in 2028, offshore wind power is the most expensive in the United States. It had an estimated levelized capital costs of roughly **** U.S. dollars per megawatt-hour as of March 2023. Capital costs for solar PV are comparatively low.

As of October 2024, the city with the most expensive hotel rate in the United States was Boston. Visitors to the East Coast city could expect to pay 320 U.S. dollars for a doube room during that period. Meanwhile, New York ranked third with an average rate of 284 U.S. dollars.

In 2024, the annual median cost for long-term care in the United States ranged from ****** to ******* U.S. dollars, depending on the type of service. This significant financial burden highlights the importance of planning for future healthcare needs, as many older adults may face substantial out-of-pocket costs for extended care services. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities Nursing homes represent the most expensive long-term care option, with private rooms costing an estimated ****** U.S. dollars per month in 2024. Semi-private rooms are slightly more affordable at ***** U.S. dollars monthly. Assisted living facilities offer a less costly alternative, with annual expenses for a private room averaging ****** U.S. dollars. However, these costs can vary dramatically by location, with states like Hawaii, Alaska, and Washington D.C. commanding the highest prices for assisted living accommodations. Home care services and future projections For those preferring to receive care at home, the hourly rates for long-term home care services in 2024 were ** U.S. dollars for homemaker services and ** U.S. dollars for home health aide services. These costs are expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, with projections suggesting home health aide services could approach *** U.S. dollars per hour by 2060. The increasing expense of long-term care is evident across all service types, with assisted living facilities experiencing a ** percent cost increase from 2023 to 2024, while nursing home rates for semi-private and private rooms rose by * and * percent, respectively.

A dataset listing the 20 richest cities in Colorado for 2024, including information on rank, city, county, population, average income, and median income.

Luxury Rental Market Outlook

The global luxury rental market size was estimated at USD 21.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach approximately USD 44.2 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. This robust growth is fueled by increasing disposable incomes, a growing preference for experiential rather than materialistic consumption, and the rising trend of temporary luxury living. As consumers prioritize flexibility and unique experiences, the demand for luxury rentals is anticipated to soar, particularly in urban areas and popular travel destinations.

One of the primary growth drivers for the luxury rental market is the changing consumer lifestyle and preferences. High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and millennials are increasingly seeking unique and personalized experiences over ownership of luxury assets. This shift has led to a rise in demand for luxury rentals such as villas, yachts, and private islands, where renters can indulge in extravagant living without long-term commitments. Additionally, the concept of "home away from home" has gained traction, further bolstering the market growth for luxury rentals.

Another significant factor contributing to the market's expansion is the proliferation of online booking platforms and technological advancements. Digitalization has revolutionized the way people book rentals, making it more convenient and accessible. Online platforms offer a wide array of luxury rental options, showcasing high-definition images, virtual tours, and detailed descriptions. This ease of access has broadened the customer base, attracting more individuals and corporate clients to opt for luxury rentals. Moreover, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data in these platforms enhances customer experience by providing personalized recommendations and seamless booking processes.

The tourism and travel sector also play a crucial role in driving the luxury rental market. With the resurgence of global travel post-pandemic, there is a noticeable uptick in luxury travelers seeking exclusive and high-end accommodation options. Popular tourist destinations are witnessing a surge in the demand for luxury properties, including villas, yachts, and private islands. This trend is further supported by the increase in the number of international events, destination weddings, and high-profile conferences, which necessitate luxurious and spacious accommodations.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific is witnessing rapid growth due to the rising affluence and increasing purchasing power of the middle and upper-middle classes. Countries like China, India, and Japan are becoming prominent markets for luxury rentals, driven by urbanization and a growing appetite for luxury experiences. North America remains a dominant player, with the United States leading the market owing to its well-established luxury rental infrastructure and high concentration of HNWIs. Europe also holds a significant share, particularly in countries like France, Italy, and Switzerland, known for their luxury tourism and properties.

Property Type Analysis

The property type segment of the luxury rental market is diverse, encompassing villas, apartments, condominiums, yachts, private islands, and others. Villas are among the most sought-after luxury rental properties, offering spacious living areas, privacy, and exclusive amenities such as private pools, gardens, and personalized services. They are particularly popular in tourist destinations that promise scenic beauty and tranquility, such as the Mediterranean coast, Caribbean islands, and Southeast Asian beach resorts. The demand for villas is driven by both individual renters seeking vacation rentals and corporate clients organizing retreats or events.

Apartments and condominiums constitute another significant segment in the luxury rental market. These properties are predominantly located in urban areas, catering to professionals, expatriates, and long-term renters who seek the convenience of city living combined with luxurious amenities. High-rise luxury apartments and condominiums typically come with facilities like gyms, spas, concierge services, and panoramic views of the city skyline. The trend of urbanization and the influx of HNWIs into major cities have substantially boosted the demand for luxury apartments and condominiums.

Yachts represent a niche but growing segment within the luxury rental market. As affluent individuals seek unique and lavish experiences, yacht rentals have gained popularity for their exclusivity and

A comprehensive dataset of average residential, commercial, and combined electricity rates in cents per kWh for all 50 U.S. states.

In 2024, the average daily cost for adult day health care services in the U.S. stood at 100 U.S. dollars. However, such costs varied greatly from one state to another. In that year, the most expensive state for adult day health care services was by far Oregon, amounting to 284 U.S. dollars a day, while in Delaware daily rates were just 35 U.S. dollars. In the most expensive states, the daily cost of adult day care actually exceeded that of assisted living facilities and sometimes even home health care. The large variation may be in part due to the source using community subsidy rates where available, thus lower rates were reported, while states with higher rates may capture the full private pay rates.

In the last quarter of 2024, three of the ten most expensive cities in the United States for business travel when it comes to food costs were located in California. However, the ranking was topped by Honolulu, which average daily food cost amounted to 118 U.S. dollars at that time.

A table listing the average electricity rates (kWh) of all 50 U.S. states as of March 2025.

Pre-packaged, thick sliced, regular sliced or thin sliced pork bacon, regardless of process state."

In a public two-year institution for commuters, the total undergraduate budget for the 2024/2025 academic year in the United States was 20,570 U.S. dollars, including 4,050 U.S. dollars for tuition and fees. For private, nonprofit four-year institutions where students lived on campus, the total estimated budget clocked in at 62,990 U.S. dollars, making it the most expensive option for undergraduates.

A dataset listing the 20 richest cities in Idaho for 2024, including information on rank, city, county, population, average income, and median income.