By Kenny Zhu

(Last Updated – 04/2025)

With beautiful coastal views and some of the best seafood in the country, Maine’s a popular destination.

From the scenic overlooks by the sea at Acadia National Park to the lush forests of the Pequawket Trail, Maine’s picturesque landscapes hold allure.

With just under 1.4 million residents, the Pine Tree State is tucked away in the northeasternmost corner of the United States and just may be one the country’s best-kept secrets, especially if you enjoy comfortable summers and freezing, snowy winters.

Let’s look further into the cost of living in Maine.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Maine?

Average Cost of Living in Maine: $60,250 per year

Maine has the lowest cost of living in New England, beating out all five of its neighbors, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont, according to recent Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) data. The closest contender in terms of value was Rhode Island, followed by New Hampshire, which each fell just short of their northern neighbor.

How does this look in terms of everyday costs? The average annual cost of living in Maine is $60,250, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) data for 2024. The breakdown of those costs is as follows:

That translates to nearly $5,021 per month, per person.

Housing Costs in Maine

Average Housing Costs in Maine: $937 to $1,640 per month

The median sales price of homes in Maine was $393,890 in March 2025 — slightly more than the national average home value in the U.S., which is $357,138, according to Zillow.

Here are median monthly mortgage payment and rental costs for Maine, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,657

•  Median studio rent: $937

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $969

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,271

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,424

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,640

•  Median gross rent: $1,189

As of February 2025, home prices across Maine rose by more than 5% year-over-year, while the number of homes for sale rose by almost 20%, Redfin found. There is still high demand for Maine homes, with data showing 25.1% of homes in Maine sold above list price and only 14.6% of homes had price drops – but both those trends are down slightly from the same time last year.

The Portland, Maine area has been especially popular. A typical home there is now a significant amount more than as a similar property in Bangor, Augusta, or Lewiston, per March 2025 Zillow data.

Utility Costs in Maine

Average Utility Costs in Maine: $408 per month

Maine’s deep winters are no joke, and keeping a lid on utility costs is key to making it through the most frigid months.

Here are Maine’s average monthly utility costs. Your results may vary according to your property and geography.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States, by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in New England: $440 per person, per month

When it comes to groceries, Maine is more affordable when it comes to buying food within the New England region. Portland, Maine, was ranked the third least expensive city for groceries among the nine major New England cities surveyed.

However, this is all relative, as grocery shopping in New England is still slightly more expensive than the national average.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis lists the average Mainer’s annual outlay for nonrestaurant food and beverages as $5,279, which translates to around $440 per month for the average individual.

The Council for Community and Economic Research ranks grocery costs for major metropolitan areas in the United States. Like most other expenses, New England scored above average in terms of grocery costs, as per 2024 data.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Maine: $10,329 to $19,220 per year

As any true Mainer knows, distance in Maine is measured in time, not miles. Locking down transportation costs is especially important, given the hours that Maine’s residents spend on the road getting from point A to point B.

Residents actually fare well in this category, as Maine has some of the lowest transportation costs in the nation. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked Maine as the cheapest state for car insurance in the country.

Here are average yearly transportation costs in Maine, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for 2025.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Maine: $10,062 per person, per year

Maine falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to health care costs, according to a national study by U.S. News that ranks states on health care accessibility and affordability.

The average Mainer spends $10,062 a year on health care, according to the 2024 Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures report. Of course the figures can vary widely, given people’s differing needs and coverage.

Maine residents looking for affordable health insurance can compare plans at CoverME.gov.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Maine: $973 to $1,622 or more per child, per month

Child care costs are a significant portion of a family’s monthly budget, but the expenses can vary depending on the age of the child and type of care.

Families seeking trusted child care providers, or who want to learn about where they can get help paying for child care, can find out more at ChildCareChoices.me.

Here are the average monthly child care costs in Maine, according to the most recent data from CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Maine: 7.15%

Maine’s highest marginal tax rate is 7.15%, says the Tax Foundation. Like most U.S. states, Maine has a graduated income tax structure.

Maine also has a state sales tax of 5.5%, while homeowners currently pay an average effective annual property tax of 1.1% at the state level.

Maine’s income taxes are around average, compared with New England and to the nation as a whole. While it’s certainly no state income-tax haven like Florida or Nevada, Maine is still a far cry from states with high tax burdens, like California, which has a top individual income tax bracket of 13.3%.

