If you are relocating to America, you may be interested in the cost of living across different states. Whether you decide to move to Mississippi, New Jersey, Oregon, California, or any other state, you will encounter significantly varied lifestyles. This is especially relevant for immigrants aiming to save money to thrive or support friends and family in their home country. In this article, we will examine several states.
Living in Mississippi
There are numerous advantages to residing in the Southern state of Mississippi. Bordered by the mighty Mississippi River to the west, the state boasts stunning natural landscapes that offer ample opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, and more, in addition to being a rich agricultural resource.
Mississippi is renowned as the birthplace of blues music and for its delicious Southern cuisine. Its small and mid-sized cities serve as diverse hubs for industry, music, art, and culture, populated by friendly and welcoming residents that contribute to its reputation as the Hospitality State.
Living in Mississippi is also highly affordable, with a cost of living below the national average. Whether you seek a city with outdoor access or a vibrant live music scene, Mississippi offers a variety of options at different price points to accommodate any budget.
Living in New Jersey
Households in New Jersey earn substantially more than the national average, but this comes with a caveat: the cost of living is considerably higher.
The cost of living in New Jersey is elevated across almost every city. For instance, residing in Hoboken is 77 percent more expensive and living in Newark is 19.1 percent more costly compared to the national average, with these figures continuing to rise.
The median household income in New Jersey from 2018 to 2022 was $97,126, which is more than $20,000 above the 2022 national average of $74,580, according to census data.
Simultaneously, the living wage in New Jersey is $84,278, while the national living wage is approximately $68,500 after taxes, as reported by MIT’s Living Wage data.
These variations can differ from city to city and state to state based on specific local costs for food, childcare, healthcare, housing, transportation, clothing, personal care items, broadband, and tax rates. If you are considering moving to New Jersey, a good area to consider living is in Jersey City, near the 819 West Side LLC development
Living in Oregon
Housing in this region is more expensive compared to New Jersey. Additionally, transportation costs in Oregon surpass those in any other state, including California, primarily due to gasoline taxes. While Oregon offers high-paying jobs, they come with higher costs of living. Housing prices have risen by 30.5% from 2010 to 2020 due to high demand and limited supply, as reported by Filterbuy in 2021.
Gas prices in Oregon are also elevated compared to other states due to limited refining capacity. Furthermore, Oregon's prohibition on self-serve gas pumping necessitates additional costs associated with employing gas station attendants.
Since 2001, Oregon’s economy has expanded 16% faster than the national average. Bend, the third-fastest growing city in the nation, is located in Oregon. Approximately half of Oregon's 4 million residents live in the vibrant city of Portland, where average housing costs and salaries typically exceed the statewide median home price of $355,000 and median salary of $53,890. In 2019, Oregon became the first state to implement statewide rent control laws aimed at maintaining affordable rental housing for all residents.
Living in California
Similar to New York, housing costs here are prohibitively expensive, slightly higher than those in the Empire State. Additionally, transportation costs in California are significant, second only to Oregon for similar reasons; groceries and utilities are also costly. Overall, prices are highest in coastal urban areas.
California is known for its high costs in housing, gas, utilities, and food. Well-paid workers, especially in the tech sector, have increased demand in a housing market that lacks sufficient units. Approximately 40% of homeowners and 50% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
Gas prices in California are elevated due to supply issues, stringent state regulations, and high taxes. The state's gas tax, at 53.9 cents per gallon, is second only to Pennsylvania.
The Golden State hosts several of the most expensive cities in the country, including San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Home prices near these cities elevate the state median sale price to $518,000. Additionally, California has the highest state income tax rate at 13.3% on an average income of $61,290. Gasoline prices can exceed $4 per gallon, roughly a dollar more than the national average.
Which ever state you decide to reside in we hope all of your travels will be safe!
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