Using a US benchmark of 100, state living costs varied widely, shaped by housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other everyday expenses nationwide.
Hawaii ranked highest at 184.8, with island shipping, taxes, and especially housing pushing costs well above the US benchmark for everyday living.
Massachusetts placed second at 147.8, driven largely by the nation's highest medical costs, while California ranked third at 140.5 with transportation a major factor.
Southern states dominated the lowest-cost list, with Oklahoma at 83.5, Alabama at 85.0, and Mississippi at 86.2 leading nationwide for overall affordability.
Oklahoma paired the nation's lowest housing and transportation costs, while Alabama stood out for affordable healthcare and Mississippi for the country's lowest grocery prices.
