The High Costs of Moving to These 6 States

Relocating to a new state can be an exciting venture, but it’s important to consider the financial implications that come with such a move. From higher taxes and cost of living to moving expenses, certain states can significantly strain your wallet.

According to MarketWatch, “The average cost of a cross-country move starts at around $2,000 and can increase based on factors like location and type of moving services.” But once you’re in the state you can be hit with all types of expenses depending on the state you’re in, and costs can get really high if you’re in big states with big costs. Here are six states where moving might cost you more than you expect.

California tops the list with its notoriously high cost of living, especially in major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Housing prices are some of the highest in the nation, and the state’s overall tax burden is heavy.

High Cost:

• Average Housing Cost: $783,666 (97% higher than national average)
• Auto Insurance Cost: 26% higher than national average
• Statewide Tax Rate: 7.25%
• Average Utility Cost: $380 per month (22% higher than national average)
• Cost of Living: 38% higher than the national average

Hawaii’s paradise comes at a price with extremely high costs for housing, food, and consumer goods, largely due to the expenses involved in shipping items to the islands.

High Cost:

• Average Housing Cost: $839,013
• Grocery Cost/ Gallon of Milk Cost as Example: $5.98 per gallon
• Gas Cost: $4.72 per gallon
• Electricity Cost: 44.28 cents per kilowatt-hour
• Taxes Cost: about $24,687 each year 

New York is another state with a steep cost of living, particularly in New York City. The housing market is expensive, and state income taxes are substantial. Additionally, commuting costs can add up quickly.

High Cost:

• Average Housing Cost: $460,812
• Statewide Tax Rate: 10.94%
• Auto Insurance Cost: 20% higher than national average
• Average Utility Cost: $477 per month
• Cost of Living: 27% higher than the national average

While Alaska offers no state sales tax or income tax, the cost of living is high due to the remote location and harsh weather conditions, which hike up prices for utilities and groceries.

High Cost:

• Average Utility Cost: $411 per month
• Grocery Cost: 82 percent higher than the national median
• Average Transportation Cost: $5,316
• Cost of Living: 30% higher than the national average (highest in the nation)

New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., coupled with high costs for housing and cost of living.

High Cost:

• Statewide Tax Rate: 10.94%
• Average Home Cost: $512,908
• Property Tax Cost: 2.26% (compared with a national average of 0.99%)
• Cost of Living: 11% higher than the national average

Connecticut residents face high costs for state and property taxes. Utilities and transportation also contribute to the high cost of living.

High Cost:

• State Tax Cost: 6.35%
• Property Tax Cost: 1.96% (double the 0.99% national average)
• Cost of Living: 13% higher than the national average
• Housing Cost: 24% higher than the national average
• Utility Cost: 30% higher than the national average

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.