(Last Updated – September 4,2025)

Nevada offers very different lifestyles, depending on the location you choose there. Large cities, like Las Vegas and Reno, attract those who crave 24/7 nightlife, entertainment, and access to thriving job markets in hospitality, health services, education, and tech. The state also welcomes those who prefer a more natural environment, offering access to outdoor recreation and natural landmarks, like Lake Tahoe and Great Basin National Park.

Like other states, Nevada has its downsides. The state’s extreme weather — three-figure heat during the summer and extreme cold in mountain areas — as well as relatively few job opportunities outside its major cities could discourage prospective Nevadans.

If you’re thinking about living in the Silver State, here’s what to know about the cost of living in Nevada.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Nevada?

Average cost of living in Nevada: $54,054 per year

Nevada has the lowest cost of living among the states in the Far West, a category that includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.

The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) identifies the cost of living in the U.S. by state. The national index score is fixed at 100; the lower a state’s cost of living index (COLI) compared to the national baseline, the less expensive it is to live there. A COLI above 100 suggests a higher cost of living compared to the national average.

Nevada’s COLI is 99.5, slightly below the national index. The average cost of living in Nevada is significantly lower than coastal neighbors like California (141.6) and Oregon (112.7).

The Bureau of Economic Analysis breaks down the average Nevadan’s personal annual expenditures as follows.

The average monthly expenses Nevada residents can expect to pay comes to about $4,504 per person.

Housing Costs in Nevada

Median Housing Costs in Nevada: $1,622 to $1,867 per month

Housing options in Nevada are diverse — the state’s bustling cities offer modern high-rise living while its rural areas offer large plots of land. Nevada has 1,281,018 housing units as of August 25, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The average home value in Nevada’s housing market is $452,606, compared to The national average of $368,581. The average monthly mortgage payment in Nevada is $2,567.51. Whether you’re buying your first home in the state or you’re a repeat buyer, chances are you can find a place that’s relatively affordable.

Rental housing costs in Nevada, according to the latest census data, are as follows:

•  Median studio rent: $1,230

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,333

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,575

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,930

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $2,228

•  Median five-bedroom or more rent: $2,663

•  Median gross rent: $1,622

Below is a snapshot of what average home values are in different cities across the state, based on Zillow’s August 2025 data.

Utility Costs in Nevada

Average Utility Costs in Nevada: $388.62 per month

In addition to a monthly rent or mortgage payment, you’ll need to budget utility costs into your monthly cost of living in Nevada. Here are common utilities and the average monthly bill for each.

Food & Beverages

Average Food and Beverage Costs in Nevada: $380 per month

Monthly expenses for groceries and food vary, depending on your palate and appetite. Generally, Nevadans spend an average of $4,562 annually on food and beverages; this breaks down into about $380 per month, per person.

For a family of four, food expenditures work out to an average of $1,520 per month. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, there’s not a dramatic difference in food costs in the two main cities.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Nevada: $10,520 to $19,575 per year

A majority of Nevada households (92.9%) have at least one personal vehicle, according to a Forbes Advisor study. That research also found that the state tied with California for being the most expensive state in which to own a car. Larger cities offer public transit, like bus routes and intercity rail systems, as well as access to rideshare and taxis in metro and tourist areas.

The transportation costs households can expect depend on the number of family members per household. Here’s an example of how annual transportation expenses vary, based on MIT’s 2025 Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care in Nevada

Average Health Care Costs in Nevada: $7,198 per person, per year

The average amount that Nevada residents spend on health care is $7,198 per person, annually, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This spending category, however, fluctuates based on multiple factors. Age, current health and pre-existing conditions, medical needs, and insurance coverage all contribute to the cost of health care in Nevada.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Nevada: $808 to $1,109 per child, per month

Child care is often a significant expenditure for families. Certain types of child care in Nevada have monthly costs in four figures, almost as high as the average rent in the state. Households with one or more children face a significantly higher cost of living in Nevada than those that don’t require child care.

Here are average costs of care per month in Nevada, per child, based on data from CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

Average Taxes in Nevada: No statutory state income tax.

Nevada is one of eight U.S. states that don’t impose a statutory state income tax, according to the Tax Foundation. This can be a big draw for many people who are interested in moving to Nevada.

Miscellaneous Costs

After budgeting for the essential monthly cost of living in Nevada, you’ll likely want to have funds set aside for discretionary spending. Here are a handful of the diverse leisure experiences that the state offers.

