The cost of living varies in different regions of America. America is considered as a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and the Federal District. Each US state has different circumstances and laws, which causes the difference in the level of costs. The cost of living is a global standard that defines how much money a person needs to live. The cost of living includes basic expenses such as housing, food, transportation, clothing, taxes, entertainment, equipment, and tuition fees
Lowest cost US states
Mississippi
According to the latest statistics, Mississippi ranks first among the US states. The Mississippi Cost of Living Index is 84.5 and has the lowest cost of housing in the country. The cost of living index in the United States is a number that shows the average cost of living in that country and is number 100. Areas with a cost-of-living index higher than 100 means they are more expensive than the US average, and if it is lower, the cost of living is lower than the US average. The average cost to purchase real estate in this state is $128,000 and the average rental price for a two-bedroom apartment in Mississippi is $746 per month. The median annual income in this state is $43,567.
Arkansas
Arkansas, with a score of 86.9, is the second lowest cost of living index in the United States. Housing, transportation, and health care, especially in Arkansas, are lower than in other parts of the country.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is the third least expensive US state with an index of 87. The cost of renting and buying a home in Oklahoma is also very low, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment averaging $879 per month, and the average cost of purchasing a property being $130,000. This state has low transportation costs. The wage level in this state is also low, at $46,613 a year.
The most expensive US
Hawaii State
Hawaii involves the highest cost of living index of 192.9. This means that the cost of living in Hawaii is 92.9% higher than the US average. Housing costs are also very high in Hawaii, where the monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $1,895, and the average home price is about $660,000. Food is also more expensive in Hawaii because it is an island and most of the goods must be transported there.
Colombia
Colombia has the highest cost of living index of 158.4, making this state the second most expensive state in the United States. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $2,776. The wage level in Washington DC is $67,867, the highest wage rate in the country.
California State
California has the third highest living expenses at 151.7. After Hawaii, California had the highest transportation cost index of 138.9 due to high gasoline prices in this state. The housing index is 227.3, and the cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment is $2,495 a month, which is higher in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Cost of living in America per month
Costs are lower in smaller towns as well as in rural areas. As elsewhere, housing costs make up the highest portion of daily expenses, equal to 30 percent of a person’s income. The monthly cost of living in America is higher than in other western countries in terms of food prices, especially fresh foods and healthy foods.
Transportation fee
Public transportation in major cities in the United States includes buses, trains, subways, and taxis, so it is very convenient. Expenses will vary because the price of gas varies in many places. Gas costs about $3.50 per gallon. If you’re in an area with public transportation, you can get a monthly pass for about $50 to $60, and some areas have student discounts.
Education cost
Education in the United States can be very expensive and fees vary widely depending on the educational institution. For international students, tuition costs can be higher. Pricing structures also differ for public and private organizations. The best universities in the United States offer financial aid grants to international students or students with financial needs.
Housing costs in America
One of the things that has always been changing in the United States is the cost of housing and rent. Accommodation costs are one of the main criteria in choosing an immigration destination. The average cost of renting an apartment in the United States can be as high as $500 in rural areas. In general, the United States is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world, and the most expensive cities in the United States are Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, New York and Los Angeles. Naturally, the further away from the city center, the lower the cost of housing and living.
Health service costs in America
The cost of medical services is one of the most important costs in America. What is taken into consideration in making the immigration decision is the cost of medical services in the country of destination. Health services in America are very expensive. One of the most important requirements for living in this country is health insurance to cover part of the expenses in this field. There are different health insurance programs and plans, the insurance covers a specific portion of the costs according to the chosen plan and the fees that are paid monthly. A medical examination by a family doctor costs $155, the average price for drugs is $9, and the average cost for antibiotics is $23
Food Costs
With most places in the world including the European region, food and groceries are very expensive in the USA. Whereas, a person living in the USA spends on average between 300 and 470 USD per month on food and groceries.The price can go up or down depending on where you live and what type of food you eat on a regular basis. You can lower the cost of groceries and foods by buying them from a supermarket or chain store. Eating out at a good restaurant can be quite expensive especially if you live in one of the biggest cities like San Francisco, Washington DC or New York City
