Not all US states are created equal when it comes to stretching your salary. A $70,000 salary in Mississippi leaves you with a very different lifestyle than the same salary in California or New York. We ranked all 50 states by how much of your take-home pay remains after essential monthly living expenses in 2026.
Our ranking combines two factors: your estimated monthly take-home pay on a $70,000 gross salary, and the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person (rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, utilities, groceries, transport, and healthcare insurance). The higher your monthly surplus, the more affordable the state.
1. Mississippi — Average 1-bedroom rent of just $780/month and a cost of living index of 83 (17% below national average) make Mississippi the most affordable state in the country for a salaried worker. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,400.
2. West Virginia — The lowest median home prices in the US at $155,000 and very low rents. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,350.
3. Arkansas — Combined with a low state income tax burden and rents averaging $850/month for a 1-bedroom, Arkansas ranks third. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,280.
4. Oklahoma — Consistently low housing, transport, and food costs. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,250.
5. Alabama — Warm climate, low property taxes, and below-average rents. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,220.
6. Kansas — Affordable Midwestern living with lower-than-average state income tax. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,180.
7. Iowa — Stable job market with cost of living well below the national average. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,160.
8. Indiana — Flat 3.05% state income tax and low housing costs in cities like Indianapolis. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,140.
9. Missouri — Kansas City and St. Louis offer urban amenities at well below coastal prices. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,100.
10. Kentucky — Flat 4% state income tax, low rents, and a low cost of living index of 88.6. Monthly surplus on $70k: approximately $1,080.
Hawaii tops the list of most expensive states with a cost of living index of 188.9 — nearly double the national average. California (151.7), New York (139.1), Massachusetts (148.2), and New Jersey (127.4) round out the least affordable states for a typical worker's salary.
Texas and Florida — two of the most popular no-income-tax destinations — do not make the top 10 most affordable list. Both states have seen rapid rent increases in recent years. Texas has a cost of living index of 93.9 and Florida 102.8. The tax saving is real, but higher housing and property taxes offset much of the benefit for many residents.
Use our free calculator for all 50 states, updated for 2026 tax brackets.
Calculate Now →