•  The Sphere Experience in Las Vegas: $182 to $300+, before fees

•  Sand Harbor State Park entrance fee: $10 for residents

•  Las Vegas Raiders Stadium Ticket: Starting at $211

•  Entrance to Lake Mead National Park: $15-$25 for a standard pass

Thanks to the mix of activities available in the state, there’s something to do for all budget ranges.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Nevada?

How much you need to earn to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Nevada depends on many individual factors. For example, family size, location, and lifestyle all contribute to how far your income will stretch in Nevada.

That said, there are metrics about how much you need to live in Nevada, though living comfortably may require a bit more. The cost of living for one Nevadan is $54,054 per year, and MIT’s 2025 Living Wage Calculator finds that a living wage for a single, working adult who doesn’t have a child is $23.85 per hour. By way of comparison, the breadwinner in a family of four with only one working adult must make $43.20 hourly.

According to the U.S. News & World Report’s state rankings, Nevada comes in at 34th for affordability, and MERIC ranks Nevada in the middle of the pack with a cost of living index score of 99.5.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Nevada?

When it comes to the average cost of living in Nevada, there can be significant variations in different areas. Below is a brief comparison of the state’s two major metropolitan areas, based on data from the Council for Community and Economic Research’s 2024 Cost of Living Index.

Las Vegas, Nevada

With a population of 641,903, the Las Vegas metro area is located in southern Nevada. It’s part of Clark County and
includes the Henderson and Paradise areas. Its landmark — the Las Vegas Strip — is famous for its vibrant nightlife,
gambling, entertainment, and world-class dining. It has a COLI of 98.5, just under the national score.

Reno, Nevada

Reno-Sparks, Nevada has a COLI of 104.1. It’s located in the Truckee Meadows, east of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The metropolitan area includes two counties, Washoe and Storey. As many as 264,165 residents live in Reno and
108,445 in Sparks. Lake Tahoe offers residents nearby access to outdoor activities, like skiing, hiking, and water
recreation. The area is also becoming a hotspot for the tech industry, drawing companies and talent from all areas
of the country.

Helpful Resources for Future Nevada Residents

(Last Updated – September 3,2025)

Massachusetts is known for its natural beauty, leading educational and health care institutions, and of course, the many historic sites located throughout the state. And if you’re a sports fan, you’ll appreciate the state’s pro teams, including the Red Sox, the Bruins, the Celtics, and the Patriots. Whether you prefer the laid-back coastal vibe of Cape Cod, the traditional charm of towns like Concord, or the big-city bustle of Boston, you’ll find plenty to see and do.

Massachusetts is listed as ninth best overall in the U.S. News & World Report “Best States” ranking. But be prepared: You can expect to pay a little more for the pleasure of planting roots in the Bay State. Massachusetts is one of the more expensive places to live in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing.

Is it worth it? Read on to learn more about the cost of living in Massachusetts, and if this New England state might be a good fit for you.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Massachusetts?

Average Cost of Living in Massachusetts: $69,101 per year

If affordability is a concern for you, the cost of living in Massachusetts could be an obstacle. According to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Massachusetts comes in as the second highest state in the U.S. for its overall cost of living, behind only Hawaii. That makes it more expensive than any of its neighboring states in the Northeast, based on data gathered in the first quarter of 2025. Even pricey New York and the District of Columbia have a lower cost of living.

What is the cost of living in Massachusetts? According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the annual average cost of living in Massachusetts is $69,101. Based on that number, the average monthly cost of living in Massachusetts would be about $5,758. (Your costs will vary: Singles typically spend significantly more per capita than married couples do on categories like food and housing, for example, and less on health care.)

Here’s how costs typically break down into major categories.

Housing Costs in Massachusetts

Average Housing Costs in Massachusetts: $1,459 to $2,659 per month

You can expect housing to be one of your biggest costs no matter where you live, but according to MERIC data, housing costs in Massachusetts are well above the national average. (Only Hawaii ranks higher in the U.S.) That could make buying your first home—or your dream home—a challenge.

Massachusetts has just under three million housing units, according to census data. But whether you rent or buy, you may have a hard time finding a place for less than $1,800 a month. Zillow listed the typical Massachusetts home value at about $658,406 at the end of August 2025, compared with the U.S. average home value of $368,581.

As you consider your budget, it may be helpful to know how housing costs break down. The median monthly mortgage cost in Massachusetts is $2,659. And here’s what monthly housing prices can look like in Massachusetts.