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that we’re done worrying about statistics, let’s check out what locals pay for food and fun in the Pine Tree State. (Prices are accurate as of March 2025.)

•  Tuck in to a Maine lobster roll at The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport: $31.95

•  Enjoy New England clam chowder at Gilbert’s Chowder House in Portland: $7.25 to $16.95

•  Pay for one private vehicle entrance pass to Acadia National Park: $35 for seven days. Timed reservation for the Cadillac Summit Road (May-Oct), $6

•  Grab tickets for York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo: $18 (adults) and $11.50 (kids) (Ages 2 and younger are free)

•  Buy a single-day lift ticket at Sugarloaf Mountain: Passes start at $72, depending on day of the week

•  Take the historical 30-minute brewery tour at Allagash Brewery in Portland: $10 for designated drivers (no tasting) and $20 for visitors age 21+ (includes tasting)

Having lobster for dinner every night might not be the best financial decision, but if that’s your choice, Maine might be the best place to do it. In 2023, Maine fishermen harvested nearly 94 million pounds of lobster, per data from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. That was actually a 15% decrease in harvest from the year before, but netted greater prices at the dock, due to the higher value of lobster.

Did you know that Maine has the second most craft breweries per capita of any state in the United States, after Vermont? As of 2023, Maine had 156 licensed craft beer breweries. That’s not surprising when the state’s roster boasts national hoppy heavy hitters like Allagash and Shipyard Brewing Co.

Scenic drives and hikes are free. So is gazing at the state’s 65 lighthouses and, in September, exploring over two dozen historic beacons during Maine Open Lighthouse Day.

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

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

According to MIT’s Living Wage calculator, an average single, childless individual would need an annual salary of $48,298 to make do. In other words, a living wage in Maine is seen as $23.22 an hour, assuming you work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year.

In general, Maine ranks near the middle in terms of affordability when compared with the rest of the nation. The state ranks 29th on U.S. News and World Report’s Affordability Ranking. Other New England states ranked far worse in terms of affordability, however, with Vermont coming in at 32, Rhode Island at 38, Connecticut at 43, New Hampshire at 44, and Massachusetts at 46.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in New England?

To compare the cost of living in Maine, let’s take a gander at the cities with the lowest cost of living in New England, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index for 2024.

By Jamie Cattanach

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

Peaches, pecans, and a plethora of historical and cultural attractions make it easy to understand why so many people have Georgia on their minds.

From the skyscrapers of Atlanta to the dangling Spanish moss over Savannah’s storied squares — and with tons of quaint Southern towns in between — plenty of folks are joining Georgia’s communities. In fact, Georgia is one of a handful of U.S. states whose population has increased by over 1% in the last year, per Census data which found it’s the seventh fastest growing state in the country.

Better yet for prospective Georgians, the state has a relatively low cost of living — though your mileage may vary if you opt for a major metropolis like Atlanta.

Below, find an up-close and personal look at the cost of living in Georgia.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Georgia?

Average Cost of Living in Georgia: $50,282 per year

If you’re considering relocating to Georgia, here’s some good news for your monthly budget: Georgia enjoys the twelfth-lowest cost of living in the United States, according to the most recent MERIC data . While its western next-door neighbor, Alabama, is cheaper on average, holding the fifth-lowest spot on the list, and Tennessee came in tenth.

But what does that look like in real-life terms? According to recent data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average total personal consumption cost in Georgia is $50,282 per year, broken down like this:

Housing Costs in Georgia

Average Housing Costs in Georgia: $1,329 to $2,290 per month

Keeping a roof over your head in Georgia can be expensive, but it can also be pretty darn affordable. Georgia boasts more than 4.6 million housing units, per recent U.S. Census Bureau data — a good number for its 11.2 million residents. Zillow notes that Georgia’s average home value was $326,316 in February 2025. For comparison, they note that the median value of an existing home in the U.S. was $357,138.

Here’s what that looks like on a monthly basis, per data from the U.S. Census Bureau:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,712

•  Median studio rent: $1,565

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,329

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,331

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,400

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,831

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $2,290

•  Median gross rent: $1,400

Recommended: Atlanta Housing Market: Trends and Prices

Of course, exact figures will depend on your specific location. Here are the typical home values for 19 major Georgia cities, according to Zillow in February 2025, from lowest to highest.

