1. North Dakota. North Dakota scored the top spot on our list as the best state for saving money. This state has one of the lowest costs of living, combined with a strong median annual household income of $78,720.
Topping the list was Massachusetts. "Massachusetts is the best state to live in, due in large part to its strong health care system and high-quality education," said WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe in a statement.
Retiring abroad on $1,000 per month doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life. Many countries offer excellent health care, infrastructure and amenities at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam.
Right behind Hawaii are the states you might expect to have big living costs as they're home to some of the most expensive cities in the nation. No. 2 is California, which “has notoriously high prices for housing, gas, utilities, and food,” according to the data.
In 2021, Delaware spent the most of any state per low-income resident ($19,926), followed by Massachusetts ($18,990), Alaska ($15,816), Minnesota ($15,523), and New York ($15,485).
WalletHub released its 2024 ranking of the best US states to live in. The study considered metrics like affordability, economy, and safety. Massachusetts was ranked the No. 1 state to live in.
Iowa. Iowa ranks as the most affordable state to buy a house in the U.S., with a median home price of just $147,800. Known for its vast farmlands, Iowa is the leading corn producer in the country, but it also offers urban living in cities like Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids.
1. West Virginia. West Virginia's cost of living is 16.2% below average—making it the lowest in the country. And cheap housing is a big factor in that number.
It assessed each state's affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Louisiana was ranked the worst state to live in, followed by New Mexico.
First, check the unemployment rate there. Secondly, try to figure out how expensive housing, food, and transportation are. Lastly, make sure that a new job there could bring you more satisfaction and money for living. One of the biggest mistakes in home moves is going to a place you know absolutely nothing about.
Thailand. Is it possible to retire in Thailand and keep the costs in check? Certainly! It's another top choice for digital nomads with an achievable $500 monthly budget, focusing on affordable accommodation.
Getting by on $1,000 a month may not be easy, but it is possible to live well even on a small amount of money. Try these tactics. Surviving on $1,000 a month requires careful budgeting, prioritizing essential expenses, and finding ways to save money.
Georgia is home to the safest and most affordable small cities in the U.S., with Roswell and Johns Creek ranking No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.
New census data shows the estimated number of movers to and from each state between 2022 and 2023. New York lost residents at the highest rate, followed by New Jersey and Illinois. People are often driven to move for lower costs of living, a professor who studies migration said.
Overall, the study ranked Massachusetts as the best place to live in the U.S. thanks in part to the state's education and health, (where it ranked first in the country), and their quality of life, (where it ranked sixth). Other states that rounded out the top five were Florida, New Jersey, Utah and New Hampshire.
The Brief. West Virginia, Delaware, and South Carolina saw the highest percentage of inbound migration in 2024. New Jersey, Illinois and New York had the highest outbound migration, with many leaving for retirement or to be closer to family.