•  Median studio rent: $1,494

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,459

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,882

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,935

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $2,308

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $2,063

•  Median gross rent: $1,757

Of course, Massachusetts home prices can vary substantially depending on where you are in the state. Here are the typical home prices in 10 major Massachusetts cities, according to Zillow, in August 2025.

Utility Costs in Massachusetts

Average Utility Costs in Massachusetts: $406 per month

Once you have your housing costs covered, there are still the utility bills to consider. Costs can vary based on location, family size, and time of year, but here’s a look at what you can expect to spend monthly in Massachusetts.

Food & Beverage

Average Food & Beverage Costs in Massachusetts: $406 per person, per month

Another ongoing expense is buying groceries. Along with your personal food choices and family size, where you live also can affect how much you’ll spend on food.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average Massachusetts resident’s nonrestaurant food cost is $4,870 annually, or about $406 per month. That means a family of four can expect to spend about $1,624 on groceries each month.

The Council for Community and Economic Research, which ranks the food costs in major American cities, ranked these Massachusetts cities from lowest to highest for their 2024 grocery costs.

Transportation

Average Transportation Cost in Massachusetts: $9,708 to $18,065 per year

Transportation costs can be a budgeting headache, depending on the current price of gas, commute times, and public transportation access.

Although public transportation is a popular option in Massachusetts, most people still drive themselves to and from work. Depending on where you live, that trip can take a while. Massachusetts comes in at 47th in the nation for its commuting time in the U.S. News and World Report current “Best States” rankings. And Boston consistently ranks near the top of the worst commutes in the country.

Family size, including the number of working adults in the home, can also be a factor in how much your transportation costs will be. The following results from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, with data from the first quarter of 2025, can give you a general idea of what to expect.

Health Care in Massachusetts

Average Health Care Costs in Massachusetts: $11,354 per person, per year

Your health care needs, as well as your insurance coverage, will help determine how much you end up paying for care each year for yourself and your family. But according to the 2023 Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report, the annual cost of health care per Massachusetts resident is $11,354.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Massachusetts: $1,104 to $2,006 or more per child, per month

Having children can have a major impact on your budget, and child care is often one of the biggest monthly expenses for a family. In Massachusetts, the price you pay monthly may depend on where you live, how old your child is, and whether or not you choose home-based family care. Here are the average child care costs in Massachusetts, per the most recent data from CostofChildCare.org.

Eligible families in Massachusetts can apply to the state’s Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to get help with their costs.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Massachusetts: 9%

At 9%, Massachusetts’ highest marginal state income tax rate is one of the highest in the U.S., as noted by the Tax Foundation’s map of Top Marginal State Individual Income Tax Rates for 2025. Residents of New York and New Jersey pay more (10.9% and 10.75%, respectively), while neighboring New Hampshire doesn’t have any state income or sales tax.

The state sales tax rate in Massachusetts is 6.25%, which also is among the highest in the U.S. And Massachusetts counties collect an average of 1.04% of a property’s assessed value as property tax per year.

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that we’ve covered the essentials (food, housing, utilities, etc.), let’s change the focus to some fun stuff. Here’s a look at how you might spend some of your discretionary funds as a resident of Massachusetts:

•  Take yourself out to the ballpark. Single-game tickets to a Boston Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park can range in cost from about $35 for an upper-bleacher seat to $425 or more for a seat in a dugout box. Add a cold beverage and a hot dog for about $20, and you’re all set.

•  Explore Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail leads you to 16 historic sites, including the Bunker Hill Monument, Boston Common, the Old North Church, and Paul Revere’s house. You can walk the trail yourself for free, although there is an admission charge for some sites. Guided “Walk into History” tours cost $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, and $8 for children 6-11, with a $1 fee tacked on at every level.

•  Enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, and more at the picturesque Cape Cod National Seashore. Shopping and dining options are offered in many of the towns around the seashore. Standard entry passes range from $15 to $25, while an annual pass costs $60. Beaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round. Tickets for a three-hour guided kayak tour of the Nauset Marsh at low tide are $75 for adults and $60 for kids 12 and under.

•  See Boston Harbor from the bay. Check out the city’s skyline and learn about Boston’s (and the nation’s) history during a one-hour narrated sightseeing cruise. Ticket prices vary depending on the cruise you choose, but typically start at about $40 for adults.

