An educational estimate — not advice.
beststateforme.com helps you understand how the 50 states compare on cost for your numbers. It's a starting point for your own research, not a substitute for professional guidance and not a recommendation to move anywhere.
Not professional advice
The information and estimates on this site are provided for general educational purposes only. They are not tax, financial, legal, insurance, or relocation advice, are not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional, and don't create any advisory relationship. Where you live is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions there is — before you act, confirm your situation with a qualified CPA or a fee-only fiduciary advisor.
Estimates, not exact figures
The calculator produces an estimate of your annual cost in each state, not a tax return, a bill, or a guarantee. In particular:
- State income tax. Rates and, especially, the treatment of retirement income (pensions, public vs. private pensions, IRA/401(k) distributions, and Social Security) vary widely and change often. We use published rates for the most recent tax year; your actual liability depends on your full return.
- Property, sales, gasoline, and alcohol taxes. Property and sales taxes are set locally in many states, so the ranking uses published state averages. Your county or city can differ materially — the per-state detail notes where this matters.
- Utility costs. Electricity and natural-gas figures use state-average residential rates from the EIA; your actual bills depend on your provider, usage, and home.
- City-level taxes. Some cities (for example New York City, Philadelphia, and Detroit) levy their own income taxes that shift the ranking; enable the relevant option when it applies to you.
Time-sensitive and subject to change
State tax brackets, rates, exemptions, and dollar thresholds change frequently — usually each January, sometimes mid-year. This tool reflects the most recently published figures at the time of the last update shown in the footer; it may not reflect a change enacted since. Verify current rules with the state's department of revenue or a qualified professional before relying on them.
Verify before you rely on it
Use this tool to narrow your thinking, then verify the numbers that matter to your decision against primary sources — the Tax Foundation, each state's department of revenue, the EIA, and a professional who knows your full picture. We do our best to keep figures accurate and to cite primary sources, but we make no warranty of accuracy or completeness and accept no liability for decisions made based on this site. See our terms of use.
No affiliation
beststateforme.com is an independent tool operated by Red Goggles LLC. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state or local government, any federal agency, any real-estate or moving company, or any financial institution.
Last updated: June 2026