A salary of $100,000 might sound like a lot, but in today’s economy, it doesn’t go as far as it used to, especially depending on where you live.
A new study by SEOSpace has revealed how far a $100,000 salary will stretch in 2025 across all U.S. states, taking into account factors like federal and state taxes, as well as each state’s cost of living.
The study’s findings make one thing clear: earning six figures might not be enough to live comfortably everywhere, especially in expensive states like California and New York. But fear not, there are states where $100K is still a ticket to a much more relaxed lifestyle.
States Where $100K Goes the Furthest
1. West Virginia – $92,697
At the top of the list, West Virginia leads the pack with a $100K salary stretching all the way to $92,697 in purchasing power. This is due to its relatively low cost of housing, food, and transportation. If you’re looking to maximize your salary, West Virginia might just be the place for you.
2. Tennessee – $91,662
Tennessee is a close second, where $100,000 is worth $91,662. With no state income tax and reasonable costs of living, Tennessee provides one of the best environments for people looking to keep more of their earnings.
3. Kansas – $91,086
Kansas ranks third, offering residents a generous stretch on their salary. Known for its low housing costs and affordable goods and services, this state proves that you don’t need to live in a coastal metropolis to enjoy a high quality of life.
4. South Dakota – $89,972
South Dakota’s impressive ranking comes from its low taxes and housing costs. Residents can live comfortably on $100,000 without worrying about skyrocketing living expenses.
5. Iowa – $89,866
Iowa rounds out the top five. The state offers affordable real estate, food, and utilities, making $100,000 feel more like $90K in terms of purchasing power.
States Where $100K Doesn’t Stretch Quite as Far
1. Hawaii – $41,482
On the flip side, Hawaii takes the unfortunate crown for the state where $100K holds the least value. With its exorbitant housing prices and reliance on imported goods, $100,000 goes only as far as $41,482.
2. Massachusetts – $53,581
Massachusetts, home to a booming economy and high wages, still falls short when it comes to purchasing power. Despite high salaries in areas like Boston, the cost of living, especially for housing, drains much of that income.
3. California – $54,724
California follows closely behind. While it’s known for its opportunities and high wages, the cost of living in the Golden State makes that $100,000 worth only $54,724. Expensive real estate and high taxes are significant contributing factors.
Henry Purchase, Founder of SEOSpace, commented on the findings:
“The study is a great reminder that a salary’s purchasing power is heavily influenced by geography. The dream of a six-figure salary doesn’t always align with the reality of high living costs, especially in places like California and Hawaii.
“But what we’re seeing in states like West Virginia and Tennessee is a shift toward affordability, which may be the perfect incentive for those looking to escape high-cost urban centers. Over time, we might even see more professionals considering relocations to these states as remote work options continue to grow.”
Full Ranking of States by Purchasing Power for $100,000:
| Rank | State | Purchase Power |
| 1 | West Virginia | $92,697 |
| 2 | Tennessee | $91,662 |
| 3 | Kansas | $91,086 |
| 4 | South Dakota | $89,972 |
| 5 | Iowa | $89,866 |
| 6 | Texas | $89,487 |
| 7 | Mississippi | $89,288 |
| 8 | Alabama | $88,914 |
| 9 | Missouri | $88,838 |
| 10 | Arkansas | $88,772 |
| 11 | Indiana | $88,325 |
| 12 | Oklahoma | $88,091 |
| 13 | Michigan | $87,321 |
| 14 | Louisiana | $86,941 |
| 15 | Wyoming | $86,863 |
| 16 | Georgia | $85,566 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $85,033 |
| 18 | Nebraska | $84,360 |
| 19 | North Dakota | $84,306 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $84,000 |
| 21 | Montana | $83,123 |
| 22 | Illinois | $82,772 |
| 23 | Ohio | $82,034 |
| 24 | Nevada | $81,889 |
| 25 | New Mexico | $80,912 |
| 26 | South Carolina | $80,807 |
| 27 | Florida | $80,695 |
| 28 | North Carolina | $80,219 |
| 29 | Minnesota | $80,159 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $79,296 |
| 31 | Delaware | $78,658 |
| 32 | Colorado | $77,647 |
| 33 | Virginia | $76,866 |
| 34 | Idaho | $76,472 |
| 35 | Utah | $74,646 |
| 36 | New Hampshire | $73,671 |
| 37 | Washington | $72,639 |
| 38 | Arizona | $72,483 |
| 39 | Maryland | $71,693 |
| 40 | Maine | $71,677 |
| 41 | Connecticut | $70,373 |
| 42 | Alaska | $67,006 |
| 43 | New Jersey | $66,929 |
| 44 | Oregon | $65,785 |
| 45 | Vermont | $65,677 |
| 46 | Rhode Island | $65,311 |
| 47 | New York | $62,320 |
| 48 | California | $54,724 |
| 49 | Massachusetts | $53,581 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $41,482 |
Methodology
The study assessed the purchasing power of a $100,000 salary across the U.S. by first calculating the federal and state tax burdens for each state in 2024. It then adjusted these figures for each state’s cost of living, accounting for expenses like housing, food, and transportation.
The final ranking was determined by subtracting the combined tax burden from the salary and adjusting for the local cost of living, providing an accurate measure of how far $100,000 goes in each state.