5. New Jersey
- Cost-of-living index: 115.2
- Average one-bedroom rent (January 2022): $1,490
Here’s another state that you may want to scratch off the list if you live on just Social Security checks. One of the original 13 states, New Jersey, was a major battleground during the American Revolution. The Garden State is a fascinating place that’s often overlooked, partly because of its more well-known neighbor, New York.
Almost everything is more expensive than average there, but the most dangerous hidden cost is definitely the state’s extremely high taxes — property taxes, in particular. According to the latest data, New Jersey’s residents pay nearly $1 million in taxes over the course of their lifetimes. In fact, that’s more than what residents of any other state would pay.
So New Jersey isn’t the type of place where you’d want to spend your golden years if Social Security checks are your only source of income.
I left Taxachusetts 50 years ago. Moved to Alaska!!!! Best thing I ever did. No personal State income tax!!! No State sales tax. Yes it gets cold and dark in winter. But summers are beautiful. Warmth and all the sunlight. It’s home!!!!!! HOME is where you make it. Playing golf at midnight is awesome!!! Each year eligible citizens get a Permanent Fund Dividend check from the State from the oil revenues received from oil revenue taxes. But the best part is the beauty of it all. Hunting, fishing, scenery, the people. It’s just different from the Lower 48!!!!!
That isn’t a picture of Washington. That is Washington, DC. Duh???
You forgot Texas. Even the winter Texans commented on how higher prices are, then at home.
Take me off the Lists!
By the way, Washington D.C. is not in the state of Washington. The Washington Monument shown in the picture is in Washington D.C.