Utility Costs in Georgia

Average Utility Costs in Georgia: $412 per month

Keeping the home fires burning is an important part of anyone’s monthly budget. Here’s how utility costs break down in Georgia.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States, by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Georgia: $370 per person, per month

You gotta eat — and stray peach trees won’t sustain you forever. But how much will you have to spend on food in Georgia?

As mentioned, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates Georgia’s average annual (nonrestaurant) food cost per capita at $4,444. When we divide that by 12, we get about $370 per person, per month.

Of course, that figure will vary significantly depending on where, exactly, in Georgia you are. For example, a loaf of bread costs about $4.17 in Savannah, whereas that same loaf costs only $3.81 in the Statesboro area.

The Council for Community and Economic Research ranks the food costs in major American cities. Here are the most recent rankings for Georgia cities’ grocery costs, from lowest to highest.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Georgia: $10,300 to $19,166 per year

Whether it’s commuting to work or schlepping your Atlanta Brave-in-training to baseball practice, you’ve gotta get around. The specific transportation costs you’ll incur depend on how many adults and children are in your family and how many of the adults are earners, but here’s a basic breakdown, according to the most recent data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Georgia: $8,008 per person, per year

The average annual per-capita cost of health care in Georgia is $8,008, according to the most recent Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report.

Obviously, specific costs will vary depending on how many people are in your family, what your health insurance coverage looks like, and how often you need medical attention.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Georgia: $664 to $1,091 or more per child, per month

The cost of child care is a large but necessary expense for most parents, though there is some wiggle room depending on what kind of care you’re seeking.

For example, classroom care is generally more affordable than home-based family child care, and you may be able to find local nanny shares and other options to help lower the overall cost. The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning also offers parents a slate of resources for finding excellent care programs in your community.

Here are the average child care costs in Georgia, per the most recent data from CostofChildCare.org:

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Georgia: 5.39%

Along with your federal income tax, Georgia — like most other states — also assesses a state income tax, which is offered in graduated brackets depending on your income level.

Per the Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, the top marginal tax rate in Georgia is 5.39%. While it’s not the highest in the country (for comparison, South Carolina’s rate is 6.2%, and California’s is 13.3%), it’s not the lowest, either, and it’s worth taking into consideration if you’re deciding whether or not to establish residency in Georgia.

Miscellaneous Costs

All right. We’ve covered all the boring stuff — staying housed, fed, and in the government’s good graces. What about the fun expenses?

As mentioned above, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates personal expenditures at $27,598 per person, per year. Here’s where some of that money might be going (costs are as of March 2025):

•  Tickets to a home game to watch the Atlanta Braves: start at $15 for standing-room-only upper deck tickets and go up to $566 for the choicest seats

•  Annual membership for Stone Mountain Park: $64.99 per person over 12, $61.99 for children ages 3-11

•  One-day tickets to Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell: $35 per person and up, with additional discounts available.

•  A fried chicken dinner at Savannah’s famous Olde Pink House: $35.95, plus tax, tip, drinks and other items

•  A hearty portion of homemade peach cobbler at Ms. Ruby’s Peach Cobbler Cafe in Atlanta: $8.99

The good news is, plenty of Georgia’s best attractions are 100% free: You can enjoy a stellar sunrise on the beach at Tybee Island, dawdle in Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery, stand in awe of (and maybe some confusion at) the Georgia Guidestones, and wander along Atlanta’s hip urban walking and biking path, the Beltline, without paying a dime.

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

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

Obviously, “comfortable” means something different to everyone — and the amount of money you’ll need to feel comfortable in Georgia (or anywhere, for that matter) will depend on how many people are in your family, what your lifestyle is like, and many other factors.

That said, Georgia ranks 25th on U.S. News and World Report’s Affordability Ranking, which specifically measures the average cost of living in a given state against the average amount of money most households have.

And MERIC puts the state in fifth place on its lowest-cost-of-living list, which is to say: It can be pretty darn cheap to live here, relatively speaking (and, again, depending on where you are and what your life is like).

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Georgia?

To stack the odds in your favor for enjoying a comfortable, low-cost lifestyle in Georgia, we’ve gathered the three major cities with the lowest cost of living, according to the latest Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.

