The Cost of Living in the Most Livable City in Each State
Have you ever wondered which city in your state really nails that “best place to live” vibe? The best place to live is not just about pretty views. Safety, schools, healthcare, and even traffic matter. We looked at income and expenses to find each state’s most livable city. Let’s see which one is yours!
Kailua, Hawaii
Picture turquoise water, breezy palms, and morning surf sessions. Kailua is paradise, but paradise isn’t cheap. With a household median income of $138,363, you still have to juggle $11,826 in monthly costs. Living here feels like a vacation until you see the grocery bill for pineapples and poke bowls.
Wilton Manors, Florida
Famous for its canals, nightlife, and diverse culture, Wilton Manors is an incredibly charming place. The average household income is $81,424, and it costs about $6,794 per month to live there.
Bozeman, Montana
Mountains, rivers, and a booming arts scene, Bozeman is Montana cool. Median income is $74,113, while living costs hit an average of $7,109. Think of it as “Yellowstone” living minus the drama, plus higher rent.
Sherwood, Oregon
Sherwood serves up small-town charm and vineyards. The median income is $109,770, with monthly expenses averaging $6,076. The city offers great schools, rural views, and endless farmers' markets.
Lafayette, Colorado
Nestled between Boulder and Denver, Lafayette offers a combination of mountain-town charm and urban conveniences. The median income is $105,819, and the cost of living for residents is $6,380 per month. There are abundant outdoor activities, an endless number of breweries, and the feeling of “Colorado cool”.
Lexington, Massachusetts
History buffs love Lexington, where “the shot heard ‘round the world” was fired. Today it’s all about leafy neighborhoods and great schools. Median income is $206,323, but the monthly living costs $12,189 on average. Basically, it’s charming New England living with prices that will remind you the Revolution didn’t fix everything.
Avondale Estates, Georgia
This artistically inclined suburb of Atlanta offers lots of charm, breweries, and a strong sense of community. There’s a ton of history and quirkiness with a friendly vibe to boot. The median income here is $136,250, and locals spend an average of $5,773 every month.
Cupertino, California
Living in Cupertino means hanging out with Apple HQ and tech royalty, but it’ll cost you. With a household median income of $223,667, you can almost afford the $21,472 monthly living costs. Great schools, safe streets, and Silicon Valley buzz make it desirable if your wallet can keep up.
Battle Ground, Washington
Despite the name, Battle Ground is serene, leafy, and family-oriented. The median income is $94,360, and the average monthly expenses sum up to $5,667. It is all about schools, parks, and a friendly small-town feel, with Portland just across the river.
University Park, Maryland
Families love the great schools and leafy neighborhoods in University Park, but you need that $191,205 average income to balance the $6,266 in monthly expenses. It’s a quiet, safe, community-oriented place to live, and great if you want to keep your politics on TV and not at your dinner table.
Freeport, Maine
Freeport is the hometown of the famous outdoor company L.L. Bean, and it is as cozy as your favorite flannel. The median income is $76,012 with expenses of $5,839 per month. You get quaint shops, crisp salty air, and all the lobster rolls you can eat.
Gilbert, Arizona
Previously a farming community, Gilbert stands out now as suburban royalty in the Phoenix region. With a median income of $115,179 a year, and an average monthly cost of living of $5,589, the town balances desert charm with family living. There’s sunshine all year long, explosive growth, and a strong sense of community here.
Pompton Lakes, New Jersey
Pompton Lakes features lovely lakes, a welcoming community, and just the right amount of local eating options to please any palate. The average income is $113,781, and the total cost of living monthly is about $5,258.
Cary, North Carolina
Cary has excellent schools, safe streets, and a rapidly expanding tech scene. Households here earn around $125,317, and monthly expenses are $5,776. The leafy trails and family-friendly atmosphere provide a distinctively suburban ambiance, but with a connection.
Kaysville, Utah
Kaysville has that small-town vibe, with big-family energy. It’s close to Salt Lake City, but just far enough to have some peace and mountain views. Kaysville’s average income is $121,867, with average monthly living costs at $5,733. Family BBQs, community events, and quick access to skiing all make this city shine.
Brookland, District of Columbia
Nicknamed “Little Rome” for the local churches, among other things, Brookland is both historic and cool. It combines city excitement with neighborhood charm. The median income here is $113,731, while the average cost of living is $5,105 per month.
