What is the best state to make a living?

The "best" state to make a living depends on your priorities (high wages vs. low costs), but Washington, Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire consistently rank high due to strong economies, good wages, and/or favorable taxes (like no state income tax in WA, TX, NH) balancing cost of living, making it easier to keep more money. States with high average salaries include Massachusetts and New York, while Washington, Texas, and Illinois offer good earning potential with lower costs or no income tax.

What state is the best to live in financially?

The "best" state for finances depends on your priorities (low taxes, high wages, low cost of living), but states like Wyoming, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas excel in tax advantages (no income tax), while Washington offers high incomes (Seattle) without state tax. For affordability, consider Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama, which feature low housing costs, but check your specific income needs, as states like Hawaii require very high salaries to live comfortably. 

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as it depends on the study, but recent reports often name Massachusetts, Vermont, or New Jersey as #1 for Quality of Life, with Massachusetts leading in overall metrics (health, education) and Vermont shining in specific areas like low crime and natural environment. Other top contenders include Idaho, Minnesota, and New York, highlighting that rankings vary based on whether they emphasize healthcare, economy, safety, or environment. 

In what state can I make the most money?

Highest-paying states by average salary

• Massachusetts: $72,940.
• New York: $70,460.
• Washington: $68,740.
• California: $68,510.
• New Jersey: $67,120.
• Connecticut: $66,130.
• Maryland: $65,900.
• Alaska: $63,480.

What is the cheapest but best state to live in?

The best affordable states to live in consistently include Southern and Midwestern options like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia, known for low housing costs, low taxes (sometimes), and lower overall cost of living indexes compared to the national average, though job opportunities and specific amenities vary, with some states offering strong sectors in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics. 

Top 10 States to Live in the United States 2026 (Why They're Best)

Which state is worth moving to?

The study found the best states to move to are Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho and Virginia. According to the list, worst states to move to are California, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oregon.

Which states have no state income tax?

As of 2025, there are nine states that don't collect any state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

What jobs make $10,000 a week?

Make 10K Week Jobs (NOW HIRING)

• Nurse Practitioner (CA License Required) - $10k sign on bonus! ...
• Medical Technologist $10K Sign-On 2 year/$15K Sign-On 3 year, $15 Relocation and Retention Bonus ... ...
• Controller - Commercial Construction. ...
• Speech Language Pathologist - $10k bonus! ...
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

What skill pays $100 an hour?

To earn $100 an hour, professionals typically need specialized expertise in high-demand fields such as executive consulting, advanced IT services, legal counsel, or medical specializations, often backed by advanced degrees or certifications.

What is the poorest U.S. state?

Mississippi is consistently ranked as the poorest U.S. state, characterized by the nation's lowest median household income, highest poverty rate (around 18-19%), high child poverty, and significant food insecurity, with states like Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Arkansas often following in poverty rankings. These states face challenges like low wages, economic disparities, and limited resources, though some, like Mississippi, show growth in GDP but struggle with low-paying jobs, as noted by this World Population Review article and this Worldatlas article. 

What is the happiest state to live in?

According to WalletHub's 2025 study, Hawaii is the happiest state in the U.S., ranking first for its strong emotional/physical well-being, work environment, and community/environment factors, with residents showing high life satisfaction, low depression, and long life expectancy, followed by Maryland and Nebraska in the top three. 

Which states have the lowest taxes?

States with some of the lowest combined state and local sales tax rates (4.5% - 6.25%) include:

• Hawaii.
• Maine.
• Wisconsin.
• Kentucky.
• Maryland.
• Michigan.
• Washington, D.C.
• Wyoming.

What is the safest state to live in?

The safest states to live in consistently rank high for low crime (violent and property), strong financial health, and good emergency preparedness, with Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine frequently appearing at the top of 2025 lists from sources like WalletHub and World Population Review. Other top contenders often include Massachusetts, Utah, Idaho, and Connecticut, while factors like cybercrime rates and road safety also play a role in overall safety scores. 

Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live in the USA?

The cheapest, best places to live in the U.S. often involve the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Dayton (OH), and Knoxville (TN) offering low housing costs and good value, while states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma consistently rank as most affordable overall. Key factors are low housing prices and a cost of living significantly below the national average, with some top contenders being Decatur (IL), Enid (OK), and Brownsville (TX), but "best" depends on balancing budget with lifestyle needs like jobs, culture, and amenities. 