By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

There’s a reason Florida is called the Sunshine State. Along with really fresh orange juice, Florida residents enjoy an average of 237 sunny days every year, compared with the U.S. average of 205.

You also don’t have to worry about any snowy days, because Florida averages zero inches of snow per year, whereas the nationwide average is 28 inches.

All of those beach days are appealing, but how much does it cost to live in the boating and fishing capital of the world? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers to see what the cost of living in Florida is so you can decide if living in Florida makes sense for your wallet.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Florida?

Average Cost of Living in Florida: $60,204 per year

If you dream of days spent on sandy Florida beaches, your wallet is in luck. Florida residents enjoy the 35th-lowest cost of living in the United States — or 15th-highest — according to the most recent MERIC data. While 35th place may not seem like much to brag about, when you compare what it would cost you to enjoy California’s beaches as a resident, your monthly budget is getting a break. California has the third-highest cost of living in the country.

Rankings give a look at the bigger picture, but what is the cost of living in Florida? Using the most recent data, the Bureau of Economic Analysis found that the average total personal consumption cost in Florida is $60,204 per year. Here’s how that breaks down.

That translates to about $5,017 per person, per month.

Housing Costs in Florida

Average Housing Costs in Florida: $1,480 to $2,725 per month

No matter where you live, one of your largest ongoing expenses will be paying for housing. Florida has around 10.5 million housing units, according to the most recent census data, so there’s an array of housing options throughout the state. How much do those housing options cost? Zillow listed the typical value of Florida homes at about $385,851 in February 2025, compared with a U.S. median existing-home value of $357,138 the previous month.

Here’s what monthly housing prices can look like in Florida, according to the latest census data:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,860

•  Median studio rent: $1,480

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,506

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,712

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,933

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $2,205

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $2,725

•  Median gross rent: $1,719

Housing prices vary throughout the state, so let’s examine the typical home values for 20 major Florida cities, per Zillow, in February 2025. Here they are, from lowest to highest.

Utility Costs in Florida

Average Utility Costs in Florida: $422 per month

Utility costs can vary a lot, depending on your state, whether you rely on natural gas, the size and age of your home, and age of appliances. Here’s what you can expect to spend in Florida.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States, by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Florida: $395 per person, per month

One ongoing expense is groceries and eating out. Where you live can affect how much you’ll spend on food.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average Floridian’s annual nonrestaurant food cost is $4,736, so that’s about $395 per month. A family of four can expect to spend $1,576 per month on groceries, more or less.

The Council for Community and Economic Research, which ranks the food costs in major American cities, ranked Florida cities’ most recent average grocery costs from lowest to highest.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Florida: $9,103 to $16,938 per year

No matter where you live in the country, transportation costs can add up. Throw kids into the mix, and costs rise.

Here’s what transportation can cost in Florida, according to the most recent data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Florida: $8,996 per person, per year

The average annual per-capita cost of health care in Florida is $8,996, the most recent Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report found.

It’s worth noting that how much you spend on health care will depend on your unique medical needs and health insurance coverage.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Florida: $702 to $1,364 or more per child, per month

Many parents know the struggle of budgeting for child care. Where you live and the type of care you choose can have an effect on how much you spend.

In Florida if you need care for an infant, you’ll find that home-based family child care is much less expensive than an infant classroom. But once your child gets a little bit older, you’ll save by choosing the toddler classroom route. Let’s take a look at average child care costs in Florida, per recent data from CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Florida: None

Ready for some good news? Florida residents aren’t charged any state income tax, as noted by the Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets.

If you like the idea of getting away from state income taxes, then you’ll appreciate that the following states also don’t charge state income tax: Alaska, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. The state of Washington does not charge a state income tax, but does tax capital gains income of high-earning individuals at 7%.

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that you have a general idea of what the essentials will cost you, let’s chat about some of the nonessentials that make life fun.

If personal expenditures average $33,112 per person, per year in Florida, this is where Floridians may be spending some of that money (costs are accurate as of March 2025):

•  Disney has 4 theme parks and 2 water parks for the family to enjoy in Florida. Walt Disney World annual passes at the park in Orlando, start at $469 per year (plus tax), per person and go as high as $1,549, with additional options to add on. A single-day theme park ticket for ages 10 and up starts at $119. Florida residents are eligible for discounted tickets and passes.

•  A day at the Miami Zoo is a much more affordable way to enjoy some family time. Tickets are $25.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids 3-12, and children 2 and under are free.

