10 States Voted Best To Live In: See What a House Costs There

According to The Status of Real Estate in 2024 survey conducted by The Harris Poll, the best states to live in are located on the coast. Unfortunately, some of the most desirable areas are also the most expensive, with home values well above the national average. As reported by Zillow, the average home value in the U.S. is $347,716, which is up 3.6% over the past year.

Housing costs have exploded over the past several years, making it nearly unaffordable in some places, including several of the states that are voted best to live in. It isn’t only housing, either. In some areas, nearly every aspect of life has gotten more expensive and exceeds the national average.

Fortunately, some trending destinations are still cost-effective. Here is how much it would cost to buy a house in the 10 states voted best to live in.

• Zillow home value: $392,306

A resounding 28% of people surveyed responded that Florida would be a top state to live in. Warm weather and pristine beaches make it a leading coastal contender, but so does affordability.

While home values are slightly higher than the national average, the overall cost of living is not exorbitant. The Sunshine State’s groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs all ranked slightly less than the average in the U.S.

• Zillow home value: $298,624

Another favorite destination of people hoping to find less expensive living is Texas. A surprising 35% of Gen Z and millennials surveyed thought the Lone Star State would be one of the best states to live in. The cost of living is considerably less than in other states, with the exception of utilities, which are slightly higher.

• Zillow home value: $322,527

Both Carolinas ranked in the 10 best states to live in, according to those surveyed. North Carolina has home values that are lower than those across the U.S. and has a lower overall cost of living. The only area where the state exceeds the national average is in healthcare costs, which should be taken into consideration, particularly for retirees.

• Zillow home value: $311,531

Boomers heavily favored residing in Tennessee, with 30% ranking the state as one of the best places to live. The Volunteer State not only has home values under the national average, its cost of living is also lower. From groceries to utilities, you will be paying less than most other states while you enjoy the music of Memphis or the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

• Zillow home value: $287,882

Boomers also took a liking to South Carolina. Whether it’s the southern charm of Charleston or the white sand beaches, 27% of boomers surveyed said they would consider South Carolina among their top choices of where to live. The state also boasts a lower cost of living compared to the average in the U.S., with only utilities exceeding the national average.

• Zillow home value: $765,197

While California boasts one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., the moderate climate and endless beaches are an undeniable plus.

Californians pay nearly double the national average in housing costs. They also pay more for groceries, healthcare, transportation and utilities. Despite the expenses associated with the state, 33% of millennials ranked the Golden State as one of their favorites.

• Zillow home value: $426,267

Millennials also chose Nevada as one of their leading contenders for the best states to live in. While home values are nearly $80,000 more than the national average, the cost of living is not extraordinary. You will pay less in utilities and healthcare compared to the average nationwide, making it an ideal destination for individuals on a fixed income.

• Zillow home value: $453,138

Another pricey location selected by 25% of millennials is New York. The Empire State boasts home values more than $100,000 above the national average. You will pay more for most things in New York, including transportation and healthcare, which exceed the average in the U.S.

• Zillow home value: $839,013

Frequently ranked as one of the most expensive states to live in the U.S., Hawaii definitely does not make the list for affordability.

Home values currently double the average in the nation, making it great for people who already own property on one of the islands but challenging for those hoping to move there. You will also pay more for your utilities, groceries, and healthcare compared to the average in the U.S.

• Zillow home value: $251,267

20% of millennials ranked Illinois as one of the best states to live in. The low cost of living is a big perk for hopeful Midwesterners. The state has a cost of living below the national average, including lower housing costs and utilities. Transportation is the only area where you might pay slightly more.