You need to be on the lookout for two types of politicians.
The first, and rarest, of politicians looks to maximize the happiness and freedom of his constituents, lowering taxes and regulations as much as possible.
The second type of politician views constituents as piggy banks, from which he may draw unlimited tax dollars in order to fund his personal agenda.
It’s no surprise that the politicians in the second group end up raising the cost of living for their states’ residents. Smart Asset reports on the most expensive states in America, writing:
- In most states, a family of four needs at least $200,000 a year to live comfortably. That threshold applies in 40 states for households with two working adults and two children.
- Massachusetts and Hawaii are the most expensive states to live comfortably. Massachusetts is the most expensive state for a family of four, with an income requirement of $329,555. Hawaii is the most expensive state for single adults, who need $129,002.
- Montana had the largest increase in the income needed to live comfortably. For a single adult, that threshold rose 8.6% since 2025, the largest increase in the study.
- Mississippi and West Virginia are the least expensive states to live comfortably. Mississippi is the least expensive state for a family of four, with an income requirement of $187,533. West Virginia is the least expensive state for single adults, who need $81,245.
- In six states, the income needed to live comfortably declined since 2025. Those states are Tennessee, Maryland, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi and Texas. In each, a single adult needs less income in 2026 than in 2025.
Smart Asset reports that the ten most expensive states in which to live comfortably are:
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Washington
- Oregon
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Maryland
Action Line: It’s tough to live in some states because they’re remote or lack resources; it’s tougher still when their politicians place undue burdens on voters. If you’re looking for a better America, begin your search with Your Survival Guy’s 2026 Super States, and click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