•  To get up close and personal with the alligators Florida is famous for, Gatorland tickets start at $24.99 (kids 3-12) and $34.99 (adults), with additional discounts also available for the theme park in Southchase.

•  Dine like a true Floridian with a slice of key lime pie from Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo: $6.99

•  Visit Dry Tortugas National Park via boat with a trip on the Yankee Freedom Ferry from Key West. Adult tickets start at $235 and include lunch, snorkeling equipment, entrance fee to the historic fort, and more. Discounts are available.

•  The best news is that a day spent on one of Florida’s beaches won’t set you back anything, aside from parking and snacks. Approximately 90% of Florida’s beaches and coastal access points are open to the public.

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

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

While your definition of what it means to live comfortably will be unique to you and your needs, we all have a basic standard of living we hope to meet without having to feel excess financial pressure. If you have your heart set on moving to Florida, you may or may not find it hard to live comfortably.

According to U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings, Florida is 39 out of 50. That finding falls close to the MERIC data that ranked Florida the 35th most expensive state.

What Cities Have a Low Cost of Living in Florida?

These three Florida cities have the lowest cost of living, according to the most recent Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index composite scores.

By Kenny Zhu

(Last Updated – 04/2025)

The birthplace of bourbon, Abraham Lincoln, and the famed Kentucky Derby has a lot to be proud of.

From the majestic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the legendary distilleries of the “bourbon trail,” Kentucky is chock-full of history, beauty, and culture.

Its 4.5 million residents can testify that there are plenty of reasons to check out the Bluegrass State, and its low cost of living is one of them. Here are details about the various expenses that make up the cost of living in Kentucky.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Kentucky?

Average Cost of Living in Kentucky: $47,272 per year

The average cost of living in Kentucky is $47,272 per person, according to recent personal consumption expenditure data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Living in Kentucky is generally very affordable; Kentucky was ranked the state with the seventh-lowest cost of living in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Here’s a breakdown of the average annual expenditures by category.

Housing Costs in Kentucky

Average Housing Costs in Kentucky: $794 to $1,393 per month

Kentucky’s typical home value in February 2025 was $211,465, Zillow said. Compare that with the national median sales price of $357,138 for U.S. homes, according to Zillow.

Kentucky housing prices are more affordable than the rest of the country for both renting and owning.

However, Kentucky isn’t immune to the rising home prices seen around the country. Kentucky home prices rose 4.7% over the past year, which is actually faster than the average growth in U.S. home prices over that same period: 3.0%, according to Redfin.

Recent census data provides a sense of typical monthly housing costs.

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,393

•  Median studio rent: $794

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $797

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $917

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,078

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,099

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,309

•  Median gross rent: $929

Housing costs will vary depending on your location. Take a look at the typical home values for major cities in Kentucky, according to Zillow February 2025 housing data.

Utility Costs in Kentucky

Average Utility Costs in Kentucky: $359 per month

Utility expenses will take a bite out of your monthly budget. Here are some of the typical utility charges that Kentuckians pay every month.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Kentucky: $352 per person, per month

If Kentucky’s average monthly cost for nonrestaurant food and groceries is $4,226, that’s about $352 a month.

Of course, food costs will vary widely depending on where you live within the state. For example, food in Lexington can be more affordable when compared with other major cities in the south. On the same scale, a more cosmopolitan city like Louisville is more costly.

Below are the city rankings from the most recent report by the Council for Community and Economic Research for food costs in Kentucky and four of its neighboring states, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Kentucky: $10,480 to $19,500 per year

Whether you’re commuting to work or making an annual pilgrimage to see the University of Kentucky’s Wildcats play, transportation costs can add up. What’s more, these figures will change depending on the size of your household.

Here’s a breakdown of transportation costs in Kentucky, according to the most recent data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Kentucky: $9,463 per person, per year

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ latest report, annual health care costs in Kentucky are typically around $9,463 per person. That works out to around $789 per person per month.

The total costs will vary depending on the quality of an individual’s health insurance and their medical needs.

Those looking for affordable health insurance in Kentucky can find more information through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Kentucky: $750 to $1,189 per child, per month

Child care costs can really put a dent in parents’ budgets. How much of a dent can depend on the type of care sought.

For parents unable to bear the full brunt, the state Child Care Assistance Program helps eligible families pay for child care.