•  Have a whale of a time in New Bedford. Learn about whales, whaling, and the ancient art of scrimshaw (intricate designs carved on ivory or bone by whalers) at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Tickets are $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, $13 for kids, and free for museum members. Add $4 to your ticket price to see a 3D movie.

Recommended: What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Massachusetts?

We all have different wants and needs, so it’s hard to say exactly how much money you might require to maintain a lifestyle that’s comfortable for you in Massachusetts. But building a life in the Bay State could be expensive compared to the cost of living in other states. U.S. News & World Report ranked Massachusetts 46th for cost of living and 47th for housing affordability in its most recent “Best States” listing. And remember, MERIC ranked Massachusetts as the second highest state in the U.S. for its overall cost of living.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Massachusetts?

These three cities in Massachusetts all have a low cost of living compared to other cities in the state, according to the Economic Research Institute (ERI):

Springfield

Springfield is popular for its scenic location alongside the Connecticut River and for its many recreational activities. It’s also an economic hub for the region, and is home to several large companies, including MassMutual and Big Y. There’s a zoo, an ice rink, and a symphony hall there, and a Six Flags theme park is located in nearby Agawam. The MassMutual Center hosts concerts, conventions, and other events, and it’s where the American Hockey League’s Springfield Thunderbirds play. Based on the ERI cost of living calculator, Springfield is 12% more expensive than the average city in the U.S. and 14% less expensive than the average city in Massachusetts.

New Bedford

New Bedford leans into its history as a whaling port and seat of Portuguese heritage. You’ll find plenty to explore, from beaches to museums to the Buttonwood Park Zoo. The city is still known for its strong ties to the seafood industry, and tourism is also important to the local economy. Based on the ERI cost of living calculator, New Bedford is 16% more expensive than the national average, and 11% less expensive than the average Massachusetts city.

Fall River

Fall River is another Massachusetts city that makes the most of its waterfront location. You’ll find the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels in the city’s Battleship Cove. And you can tour the home (and hunt for ghosts) at the Historic Lizzie Borden House. If you’re a fan of Portuguese cuisine, you’ll likely find the local restaurants serve many of your favorite dishes. Textile and apparel manufacturing, health care, and education are among Fall River’s largest industries. Based on the ERI cost of living calculator, Fall River is 9% more expensive than the national average, and 16% less expensive than the average Massachusetts city.

Helpful Resources for Future Massachusetts Residents

(Last Updated – September 3,2025)

If you’re looking for your own field of dreams in the heartland, Iowa is one of the most affordable places to live in the U.S. The average cost of living in Iowa is $47,833.

While you might love how affordable it is, the Hawkeye State might also win your heart with its easy way of life, low crime rate, vibrant culture, and good schools. Here’s a complete breakdown of how much living in Iowa will cost using the most recent data from Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the U.S. Census.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Iowa?

Average Cost of Living in Iowa: $47,833 per year

Good news for Iowans: The state has the second lowest cost of living among Midwestern states, beating out neighboring states like Minnesota, Illinois, and Nebraska. It’s also the sixth lowest cost of living in the U.S., according to MERIC data collected in 2024.

As we mentioned, the average cost of living is $47,833 per person, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Index. That translates to average monthly expenses of $3,986 per person.

Here’s what that looks like when broken down by spending category.

Housing Costs in Iowa

Median Housing Costs in Iowa: $741 to $1,494 per month

Relatively low housing costs make Iowa one of the best affordable places in the U.S. Iowa has 1,449,340 housing units and a 71.5% ownership rate, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. And as of August 2025, the average home price in Iowa is $233,008, per data compiled by Zillow.

Annual housing costs in Iowa average $7,743. When broken down by housing type and size, the numbers look like this:

•   Median monthly mortgage home loan cost: $1,494

•   Median studio rent: $851

•   Median one-bedroom rent: $741

•   Median two-bedroom rent: $959

•   Median three-bedroom rent: $1,166

•   Median four-bedroom rent: $1,274

•   Median five-bedroom rent: $1,153

•   Median gross rent: $949

These are the average home prices in some of the most popular cities in Iowa, according to Zillow’s August 2025 data.

