Free Top 10 States with the Lowest Cost of Living (2020–2025)
The chart titled “Top 10 States with the Lowest Cost of Living (2020–2025)” highlights the U.S. states offering the most affordable living conditions over this six-year period, based on consistent cost of living index trends. Mississippi ranks as the most affordable state, with an index starting near 85 in 2020 and projected to remain below 90 by 2025, reflecting its continued low housing and consumer costs. Arkansas follows closely, maintaining an index around 86 to 88 throughout the period. Oklahoma and Missouri also show stable affordability, both staying near the 88 to 90 range. Tennessee and Michigan remain competitive, averaging around 89 to 91, while Texas continues to balance affordability with strong economic growth, recording an index close to 90. Kansas and Georgia round out the list, each projected to stay below 92 by 2025. Overall, the data shows these ten states consistently outperforming national averages in affordability, making them ideal for families, retirees, and workers seeking lower living expenses without sacrificing quality of life.
| State | Cost of Living Index 2020 | Cost of Living Index 2021 | Cost of Living Index 2022 | Cost of Living Index 2023 | Cost of Living Index 2024 (Projected) |
Cost of Living Index 2025 (Projected) |
| Mississippi | 86.1 | 87 | 86.8 | 87.1 | 87.5 | 88 |
| Arkansas | 86.9 | 87.5 | 87.3 | 87.8 | 88.1 | 88.6 |
| Oklahoma | 87.5 | 88 | 87.9 | 88.5 | 88.9 | 89.3 |
| Missouri | 88.2 | 88.7 | 88.5 | 89 | 89.4 | 89.6 |
| New Mexico | 88.3 | 88.8 | 88.9 | 89.1 | 89.6 | 89.9 |
| Tennessee | 88.7 | 89.1 | 89 | 89.4 | 89.8 | 90.1 |
| Michigan | 89 | 89.4 | 89.2 | 89.7 | 90 | 90.5 |
| Texas | 89.5 | 89.9 | 89.8 | 90.2 | 90.6 | 90.8 |
| Kansas | 89.8 | 90 | 90.1 | 90.3 | 90.7 | 91 |
| Georgia | 90.2 | 90.5 | 90.4 | 90.7 | 91.1 | 91.3 |