Typical costs in Kentucky, according to CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

Kentucky state income tax: 4.0%

Kentucky is one of 11 states with a single-rate income tax structure, meaning that all Kentucky residents pay the same income tax rate regardless of how much they earn.

Meanwhile, the majority of U.S. states employ graduated-rate income tax structures, as does the federal government.

A flat tax of 4.0% is levied on income earned in Kentucky as of January 1, 2025, which is slightly below the national average. However, local cities and counties can levy additional income taxes on top of the state tax.

According to the Tax Foundation’s State Tax Competitiveness Index, Kentucky ranks 22nd in terms of its effective tax rate, placing it in the lower-to-middle end of the country when it comes to tax burdens. Tax burden measures the total amount of taxes paid, including sales, income, and property taxes.

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that we’re done with everyday expenses, let’s take a look at the price tags on the local food and fun that Kentucky’s known for.

•  General admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby: start at $75

•  A “Hot Brown” open faced sandwich smothered in gravy at The Brown Hotel in Louisville: $31

•  A 30-minute tour at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont: $20 (adults 21+)

•  A mint julep at The Silver Dollar in Louisville: $12

•  Ticket to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory tour: $24 (ages 13-59), $23 (60+), $16 (6-12), Free (5 and younger).

Dressing up in Southern digs and attending the Kentucky Derby costs as little as $75, but choice seats for the Derby can easily cost thousands of dollars, and exclusive seats for the elite few can cost almost $300,000 for the most luxury of suites.

Whiskey aficionados will fit right in, as Kentucky happens to be the birthplace of bourbon; legend has it that Elijah Craig invented Kentucky bourbon using charred barrel-aging techniques. Today, 95% of the world’s bourbon is made and aged in Kentucky.

Connoisseurs who want to check out the bourbon production process can take the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which tours some of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries. Admission to each distillery can cost anywhere from $5 to $20, and locations open to tours include household names like Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, and Maker’s Mark.

Whether you’re munching on a Hot Brown sandwich while sipping any kind of “coke,” or enjoying mint juleps at the Derby, the Bluegrass State has something for everyone.

A word about that nickname: It’s not about music; it’s about grass.

Recommended: Average Monthly Expenses for One Person

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

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the average single, childless individual working a standard 40-hour work week, 52 weeks a year, needs to earn $20.09 per hour, or approximately $41,787 a year, to qualify for a living wage.

As mentioned, Kentucky has the seventh-lowest cost of living in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings. Within the Southeast, Kentucky has the third-lowest cost of living among 12 states.

MERIC ranks Kentucky a bit less affordable, placing the state 17th in its most recent Cost of Living data series. That means Kentucky is still among the 25 states with the lowest cost of living, in MERIC’s assessment.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in the Southeast?

To give you a sense of how the cost of living compares in Kentucky, here are two of its cities’ cost-of-living details, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.

By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

People can’t seem to get enough of those Idaho potatoes. Why do we say that? According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Idaho’s population grew at a rate of 8.8% over the last four years. Compared to the percent population growth across the entire country, which was just 2.6% during that same period, Idaho is growing by leaps and bounds.

Even though it has just over 2 million residents, Idaho still only averages around 14 people per square mile. Compared to California, which hosts 253 residents per square mile on average, Idaho is roomy!

Let’s take a closer look at what it costs to build a life in the Gem State.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Idaho?

Average Cost of Living in Idaho: $46,270 per year

If you move to Idaho, you won’t be looking at a particularly expensive or particularly affordable lifestyle. According to the most recent Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) data collected from the annual Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) survey, Idaho has the 32nd-lowest cost of living in the United States — the 18th highest, in other words.

For a lower cost of living, you might want to head to Montana, which ranked 22nd on MERC’s list, or to Wyoming, which has the 25th lowest cost of living per the C2ER survey.

While these rankings give a general idea of how expensive a state is to live in, you may still wonder: What is the average cost of living in Idaho?

You can expect to spend about $46,270 a year on total personal consumption, according to recent data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis . This is how that lump sum breaks down.

That’s about $3,856 in average monthly expenses for each Idahoan.

Housing Costs in Idaho

Average Housing Costs in Idaho: $963 to $1,772 per month

Housing is likely your biggest ongoing expense, no matter what state you live in. The typical Idaho home value was about $456,464 in February 2025, compared with a typical U.S. home value of $357,138 nationwide, according to Zillow.

