Want to Relocate? 10 States that Pay the Most and Cost the Least
Relocating is a big move, so it’s smart to think through all the key factors before you take the leap. Look for a place that’s the right fit for you, whether you prefer the busy pace of city life, or the outdoor greenspaces and more spacious housing options of suburban living – or a quiet, remote setting in a small town or the country.
You should certainly consider the income you can earn alongside the cost of living, as this will provide a realistic scenario for being able to afford not just the things you need, but also the lifestyle you want.
As a talent recruiter, I’ve had engaging conversations on social media related to this topic. Here’s a robust conversation I had on LinkedIn that drew more than one thousand comments discussing the income an individual needs to live comfortably in the U.S. and associated employment and hiring practices.
An increasingly hot trend
More and more U.S. professionals are actively looking for different cities and states to live and work in, and for many, two priorities are a low cost of living and high wages. In addition to affordability, other driving forces behind this movement are quality of life, proximity to family, remote-work-friendly employers, and changing social climates.
Given this growing trend, I want to provide a list of the best states that tend to have a higher median income, partnered with a lower cost of living. As you consider your next career move, these states could be solid contenders to explore.
1. Texas
- Why it’s great: No state income tax, lots of job opportunities, and relatively low housing costs outside of major cities
- What jobs are booming in Texas? Tech, Energy, Healthcare
- Median household income: ~$75,000
- Cost of living index: ~92
- Search current job openings in Texas through Goodwin Recruiting
2. Tennessee
- Why it’s great: No state income tax, low housing prices, and a growing job market in cities like Nashville and Chattanooga
- What jobs are booming in Tennessee? Tech, Healthcare, Hospitality
- Median household income: ~$68,000
- Cost of living index: ~89
- Search current job openings in Tennessee through Goodwin Recruiting
3. Indiana
- Why it’s great: Low housing costs, strong job market in certain sectors, central location
- What jobs are booming in Indiana? Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics, Agriculture
- Median household income: ~$70,000
- Cost of living index: ~90
- Search our current job openings in Indiana
4. North Carolina
- Why it’s great: Mild weather, reasonable housing, strong job market, and economy
- What jobs are booming in North Carolina? Tech, Finance, Biotech, Manufacturing
- Median household income: ~$74,000
- Cost of living index: ~94
- Search our current job openings in North Carolina
5. Utah
- Why it’s great: High job growth rate, low crime rate compared to other states, family-friendly, lots of outdoor activities
- What jobs are booming in Utah? Tech, Healthcare, Finance
- Median household income: ~$85,000
- Cost of living index: ~96 (slightly higher, but salaries make up for it)
- Search our current job openings in Utah
6. Georgia
- Why it stands out: Low taxes, low housing costs outside the metro area, a top state for business
- What jobs are booming in Georgia? Tech, Logistics, Transportation, Manufacturing
- Median household income: ~$74,000
- Cost of living index: ~91
- Search our current job openings in Georgia
7. Iowa
- Why it stands out: Ridiculously low housing prices, solid job opportunities, high quality of life
- What jobs are booming in Iowa? Healthcare, Agriculture, Engineering, Finance, Insurance
- Median household income: ~$71,000
- Cost of living index: ~90
- Search our current job openings in Iowa
8. Missouri
- Why it stands out: Affordable big cities (St. Louis, Kansas City), diverse job market, rich culture, and entertainment
- What jobs are booming in Missouri? Transportation, Education, Healthcare
- Median household income: ~$70,000
- Cost of living index: ~88
- Search our current job openings in Missouri
9. Alabama
- Why it stands out: Super low cost of living, mild climate and outdoor life, southern hospitality
- What jobs are booming in Alabama? Aerospace, Manufacturing, Tech
- Median household income: ~$65,000
- Cost of living index: ~87
- Search our current job openings in Alabama
10. South Carolina
- Why it stands out: Affordable housing, low property taxes, strong education, and healthcare hubs
- What jobs are booming in SC? Manufacturing, Logistics, Healthcare
- Median household income: ~$69,000
- Cost of living index: ~91
- Search our current job openings in South Carolina
Work with an expert recruiter to inform and simplify your search
There are other factors to consider and compare on a national average, such as rent versus own (at least in your first year), new home versus existing home values, hiring forecasts, remote work trends, and more. But if low cost of living and high wages are determining factors for you, these states may be solid options for you and your family to consider, offering opportunities to upgrade your quality of life without downgrading your income.
Contact me when you’re ready to make a career or location move. I would love to help you find your perfect place to land. Keep in mind that many employers offer relocation incentives, subsidize the cost of movers, and provide other perks to relocate professionals for key roles. A recruiter can connect you with these employers.
Reach out to me today and let’s get you on the right path to your next destination. My name is Frank Benzo and I am a senior recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting.
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