How much money do I need to live comfortably in another state?
It depends entirely on the state. To live the way $75,000 affords in an average state, you would need about $115,000 in California but only around $58,000 in the cheapest states. The simplest way to find your number is to use the salary calculator, which translates your income from one state to another instantly.
What is the cheapest state to live in?
Missouri is currently the most affordable state by our cost measure, followed by Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi. You can see the full ranking on the cost rankings page.
What is the best state to live in?
By our Best Life Rank, Virginia ranks first for 2026, followed by New Hampshire, Utah, Minnesota, and Washington. These states win by being good across the board rather than exceptional at any one thing.
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or California?
Texas is significantly cheaper. California costs about 53% more than the baseline to live equivalently, while Texas costs about 11% less. In fact a $150,000 California lifestyle can be matched in Texas for under $90,000. See the full breakdown in The Salary Illusion.
Does a higher salary in an expensive state actually leave me better off?
Not necessarily. A larger salary in a high-cost state can leave you worse off than a smaller one somewhere cheaper, once housing and taxes are counted. We explain the math in The Salary Illusion.
How is cost of living actually calculated?
Our BLISS cost score prices the same reference lifestyle in every state using public data from the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Tax Foundation. The full method, including the formula, is laid out openly on the methodology page.
What salary do I need to keep my lifestyle if I move?
Take your current income and adjust it by the cost difference between the two states. The salary calculator does this for you instantly once you enter your income and pick both states.
Is the cheapest state always the best place to live?
No. Some cheap states also rank well, like Missouri, while others are inexpensive partly because they score lower on quality of life. We explain how to weigh the two in this guide.