These Are the Top 10 Most Expensive States For Single Earners to Meet Basic Needs Hawaii was the only state in the report where single earners need a six-figure minimum average living wage.
By Madeline Garfinkle •
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Life is expensive, and in these states, it's even worse.
With the ongoing surge of the cost of living, the minimum income required for an individual to sustain themselves has risen across the entire nation. The July 2023 Consumer Price Index reported a 3.2% escalation in prices within the last 12 months on the "all items index."
But if you're looking to move or relocate for a job, there are some states you might need to avoid—or ask for more money—depending on your income.
Personal finance platform GOBankingRates recently conducted a survey on the living costs for a single person in all 50 states to find the average annual wage one needs to sustain themselves in 2023 and found that Hawaii is the No. 1 state with the highest minimum living wage for singles to get by.
To calculate the yearly expenses for essentials, the researchers used data from the 2021 Consumer Expenditure Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, focusing on costs for a single person. After obtaining the essential cost data, researchers then doubled it to calculate a living wage, accounting for discretionary expenditures and savings.
In Hawaii, a single individual needs a six-figure income of $112,411 to meet basic needs. The state with the second highest is Massachusetts at $87,909, followed by California at $80,013, and New York at $73,226.
Given that housing constitutes a large portion comprising a living wage, it's no accident that the states requiring the highest average income for an individual have all seen competitive and skyrocketing housing prices. According to a separate report by RentCafe released in August, the four states with the highest living wage requirements are also among the ranks for the most expensive average rent in the country.
Related: 7 of the 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S. Are in One State
Here are the 10 states in the U.S. with the highest minimum living wages for an individual in 2023, according to the report, as well as the average rent, per RentCafe.
1. Hawaii
Income required: $112,411
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,532
2. Massachusetts
Income required: $87,909
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,737
3. California
Income required: $80,013
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,541
4. New York
Income required: $73,226
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,660
5. Alaska
Income required: $71,570
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,397
6. Maryland
Income required: $67,915
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,816
7. Vermont
Income required: $65,923
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,895
8. Oregon
Income required: $65,763
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,735
9. Washington
Income required: $65,640
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,988
10. New Jersey
Income required: $64,463
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,228