Grandview Heights, Ohio
Grandview Heights is a blend of suburban tranquility and city perks. Residents earn an average of $100,833 and spend $5,236 monthly on living costs. It's a small city where you know your neighbors and can still get a good cup of coffee.
Los Alamos, New Mexico
This is the city that helped birth the atomic age, but today it’s all about science, hiking trails, and community pride. The average income here is $130,342, while costs are $5,184 per month. It’s safe, scenic, and smart.
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
You may know Jenkintown from “The Goldbergs,” but it’s more than a TV backdrop. The average household income is $118,750, and residents spend about $5,197 every month. It’s historic, walkable, and quirky in all the right ways.
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
This Milwaukee suburb features tree-lined streets, lakefront beauty, and family living. Residents earn an average income of $142,356 and spend roughly $5,549 monthly on living costs. Schools are excellent, crime is very low, and it’s postcard beautiful.
Sitka, Alaska
With a median income of $95,261, residents pay about $5,134 monthly to live with jaw-dropping views, fishing, and wildlife. Groceries are more expensive (everything’s shipped in), but the lifestyle is unbeatable.
New Milford, Connecticut
This delightful New England town has covered bridges, historic houses, and lots of charm. The median income for residents is $70,625, and residents spend about $4,999 per month on living expenses. It is picturesque and comfortable, with a slower pace than NYC located near it.
Post Falls, Idaho
Located near Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls offers outdoor excitement, affordable housing (according to coastal standards), and the friendliness you would expect in a small town. The average income is $71,042, and the average cost of living is $4,843 per month.
Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier features inviting cafes, farm-fresh cuisine, and that classic Vermont feel. With a median income of $76,143 and monthly expenses of $4,694, it isn't cheap, but the maple syrup, mountain views, and lack of big-city traffic make it worthwhile.
Pittsford, New York
Pittsford offers top-tier schools, canal-side charm, and a median income of $116,250. Monthly costs are $4,828, which is not unreasonable for the East Coast. Residents love telling you how much better upstate summers are than the summers in the city.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Who would have thought that Sin City would be Nevada's most livable city? Vegas has affordable suburbs, plenty of sunshine, and great potential for jobs beyond the Strip. The median household income is $66,356, and residents spend an average of $4,819 each month.
Hoover, Alabama
Hoover offers southern hospitality along with modern conveniences. The average household in the city makes $101,765 and spends approximately $4,652 a month. It’s suburban lifestyle with sweet tea on the porch.
Cranston, Rhode Island
Cranston has coastal charm with convenience. Residents make $83,123 on average and spend $4,603 monthly to enjoy safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and easy access to Providence. Here, you get small-town warmth with big-city perks. It also feels good knowing Narragansett Beach is just a drive away.
Concord, New Hampshire
With a median income of $77,874 and monthly costs of $4,508, Concord offers a balance of New England charm and affordability. It’s historic, walkable, and close to both mountains and beaches. You’ll find colonial vibes, quirky shops, and that classic “Live Free or Die” energy.
Cheyenne, Wyoming
In Cheyenne, the median income is $74,989, and monthly expenses are $4,230. This community is characterized by rodeos, trains, and lots of open skies. Cheyenne is friendly and affordable, boots are always in style, and locals ride horses more often than you think.
Brandon, South Dakota
Brandon boasts safe streets, excellent schools, and a healthy amount of small-town spirit. With a median income of $101,747, residents spend around $4,152 each month on living expenses. It's affordable, family-friendly, and growing rapidly.
Denton, Texas
Denton is that city where you get the college town vibe with a weird and artistic twist. The average local income is $71,921 per year, and locals spend about $4,147 per month. It's quieter than Dallas, but there's still a lot going on.
Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence is the home of the University of Kansas, and it is quirky and artsy while showcasing plenty of Jayhawk pride. The median income is $59,834, with average living costs around $4,025 a month. It has the energy of a college town while exuding Midwestern charm.
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Simpsonville’s median household income is $79,937, with an estimated cost of living of $4,088 per month. There are kid-friendly neighborhoods, good schools, and a great community vibe. Residents enjoy suburban living infused with southern charm.
