Jul 24, 2026

10 States Where $100 Buys the Least in 2026

Written by Gabrielle Olya

Edited by Brendan McGinley

10 States Where $100 Buys the Least in 2026

Where you live can dramatically affect your buying power. In some states, a $100 bill buys significantly less than it would elsewhere thanks to higher prices for housing, groceries, transportation and everyday essentials.

Calculator Academy analyzed regional price parity data to determine the real purchasing power of $100 across 48 states. Based on this analysis, these are the states where consumers get the least value from every dollar they spend in 2026.

1. California

Real value of $100: $90.30
Median household income: $84,907
Average annual cost of living: $63,402

2. New Jersey

Real value of $100: $91.90
Median household income: $89,296
Average annual cost of living: $56,885

3. New York

Real value of $100: $92.70
Median household income: $74,314
Average annual cost of living: $62,165

4. Washington

Real value of $100: $93.50
Median household income: $84,247
Average annual cost of living: $55,315

5. Massachusetts

Real value of $100: $94.50
Median household income: $89,645
Average annual cost of living: $63,612

6. Maryland

Real value of $100: $95.20
Median household income: $90,203
Average annual cost of living: $53,950

7. New Hampshire

Real value of $100: $96
Median household income: $88,465
Average annual cost of living: $53,604

8. Connecticut

Real value of $100: $96.50
Median household income: $83,771
Average annual cost of living: $54,178

9. Oregon

Real value of $100: $96.70
Median household income: $71,562
Average annual cost of living: $55,047

10. Florida

Real value of $100: $96.70
Median household income: $63,062
Average annual cost of living: $50,118

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by

Gabrielle Olya

Edited by

Brendan McGinley