The 7 Cheapest States for a Million-Dollar Lifestyle (That Aren’t Florida or Texas)
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Imagine living the kind of life most people only dream about — space to breathe, time to rest and money that actually stretches.
In some states, that life doesn’t require millions in the bank; it simply takes choosing the right zip code. While costs soar in Florida and Texas, a few surprising places still offer luxury without the markup.
Here are the seven cheapest states for a million-dollar lifestyle that aren’t Florida or Texas.
Mississippi
Mississippi remains one of the most budget-friendly states in the U.S., with a cost-of-living index of 87.3, nearly 17% below the national average, per World Population Review. That means for someone seeking a seven-figure lifestyle, more of that wealth goes toward quality living instead of simply covering basic costs.
While the ultra-luxury resort blueprint may differ from coastal enclaves, buyers can access expansive homes, land and amenity-rich regions along the Gulf Coast or in historic river-town settings, all while keeping overhead modest. In short: Intended luxury without inflated pricing.
Georgia
Georgia pairs Southern warmth with solid financial sense. Its cost-of-living index sits at 89.0, roughly 11% below the U.S. average, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
That affordability extends beyond housing to healthcare and groceries, giving more room to spend on quality rather than quantity. From Atlanta’s sleek skyline to Savannah’s historic charm, Georgia offers both glamour and breathing room for those seeking luxury without intense prices.
Tennessee
Tennessee remains one of the most affordable places in the U.S. to enjoy an upscale lifestyle.
The state’s cost-of-living index is around 90.3, meaning everyday expenses are roughly 10% lower than the national average, according to World Population Review. Tennessee also has no state income tax on wages.
With housing, groceries and healthcare costs all well below coastal benchmarks, a typical household budget stretches significantly farther here. Affluent residents enjoy spacious homes, vibrant live-music culture and thriving food scenes from Nashville to Knoxville, all while keeping everyday costs comfortably low.
Wyoming
Wyoming pairs Western scenery with genuine cost efficiency. Its cost-of-living index is 93.7 (about 6.3% below the national baseline).
That means luxury routines, from acreage homes to outdoor recreation, cost less than in many coastal markets. Typical home values sit near $360,352, per Zillow, and there’s no state income tax, leaving enough room in the budget for high-value experiences.
South Carolina
The Palmetto State boasts pastel-painted coastlines and a cost-of-living index of 94.7, about 5% cheaper than the national norm.
South Carolina makes elegance feel effortless. A million-dollar lifestyle here might include a Charleston townhome, weekends in Hilton Head and still enough left over for fine dining and travel. This Southern state proves that low-key coastal living doesn’t have to come with sky-high expenses.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania delivers quiet luxury without coastal bloat. The state’s cost-of-living index sits at 97.2, just under the U.S. average, so day-to-day expenses don’t eat the budget.
Typical home values hover around $281,783, letting buyers allocate more to travel, dining and culture rather than square footage alone. It’s also notably retiree-friendly: Pennsylvania exempts most retirement benefits from state and local income tax, preserving cash flow for a high-comfort lifestyle.
Idaho
Idaho quietly delivers a million-dollar lifestyle without the coastal price tag. The state’s cost-of-living index sits at 99.9, roughly equal to the national average, but lifestyle value runs much higher.
In the Boise region, buyers can secure homes with acreage, mountain views and boutique-level finishes for far less than what a comparable property would cost in California or Washington. That mix of privacy, natural beauty and affordability makes Idaho one of the West’s most underrated havens for quiet luxury.
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