Cost of Living by State 2017 Calculator

This calculator helps you determine the cost of living in any US state based on 2017 data. By comparing housing, food, transportation, and other expenses, you can make informed decisions about where to live or work.

How to Use This Calculator

To calculate the cost of living for a specific state in 2017:

Select your state from the dropdown menu.
Enter your monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other categories.
Click "Calculate" to see your total cost of living index.
Compare your results with the national average to understand your relative cost of living.

The calculator uses the 2017 Cost of Living Index, which is based on a weighted average of various expenses. The index is calculated as a percentage of the national average, where 100% represents the US average cost of living.

Formula Used

Cost of Living Index Formula

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) is calculated using the following formula:

COLI = (Σ (Weight × (State Expense / National Average Expense))) × 100

Where:

Weight - The relative importance of each expense category
State Expense - Your monthly expense for each category in the selected state
National Average Expense - The average monthly expense for each category across all states

The weights for each expense category are based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey. Housing accounts for 35% of the index, food for 13%, transportation for 11%, and other categories make up the remaining 41%.

Worked Example

Let's calculate the cost of living for a resident in New York in 2017:

Select "New York" from the state dropdown.
Enter $2,500 for housing, $500 for food, $300 for transportation, and $200 for other expenses.
Click "Calculate".

The calculator will use the following national averages for 2017:

Housing: $1,200
Food: $300
Transportation: $200
Other: $150

Applying the formula:

COLI = [(0.35 × (2500 / 1200)) + (0.13 × (500 / 300)) + (0.11 × (300 / 200)) + (0.41 × (200 / 150))] × 100

COLI = [(0.35 × 2.08) + (0.13 × 1.67) + (0.11 × 1.5) + (0.41 × 1.33)] × 100

COLI = [0.728 + 0.2177 + 0.165 + 0.5433] × 100

COLI = 1.654 × 100 = 165.4%

This means the cost of living in New York is 165.4% of the national average, indicating it's significantly more expensive than the US average.

Interpreting Results

The Cost of Living Index provides a relative measure of how expensive living in a particular state is compared to the national average. Here's how to interpret the results:

Below 100% - The state is less expensive than the national average.
100% - The state has the same cost of living as the national average.
Above 100% - The state is more expensive than the national average.

For example, if your Cost of Living Index is 120%, it means you're paying 20% more than the national average for the same goods and services.

Note

The 2017 Cost of Living Index is based on historical data and may not reflect current prices. For the most accurate information, consult the latest reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics or other reliable sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Cost of Living Index measure?

The Cost of Living Index measures the relative cost of living in a particular state compared to the national average. It takes into account expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other goods and services.

How is the Cost of Living Index calculated?

The Cost of Living Index is calculated using a weighted average of various expenses. Each category is assigned a weight based on its relative importance, and the index is expressed as a percentage of the national average.

Can I use this calculator for current years?

This calculator uses 2017 data. For current information, you should consult the latest reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics or other reliable sources.

What factors affect the cost of living?

The cost of living is affected by factors such as housing prices, income levels, local taxes, and the availability of goods and services. States with higher housing costs or lower incomes typically have a higher cost of living.

How can I reduce my cost of living?

To reduce your cost of living, consider factors such as location, housing choices, transportation options, and budgeting. Moving to a less expensive area, renting instead of buying, using public transportation, and creating a budget can all help lower your living expenses.