Which states are struggling financially?

10 States Where Americans Are Struggling the Most to Cover the Basics

• Mississippi – Score: 90.2 (out of 100)
• Louisiana – Score: 80.3.
• West Virginia – Score: 77.8.
• New Mexico – Score: 74.7.
• Nevada – Score: 72.7.
• Oklahoma – Score: 71.3.
• California – Score: 70.4.
• Georgia – Score: 70.2.

What are the top 3 best states to live in?

• Utah. #1 in Best States Overall. ...
• New Hampshire. #2 in Best States Overall. ...
• Idaho. #3 in Best States Overall. ...
• Minnesota. #4 in Best States Overall. ...
• Nebraska. #5 in Best States Overall. ...
• Florida. #6 in Best States Overall. ...
• Vermont. #7 in Best States Overall. ...
• South Dakota. #8 in Best States Overall.

What jobs pay $500 per hour?

500 dollars per hour jobs

• Transactional Attorney. Easily apply. ...
• Massage Therapist – Luxury Mountaintop Spa + Signing Bonus. ...
• Massage Therapist – Luxury Mountaintop Spa + Signing Bonus. ...
• Associate Attorney. ...
• Associate Attorney. ...
• Create a profile on Indeed. ...
• Senior Associate Attorney. ...
• Registered Nurse (RN)- Solarbron Terrace.

How to make $150,000 a year without a degree?

You can make $150k a year without a degree by entering high-demand fields like Tech (Software Developer, Web Developer), Skilled Trades (Elevator Mechanic, Electrician, Construction Manager), Aviation (Pilot, Air Traffic Controller), or Sales, focusing on certifications, apprenticeships, bootcamps, and building a strong portfolio of results to prove your value over formal education. Success hinges on acquiring practical skills, demonstrating ROI, and continuous learning in specialized areas. 

What is $200,000 a year hourly?

$200,000 a year is approximately $96.15 per hour, calculated by dividing the annual salary by 2,080 working hours (40 hours/week * 52 weeks/year). This standard calculation assumes a full-time, 40-hour workweek, but actual hourly rates can vary slightly based on actual hours worked or if paid time off (PTO) is factored in, according to. 

What jobs pay $5000 a day?

5000 a day jobs

• Flex Truck Driver - Class A Hazmat - Penske Logistics. ...
• Manager, E-Commerce Strategy & Merchandising. ...
• Travel X-RAY - Radiographic Tech. ...
• CDL A Delivery Truck Driver $5000 Sign on Bonus. ...
• Registered Nurse (RN) ...
• Create a profile on Indeed. ...
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) ...
• Counselor with Bachelors degree.

Will Amazon really pay you to work from home?

Yes, Amazon hires for various paid work-from-home (WFH) roles, especially in Customer Service, IT, and Corporate fields, offering competitive pay that varies by role, experience, and location (e.g., $15+/hr for customer service, much higher for tech/management). While they have shifted towards some return-to-office for certain jobs, many remote opportunities are available on their careers site, with typical requirements including good communication, a reliable internet connection, and a dedicated workspace. 

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

• Dental Assistant. Dental assisting is one of the best-paying jobs you can start with no degree. ...
• Medical Assistant. ...
• Electrician or HVAC Technician. ...
• Delivery Driver or Courier. ...
• Office or Administrative Assistant. ...
• Security Guard. ...
• Real Estate Agent.

What state has the worst taxes?

Here are the current states with the highest state taxes, including states with the highest top rates or flat rates:

• California (12.3%, with 1% tax on income in excess of $1 million)
• Hawaii (11%)
• New York (10.9%)
• New Jersey (10.75%)
• District of Columbia (10.75%)
• Oregon (9.9%)
• Minnesota (9.85%)

How to pay no income tax?

5 more ways to get tax-free income

1. Take full advantage of 401(k) or 403(b) plans. ...
2. Move to a tax-free state. ...
3. Contribute to a health savings account. ...
4. Itemize your deductions. ...
5. Use tax-loss harvesting.

How much an hour is $70,000 a year after taxes?

Quick Answer: $33.65 Per Hour

A $70,000 annual salary equals $33.65 per hour in California before taxes. After federal and state deductions, your take-home pay ranges from $43,500 to $52,000 annually ($3,625-$4,333 monthly).