Top 10 Most Expensive States by Cost-of-Living Index (2025)

This graph highlights the ten most expensive states in the U.S. based on their 2025 cost-of-living index scores. Hawaii tops the list with a score of 186.9, making it nearly twice as costly as the U.S. average. Massachusetts (145.9) and California (144.8) follow.

The Cost-of-Living Index (COLI) compiles the six subcategories (housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods. Cost of living indexes are calculated by determining a baseline for comparison. The average COL in the United States used as the baseline, is set at 100. States are then measured against this baseline. Ex: a state with a COL index of 200 is twice as expensive as the national average, living in a state with an index of 50 will cost about half the national average
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