The Most Expensive States in the US 

The United States is known for having a high cost of living. It’s around 18% higher than the UK, and rent is around 57% higher. However, these numbers can differ from state to state, with prices going up or down depending on location.

Using this cost of living index and data from Numbeo and PayScale, sites that analyse the cost of living in various locations, we look into the most expensive states in the US and drill down into the cost of living.

If you’re planning to more to the US, make sure you’re covered with expat insurance. Expatriate Group is an expert in international healthcare, with insurance policies designed specifically for expats. Get a quote today.

Hawaii

Hawaii is the most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 184. PayScale estimates that the cost of living is 84% higher in Hawaii than the national average, and housing is 214% higher. Groceries are 50% higher than the national average and utility bills are 42% higher.

According to Numbeo, a family of four will need around $5,300 per month to live, excluding rent and an individual would need $1,500 to cover costs per month, plus rent.

Property is very expensive in Hawaii. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost on average $2,230 per month to rent.

To buy property in Hawaii, an apartment in the city centre will cost around $7,990 per square metre or $5,900 per square metre outside of the city.

District of Columbia

Columbia is the second most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 152.2. PayScale put the cost of living in DC at around 39% higher than the national average. Housing is 148% higher and groceries are 10% higher. However, utility bills are 3% below the national average costs.

Numbeo estimates that a family of four in DC will need $4,880 to cover costs each month, in addition to rent. A single person will need $1,336 per month to live, plus rent costs.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around $2,570 per month to rent and a three-bedroom home will cost $5,376 per month.

Purchasing property is also expensive. An apartment in the city centre has an average cost of $8,500 per square metre and a home outside of the city will cost around $5,400 per square metre.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the third-most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 149.7. PayScale estimates that the cost of living in Massachusetts is around 50% higher than the national average. Housing costs are 124% higher and utilities are 25% higher.

According to Numbeo, a family of four will require $5,000 per month to cover all costs excluding accommodation. An individual will need around $1379 per month, plus accommodation costs.

To rent in Massachusetts, a one-bedroom apartment will cost around $3,000 per month in the city centre or $2,000 outside of the city. To purchase property, it will cost $12,412 per square metre for a place in the city, or $6,970 per square metre for a property outside of the city.

California

California is the third most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 137.6. PayScale estimates that the cost of living in California is 51% higher than the national average. Housing costs 140% higher and utilities and groceries are both 11% higher than the national average.

Numbeo estimates that a family of four in California will pay out around $4,740 per month to cover costs, excluding rent, and a single person will need $1,300.

Property in California is very expensive. The median property price is $1,083,995. It costs an average of $9,112 per square metre to buy property in the city centre and $6,653 per square metre for a place outside of the city.

For renters it will cost around $2,590 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of the city, or $2,108 for the same size property outside of the city.

New York

New York is the fourth most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 134.5. PayScale sets the New York cost of living at 128% higher than the national average. Housing is a huge 385% higher than the average costs in the country, and groceries cost 35% more on average. Utility bills are just 3% higher than the national average.

Numbeo estimates that a family of four will require $5,647 to cover costs per month, in addition to rent. A single person in New York will need $1,536 for living costs, excluding rent.

Buying property in New York is extremely costly. The median price for property in New York is $2,185,673. Per square metre, it costs $15,926 for property in the city centre, and $10,000 for homes outside of the city.

Renting is also expensive. On average, for a one-bedroom home in  the city, it will cost $3,850 per month, and the same size property outside of the city will cost $2,614.

Alaska

Alaska is the sixth most expensive state in the US, with an index of 126.6. PayScale puts the cost of living in Alaska at 27% higher than the national average. Housing is 37% higher, utility bills are 18% higher and groceries are 25% higher.

Numbeo estimates that a family of four in Alaska will require $4,542 per month to cover living costs, not including rent. An individual will need $1,293 per month in addition to rent.

Property in Alaska costs around $3,500 per square metre to buy, or $1,300 per month to rent.

Maryland

Maryland is the seventh most expensive state in the US with a cost of living index of 124. PayScale puts the cost of living in Maryland at 8% higher than the national average. Housing is 9% higher and groceries are 14% higher.

Numbeo puts the monthly cost of living at $4,150 for a family of four and $1,150 for an individual, not including accommodation costs.

Property in Maryland costs $1300 per square metre to buy or $1,279 per month to rent.

Oregon

Oregon is the eighth most expensive state, with a cost of living index of 121.2. PayScale estimates that the cost of living in Oregon is 24% higher than the national average. Housing is 62% higher and groceries are 8% higher. Utility bills are actually 8% lower than the national average.

Numbeo states that a family of four will need over $4,830 to cover monthly costs in Oregon, not including rent. A single person will need $1,367 each month, in addition to accommodation costs.

Property in Oregon costs $6,569 per square metre to buy in the city centre, or $4,689 per square metre outside of the city. Renters in Oregon can expect to pay around $1,834 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Connecticut

Connecticut is the ninth most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 116.8. PayScale puts the cost of living in Connecticut at 14% higher than the national average. Housing costs are 15% higher and utilities are 34% higher. Groceries are almost on par with the national average, just 1% lower.

Housing in Connecticut costs $3,587 per square metre to buy a place in the city centre, or $2,238 per square metre for property outside of a city. To rent, it costs $1,900 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city or closer to $1,300 for a one-bedroom home outside of the city.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is the tenth most expensive state in the US, with a cost of living index of 116.1. PayScale puts the New Hampshire cost of living at 16% higher than the national average. Housing costs are 10% higher, utilities are 15% higher and groceries are just 5% higher.

Buying property in New Hampshire will cost around $5,000 per square metre for a place in the city or around $4,000 per square metre for a home outside of the city.  Renting in New Hampshire will cost around $1,900 a month.