Families of 4 need $200,000 a year to live comfortably in the US in 2026, research reveals. Are you keeping up or just getting by?

But some states are feeling the pressure more than others. Here are the top two most and least affordable states this year.

Where prices are increasing

A 2026 study from SmartAsset, which used the latest data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, shows just how much Americans are struggling in today’s economy — particularly in Massachusetts and Hawaii.

“Massachusetts is the most expensive state for a family of four, with an income requirement of $329,555,” the study says. “Hawaii is the most expensive state for single adults, who need $129,002.”

But Montana is currently a contender to join the “most expensive” list as it saw the sharpest spike since 2025, increasing 8.6% for a single adult.

Living “comfortably” means making enough money for necessities — along with things like long-term savings, education funds, entertainment, hobbies and vacations.

By comparison, it costs the least to live a comfortable life in Mississippi and West Virginia. The study puts the minimum income requirement for a family of four in Mississippi at $187,533, while a single adult in West Virginia needs $81,245.

But are Americans going as far as to adjust their plans for a family to save a dollar — or to be able to retire?

Are Americans having fewer kids?

Overall, Americans are reproducing less these days, and one of the reasons is related to the high costs of raising a family.