Recommended: Finding Down Payment Assistance Programs

Utility Costs in Iowa

Average Utility Costs in Iowa: $331.60 per month

Monthly utility costs in Iowa are generally lower than most other states and can be broken down as follows:

Food & Beverage

Average Food & Beverage Costs in Iowa: $339 per month

Food costs in Iowa can take a bite out of your budget. Unfortunately, they’re slightly higher here than in neighboring Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Iowa’s per-capita annual cost of food and beverages is around $4,067. This breaks down to roughly $339 per month for an individual, or $1,355 per month for a family of four. Keep in mind that figure is just a state average. Costs will vary depending on where you are within Iowa.

The Council for Community and Economic Research tracks grocery costs across the country. Let’s take a look at the comparative grocery costs in Iowa for 2024, from lowest to highest. Note that the number 100 represents the national average.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Iowa: $10,760 to $20,022 per year

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Pikes Peak State Park or hitting the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, there’s no shortage of scenic drives in the Hawkeye State. Fortunately, fuel costs are generally in line with what you’d pay in nearby states, though the amount you pay will vary according to the type of car you drive and the size of your family.

Here are estimated monthly costs per MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Looking to slash your transportation costs? Iowa has a statewide public transit system, which includes service to rural areas of the state.

Health Care in Iowa

Average Health Care Costs in Iowa: $8,224 per person, per year

The average Iowan pays around $8,224 in health care costs each year, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures report. This is lower than the national average of $9,130. However, the amount you’ll pay will depend on a number of factors, including your age, medical needs, and the type of health insurance plan you have.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Iowa: $951 to $1,373 per child, per month

As with most states, the amount you pay for child care in Iowa will depend largely on the type of care and your child’s age. For instance, you’ll likely pay more for center-based toddler care than you will for home-based family child care.

Let’s take a look at average childcare costs in Iowa, per CostofChildCare.org.

If you need help finding child care near you, you may want to consider using Iowa Child Care Connect, an online tool the state launched in 2024.

Taxes

Average Taxes in Iowa: 3.8% flat tax

State tax collections per capita in Iowa are $4,034, which ranks 28th in the nation -– solidly in the middle of the pack.

The state of Iowa implemented a flat 3.8% tax on all income levels for 2025, replacing a tiered system. It’s one of the lowest in the nation.

Other tax rates in Iowa are as follows:

•  Effective property tax rate: 1.23%

•  Sales tax for combined state and local taxes: 6.94%

•  Corporate tax rate of 7.1%

Here’s how Iowa stacks up against nearby states.

Recommended: Mortgage Refinance

Miscellaneous Costs

Once you’ve covered your basic living expenses, you hopefully have enough left over in your budget to enjoy some everyday pleasures. Fortunately, some of Iowa’s biggest attractions are either free or reasonably priced. Take, for example, the “Field of Dreams” Movie Site, which lets you experience the baseball field and farmhouse made famous in the movie for a $20 suggested donation.

Here are some other local favorites worthy of a spot in your entertainment budget:

•  Maquoketa Caves State Park: $0

•  National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium: $24.95 per adult

•  Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: $12 per adult

•  All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club: $75 for two players, or $100 for four players for one-hour reservation

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Iowa?

We all have different wants and needs, so it’s hard to say exactly how much money you might require to maintain a lifestyle that’s comfortable for you in Iowa. But in Iowa, the odds are in your favor. The state shines when you compare its affordability to the cost of living in other states. Per MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single childless adult would need to make $40,540 a year before taxes to cover expenses in Iowa. U.S. News & World Report’s Best States ranking named Iowa as the most affordable state in 2025. And MERIC’s cost of living data also ranked Iowa as one of the top affordable states, at #10.

Explore the best affordable places in every state.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Iowa?

These three cities in Iowa all have a low cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index for 2024:

Des Moines

Nearly every city in Iowa can be considered affordable compared to most other states, which can be a good thing if you’re buying your first home. But certain areas are more budget-friendly than others.

Here are three of the lowest-cost cities in the state, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s 2024 Cost of Living Index.

Waterloo-Cedar Falls

There’s a lot for homebuyers to like about the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area. More than just the Black Hawk County Seat, it’s also a hotbed for jobs in manufacturing, technology, health care, education, and retail. And its varied landscape of prairie, wetland, and natural forest means there’s plenty of outdoor adventures to be enjoyed outside of the daily grind.

Burlington

Outsiders may know Burlington as the home of Snake Alley, a 275-foot-long street so curvaceous, Ripley’s Believe It or Not nicknamed it “Unbelievably Crooked.” But those in the know are also wise to the small town’s charm, much-lower-than-average housing prices, and enviable location along the Mississippi River.

Helpful Resources for Future Iowa Residents