The Best States To Live: Our Top 10 Picks for 2026

If you’re on the hunt for one of the best states to live in 2026, you’ve got some big (but exciting!) decisions ahead. Where you land isn’t only about a new zip code — it’s about your day-to-day happiness, your budget, your career opportunities, and yes, even the weather. From taxes and job markets to schools and cost of living, there’s a lot that goes into finding the right fit. The good news? Once you know what matters most to you, narrowing down the best states to live in gets a whole lot easier — and we’re here to help you figure it all out.

How We Chose the Best States to Live in 2026

What qualifies as the best state means something different to everyone, which is why we’ve used WalletHub’s 2026 list of the best states to live in to determine which states are best to live in based on key livability factors. Depending on which factors are most important to you, you can find your best state to live in 2026.

10 Best States To Live in 2026

To make it easier for you to choose the best state for you to live in 2026, we’ve organized our list based on 10 significant categories.

1. Massachusetts — Best Overall State to Live In

• Cost of living: 127.5
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,625
• Average home value: $638,500
• Best place to live in MA: Cambridge
• Why we love MA: High quality of life, top-tier education, beautiful scenery, strong healthcare system

Massachusetts is ranked as the best state overall to live in because it offers a high quality of life for residents with good-paying jobs and educational opportunities at institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Boston College. Many newcomers relocate for a job and fall in love with the landscape. The state balances bustling cities like Boston and Cambridge with classic New England beauty in places like Worcester and Springfield. The school systems are highly ranked, and the population is among the most educated in the country.

History lives on every corner of Massachusetts, and communities tend to be proud of this. While the higher cost of living in Massachusetts may not sound appealing, good-paying jobs and plenty of ways to enjoy your free time make up for it.

5 Best States to Live in 2026 Overall

• Massachusetts
• Idaho
• New Jersey
• Wisconsin
• Minnesota

2. New Hampshire — Best State To Live in for Families

• Cost of living: 105.8
• Average rent (all sizes): $2,150
• Average home value: $492,200
• Best place to live in NH: Hanover
• Why we love NH: Safety, lower food costs, lower tax burden

Not only is New Hampshire one of the safest states in the U.S., but it’s also one of the best states to live in for families. New Hampshire has no state income tax, ensuring that residents have more money left in their pockets. Couple that with a decent cost of living and access to a thriving job market, and it’s easy to see why people are moving here. The New Hampshire school system is also highly ranked, so families have plenty of options for good schools no matter where they live in the state.

In addition to a lower unemployment rate, residents also have access to New England’s natural beauty. Here, you’ll experience all four seasons, including the stunning autumn foliage. Residents can hike in the mountains, see the ocean, or take advantage of the many local and state parks.

5 Best States To Live for Families in 2026

• New Hampshire
• Maine
• Wisconsin
• Vermont
• New York

One of the best states to live in, North Dakota, is popular among young professionals for its economic opportunities.

3. North Dakota — Best State for Young Adults

• Cost of living: 88.6
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $275,200
• Best place to live in ND: Fargo
• Why we love ND: Growing population, strong job market, low cost of living

If you’re looking for a state with a growing population and plentiful economic opportunity, consider moving to North Dakota, which is also one of the best states to live in for young adults. Thanks to the growth of jobs in industries like manufacturing, this state is one of the best for young adults looking to advance their careers. With a lower-than-average cost of living, North Dakota would make a great place to start off for young professionals.

The state’s population is focused in the major cities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks, but there are several rural areas that offer a slower pace of life and fantastic outdoor opportunities. Whether it’s exploring Badlands National Park or hiking at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, there are unlimited ways to spend time in nature in North Dakota.

