Best US states for your money
Composite money index — tap a state to dive in.
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Chat with AIHow we rank US states
The PickYourBank US State Money Index scores all 50 states on seven dimensions of household finance: state income tax, cost of living, retirement friendliness, business climate, banking competitiveness, inflation resilience and remote-work suitability. Use the category bar above to rank by a single dimension, or stay on Overall for the composite score.
Frequently asked questions
Which US state is best for keeping your money in 2026?+
Our index ranks all 50 states across tax friendliness, cost of living, retirement, business climate, banking competitiveness, inflation resilience and remote-work appeal. The top of the leaderboard above shows the current overall winner — Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee and Nevada consistently lead.
Which US states have no state income tax?+
Nine states levy no broad state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. Sort the leaderboard by 'Tax Friendly' to see them rise to the top.
How is the PickYourBank US State Money Index calculated?+
Each state receives a composite score weighted across seven dimensions: state income tax burden, cost of living, retirement friendliness, business climate, banking access, inflation resilience and remote-work suitability. Higher scores indicate a more money-friendly environment.
Are these state rankings official?+
Scores are editorial estimates assembled from public sources (Tax Foundation, BLS, BEA, Council for Community and Economic Research) and our own analysis. They're intended for comparison, not financial advice.
Which US state is cheapest to live in?+
Mississippi consistently ranks as the cheapest state, with cost of living around 14% below the US average. West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama and Oklahoma round out the top 5 most affordable states.