Home sales in Idaho have settled down from a frenzied pace in 2021, when nearly 40% of homes sold above list price (an indicator that they received multiple offers). As of February 2025, just over 10% of homes sold above list price, showing a less competitive housing market per Redfin data.

Whether you own or rent, as well as how large your rental is, can affect how much you’ll spend monthly. Here’s what that spending might look like, according to the most recent census data:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,610

•  Median studio rent: $1,151

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $963

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,183

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,558

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,772

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,748

•  Median gross rent: $1,256

The specific area of Idaho you live in can also affect how much you’ll spend. These are the typical home values for some of Idaho’s major cities, according to recent Zillow data.

Utility Costs in Idaho

Average Utility Costs in Idaho: $299 per month

Another ongoing expense you need to budget for is utilities. This is what that spending may look like in an average month in Idaho.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States, by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Idaho: $318 per person, per month

How much should you anticipate spending on food in Idaho?

The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that Idaho’s average annual (nonrestaurant) food cost is $3,813 per person, so that’s about $318 a month.

The Council for Community and Economic Research ranks the food costs in major American cities. The only Idaho city researchers examined was Boise. To put that data in some perspective, here are grocery item index scores from major cities in neighboring states. These are their respective grocery costs ranking using the most recent data.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Idaho: $10,849 to $20,188 per year

How much you’ll spend getting around each year is affected by where you live and what your or your family’s transportation needs are.

Here’s a glimpse at what it may cost to get from place to place in Idaho, according to the most recent data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Idaho: $7,507 per person, per year

Health care is a major expense in every state in the country. In Idaho, the average annual cost of health care is $7,507 per person, according to the most recent report of Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State.

How much you would actually spend depends on location, medical needs, and coverage.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Idaho: $728 to $1,002 or more per child, per month

Funding child care is a challenge for many parents, which isn’t surprising when you can spend around $1,000 a month on child care in states like Idaho.

Residents who need help financing child care in Idaho can look into the Idaho Child Care Program, which pays part of child care costs for eligible working families.

This is what the average child care costs are in Idaho, according to the most recent data from CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Idaho: 5.695%

As of January 1, 2025, Idaho assesses a flat rate of 5.695% on taxable income, according to the Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets.

Idaho’s flat rate of 5.695% is the second highest among the current flat tax states, of which there are 15 states, including Idaho (Washington state topped the list with a rate of 7%). The most recent ranking of State Tax Competitiveness puts Idaho at 11th among the most competitive tax systems.

High taxes do compel folks to seek greener pastures. In fact, in the last fiscal year, Idaho was the second most popular destination for Americans moving to new states where the taxes were lower.

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that we know what it costs to live in Idaho, let’s dive into what it costs to have some fun in this state.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis says personal expenditures for the average Idahoan are $23,909 per year. Here’s where some of that spending may be going (costs are accurate as of March 2025).

•  A family visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Arco, Carey, and Rupert, Idaho: $20 a day, for seven consecutive days, for a group entering in a single private vehicle. Visit historic lava flow sites, caves, and more in this “weird and scenic landscape.”

•  A 25-minute narrated ferry boat tour of the Snake River near Idaho Falls: $8-$40, varies by weight (kids under 30 lbs ride free).

•  A trip to Zoo Boise to get up close with the animals: $0 to $13 depending on age.

•  A single-day lift ticket at Schweitzer mountain near Sandpoint: $63 (ages 7-17), $105 (ages 18-64), $95 (ages 65-79).

•  Trick a friend with an optical illusion for dessert and try an “ice cream potato” at the Westside Drive in located in Boise: $6.69

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

What it means to live “comfortably” in Idaho will depend on your lifestyle, income, family size, and more. That said, you can get a general idea of how accessible living comfortably is in each state.

Idaho ranks 23rd on U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings, which measure the average cost of living in each state against the average amount of money most households have there. The state came out higher on the magazine’s overall ranking, however, as the 5th best state overall.

MERIC viewed the affordability in Idaho less favorably, ranking the state as having the 32nd lowest cost of living in the United States (or 18th highest).

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in and Around Idaho?

The Council for Community and Economic Research focused on just Boise in their affordability study, but here’s how the city stacks up to two other nearby cities with similar populations.