5 Best States To Live for Young Adults in 2026

• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Utah
• Rhode Island

4. Alaska — Best State for Taxes

• Cost of living: 116.5
• Average rent (all sizes): $1,400
• Average home value: $376,300
• Best place to live in AK: South Addition
• Why we love AK: Low tax burden, incredible outdoor experiences, city and rural options

Want to live in an affordable state with a low tax burden? Then consider moving north to big, beautiful Alaska, which is one of the best states to live in for taxes. While it is located far from the rest of the continental U.S., you’ll find that the type of friendly people who live there don’t mind at all. In addition to low tax responsibilities, Alaska also has a Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which provides residents with a share of the state’s mineral revenue in the form of an annual dividend.

Whether you choose to live in a city like Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau, or one of the many smaller towns and villages, you’ll still have easy access to the state’s stunning natural scenery. In Alaska, residents can view the Northern Lights, encounter abundant wildlife, and explore vast open spaces like Denali National Park, or spot whales and other marine life at Kenai Fjords National Park.

It’s also important to consider the state’s unpredictable weather, limited access to certain areas, and longer winters because of its higher latitude.

5 Best States for Taxes in 2026

• Alaska
• Wyoming
• New Hampshire
• Tennessee
• Florida

Did somebody say beach? We’re in! With its stunning coastline and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder why Florida ranks among the best Southern states to live in.

5. Florida — Best Southern State

• Cost of living: 103.1
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $370,100
• Best place to live in FL: Tampa
• Why we love FL: Good weather, access to beaches, no state income tax

If you prefer a warmer climate, consider moving to beautiful Florida. Not only is it one of the best Southern states to live in, but it’s also appealing to those looking for no state income tax and a cost of living near the national average. Florida is famous for its pristine beaches and 825 miles of coastline, giving residents endless opportunities for fun in the sun. You can choose from places like Jacksonville, Palm Beach, and Miami on the Atlantic Ocean side, or go with vibrant cities like Tampa or Pensacola on the Gulf side.

Cities like Orlando and Tallahassee, located inland, combine strong economic and educational opportunities with easy access to outdoor adventures in national parks and state forests. Industries including hospitality, real estate, aerospace, and clean energy offer great job opportunities.

One thing to consider: The high chance of severe weather in Florida, including hurricanes and flooding.

5 Best Southern States in 2026

• Florida
• Virginia
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Texas

6. Oklahoma — Best State for Cost of Living

• Cost of living: 82.2
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $925
• Average home value: $214,200
• Best place to live in OK: Fort Gibson
• Why we love OK: Low cost of living, outdoor recreation, friendly communities

If living in an affordable state with a low cost of living is important to you, consider moving to Oklahoma. Ranked as the state with the lowest overall cost of living, Oklahoma has lower prices for essentials like groceries, utilities, and gas, so residents’ paychecks stretch further. For those drawn to the energy of a big city without the typical price tag, Oklahoma City offers the best of both worlds. With a population of almost 728,000, it remains an affordable and welcoming option for families or young professionals looking to start a new life. Plus, good-paying jobs in the state are in diverse industries like aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy.

However, there are plenty of small towns and rural communities if you’re looking for a quieter place to put down roots. Residents are known for their friendliness, and communities take pride in their local history. With four distinct seasons, neighbors can enjoy an abundance of outdoor opportunities across state parks, lakes, trails, and rivers.

5 Best States To Live in for Cost of Living in 2026

• Oklahoma
• Mississippi
• West Virginia
• Alabama
• Kansas

7. New York — Happiest State

• Cost of living: 121.5
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,425
• Average home value: $498,400
• Best place to live in NY: Great Neck Plaza
• Why we love NY: Vibrant communities, good school systems, strong economy

It can be difficult to determine what the “happiest state” is, but when you survey which state has the highest quality of life, it’s New York. The Empire State has plenty to offer, including an excellent school system anchored by the 64-campus State University of New York (SUNY), as well as robust job growth in sectors like education, finance, and tech. If you can afford the high cost of living, New York City is unmatched for job opportunities, culture, and one of the most diverse food scenes in the country.

Big Apple aside, New York is more than just one city! Areas like Albany, Buffalo, Troy, and Binghamton offer residents a high quality of life because the state invests in infrastructure, community development, and education. Pair that with stunning natural beauty like the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario, and you understand why people are so happy to adopt an “Empire State of Mind.”