Newark, Delaware
College town meets family suburb in Newark, home of the University of Delaware. Residents have an average income of $67,738, and spend about $4,312 a month. Newark is lively, diverse, and packed with culture, but small enough to feel neighborly. You’ll get great dining, walkable streets, and plenty of Blue Hens pride without going broke.
Oxford, Mississippi
Home of Ole Miss, Oxford oozes Southern charm with a literary twist; Faulkner lived here, after all. Median income is $56,784, and monthly costs average $3,989. It’s college-town lively, with great food, arts, and football Saturdays. Affordable living and a strong sense of culture? That’s Oxford’s sweet spot.
Ankeny, Iowa
Ankeny is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, and it is easy to see why. Residents have a median income of $101,151 and spend $3,975 per month. They enjoy suburban comfort with just enough city perks to keep things interesting. Families appreciate the schools, parks, and easy access to Des Moines.
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University is in West Lafayette, so this town is buzzing with student energy. The average income is $30,317, and residents spend about $3,936 a month. It’s affordable for students, friendly for families, and full of brainpower.
Metairie, Louisiana
Located just outside of New Orleans, Metairie has a suburban take on Big Easy living. Average income here is $72,070, and average living costs are $3,819 a month. You can enjoy Mardi Gras parades without the craziness of Bourbon Street, and there's delicious food around every corner.
Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester is located in Minnesota and is famous for the Mayo Clinic. The average household income is $83,973, and the average monthly living costs are $3,818. The city is clean, safe, family-friendly, and full of parks and bike trails.
Rogers, Arkansas
Rogers has grown from a small town in Arkansas into a vibrant hub. The median income is $78,075, and the monthly average in living expenses is $3,908. Outdoor activities, good schools, and an active job market make it a popular city for families.
Fargo, North Dakota
Yes, it’s that Fargo, but don't expect non-stop crimes. What you will find is a safe, friendly, and surprisingly hip town where "North Dakota nice" is a reality. Households average $64,432, while the average monthly cost is $3,648. The winters are bitter, but the warm community spirit makes up for every cold morning.
Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville has small-town charm with big growth energy. It’s military-influenced (thanks to nearby Fort Campbell), affordable, and close to Nashville’s buzz. The median income is $62,688, and residents spend an average of $3,723 a month. Great schools, outdoor fun, and a thriving downtown make it a rising star on Tennessee’s map.
Norman, Oklahoma
Norman is where the University of Oklahoma is located, and as such, football is almost a religion. Average income in Norman is $62,849 per household, and typical monthly expenditures are about $3,527. Norman is affordable, safe, family-friendly, and full of Sooner pride.
Clawson, Michigan
Clawson is small, pleasant, and has personality to spare. Residents appreciate its walkability, community feel, and family-friendly environment. With an average income of $82,713 and monthly expenses of $3,676, it is affordable by Michigan standards.
Kearney, Nebraska
Kearney strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality of life. Household incomes average $69,790, and residents spend $2,370 per month. You enjoy the charm of a small town, but you won’t have to sacrifice modern conveniences.
Maplewood, Missouri
Maplewood is the artsy cousin of St. Louis, where residents earn an estimated income of $58,448 and living expenses are about $3,465 every month. While that may not be cheap, you're still getting craft breweries, indie shops, and that cozy neighborhood feel.
Lynchburg, Virginia
Known as the “City of Seven Hills,” Lynchburg has charm, history, and an affordable lifestyle. Households bring in about $56,243, and costs average $3,371. Between the mountain views, riverfront strolls, and a lively downtown, you’ll feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.
Nutter Fort, West Virginia
Nutter Fort has an interesting name, but that’s not the only interesting thing about it. Residents make about $56,125 a year and spend about $2,685 a month to live there. It’s small, it’s nice, and it’s the sort of place where neighbors still smile and wave when you drive by.
Jerome, Illinois
Jerome may be small, but it’s very affordable. The median household income is $52,083, while the cost of living is just $2,743 per month. That leaves you plenty of room in the budget for pizza on Friday nights, a road trip to Springfield, or maybe even a pool in the backyard.
Bellevue, Kentucky
Bellevue offers a small-town feel while also being just a stone's throw from the city. Residents make approximately $66,741 and spend around $3,346 a month. Add in the historic homes, quirky shops, and river views, and you’ll see why locals don’t want to leave.
