(Nexstar) – A recent CNBC survey shows that despite President Trump’s social media declaration that “the United States is locked in,” the cost of living for many Americans, especially in some states, is looming.
Inflation has cooled in many states since the pandemic’s highs, but it rose in June and remains a lasting problem for residents of other states.
“One of the biggest problems with inflation is that it’s extremely difficult to remove it after it digs a hole in the economy,” according to the report. “The ghost of tariffs came when Federal Reserve policymakers thought they might have finally acquired inflation that captured the US economy following the pandemic.”
How close are you to the top 1% of your state’s earners?
To determine which states were the most expensive in 2025, CNBC relied on data that acquired prices indexed by the Community and Economic Research Council, as well as increased housing affordability and insurance costs.
5. Oregon
Beaver State has made a large portion of the housing costs on the list. Research shows that mortgages and rents account for more than 30% of household income for a third of residents.
Additionally, the study authors say that bread costs 12% more than Portland, Maine than Portland, Oregon.
The 2025 cost of living index by the Missouri Center for Economic Research and Information (Meric) found that Oregonians are more in food than in all residents except six states and Puerto Rico.
4. Colorado
Like so many western states, household insurance costs are rising sharply, and in some cases it is becoming increasingly difficult amid catastrophic wildfires and other natural disasters.
“We are on a conflict course with the escalation of the market situation where everything insurance pays increases prices,” Carol Walker, along with the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, told Nexstar’s KDVR last year. “Pre-prices are rising nationwide, but unfortunately, in Colorado, we are at that tipping point where we are really seeing some of the fastest rates of growth.”
3. Florida
It has long been seen as an ideal destination for fixed income retirees, but some may be surprised to find the sunlight very high on their list. Like Colorado, the increase in frequency and devastation from hurricanes led to what the authors call “the worst homeowner insurance crisis in the country.”
Unfortunately for Floridians, with premium cancellations, CNBC reports that extraordinary premiums are combined with some of the country’s most affordable properties.
2. Hawaii
Living around 2,400 miles from the mainland of the United States means accepting the resulting trade-offs. Wake up to Paladiantic views and stunning beaches is offset by shocking costs at grocery stores, optometrists and more.
Despite the high cost of the product, CNBC notes that many other states are struggling as Aloha has not yet been abused by the insurance crisis.
1. California
Blessed with stunning coastlines, some of the best national parks in the country, and some of the (most) idyllic weather, do a lot in California. But one thing that Golden State is unknown is its affordable price.
Like the deadly flames that ran through Los Angeles County in January, it is prone to catastrophic wildfires and staying with affordable home insurance has become a difficult challenge for some residents of the state.
Home prices are some of the highest in the nation, with median prices for one family exceeding $900,000 statewide earlier this year, according to Nexstar’s KTLA.
The top 12 were New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona. See the complete study for what drives the cost of living in these states.