5 Happiest States in 2026

• New York
• California
• Illinois
• Florida
• Vermont

Crystal-clear views and epic adventures at Crater Lake National Park are just part of why Oregon is one of the best states to live in 2026.

8. Oregon — Best State for Weather

• Cost of living: 114.3
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $487,500
• Best place to live in OR: Goose Hollow
• Why we love OR: Temperate weather, natural beauty, year-round activities

Temperate weather, coupled with a low risk of natural disasters, makes Oregon a considerable place to live in 2026. Known for its moderate climate and lack of extreme temperatures, places like the Willamette Valley near Portland experience all four seasons. Residents enjoy pleasant, warm (but not humid) summers and mild, rainy winters, creating ideal conditions for an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle. Whether it’s hiking around Crater Lake National Park, skiing in the Cascades, or fishing in the Columbia River, if you want to be outdoors year-round, Oregon could be for you.

In Oregon, you’ll find a thriving economy with a great job market focused in the larger metropolitan areas of Portland, Eugene, and Salem in industries like tech, advanced manufacturing, green technology, and natural resource industries. Much of the state is also focused on agriculture, providing good jobs in that sector as well. Residents tend to live a laid-back, active lifestyle, but keep in mind that this state’s Pacific Northwest weather, consisting of long, wet winters, can be difficult for some.

5 Best States for Weather in 2026

• Oregon
• Hawaii
• Texas
• Arizona
• Florida

9. Vermont — Best State To Live in Financially

• Cost of living: 100.8
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $383,300
• Best place to live in VT: South Burlington
• Why we love VT: Low cost of living, high quality of life, very scenic

Like Oklahoma, one of the best states to live in 2026 financially is Vermont. Thanks to its low cost of living, low crime rates, and good education system, families and those looking to settle down are especially interested in moving to this state. It has a resilient economy and low unemployment, making it financially feasible to live in for working professionals. Vermont is deeply environmentally conscious, with most of the state relying on renewable energy and a strong focus on organic farming. Most residents live an active, healthy lifestyle that includes lots of outdoor adventures.

Almost 80 percent of the state is forested, so whether you choose a larger city like Colchester or Burlington, or prefer to live in a smaller town, you’ll still have plenty of ways to spend time outdoors.

5 Best States To Live in Financially in 2026

• Vermont
• Oklahoma
• New Hampshire
• Alaska
• North Dakota

10. New Jersey — Best State for Safety

• Cost of living: 119.8
• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,150
• Average home value: $558,800
• Best place to live in NJ: Princeton
• Why we love NJ: Safety, families, good jobs

One of the best states to live in 2026 that also meets the mark as one of the safest is New Jersey. Families flock to New Jersey because of the strong communities and good school systems, while young professionals like the easy commute to jobs in NYC and Philadelphia.

New Jersey offers access to vibrant East Coast cities, but it also boasts an iconic coastline with beaches at the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City, Wildwood, and Ocean City. Additionally, outdoor recreational opportunities, along with state forests and parks, keep residents active.

5 Best States for Safety in 2026

• New Jersey
• Wyoming
• New Hampshire
• Idaho
• Rhode Island

Best States To Live in 2026 — FAQs

Q: What is the No. 1 best state to live in?
A: The No. 1 best state to live in is Massachusetts, according to WalletHub rankings.

Q: What is the easiest state to live in financially?
A: Vermont is the top-ranked easiest to live in financially; however, Oklahoma has one of the lowest costs of living.

Q: What is the No. 1 safest state in the U.S.?
A: Vermont is the safest state in the U.S., according to WalletHub rankings, followed immediately by Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Q: What is the No. 1 happiest state in the U.S.?
A: With great public transit, high state spending rates on public infrastructure, and plenty of things to do year-round, New York takes our top spot for the happiest state in the U.S. WalletHub has named Hawaii the No. 1 happiest state in the U.S.

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Editor’s note: Cost of living scores were obtained from BestPlaces.net. Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zillow; and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}