18 Best States To Live In 2026, According To New CNBC Data

Picking a place to live is no small task. Criteria that include cost of living, economic opportunities, recreational options, and climate can all factor into what how a state ranks. Each metric, combined, can total a maximum score of 2,500. Recently, CNBC ranked the best states for business and included quality of life as a ranking factor. This score factored in things like crime rates, access to healthcare and child care, and environmental quality, among other things. While there's no perfect place, these 18 states have the highest quality of life scores according to CNBC. For each state, we've also identified popular locations so that you can figure out

what city is best for you

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New York earns a quality of life score of 151. In the quality of life category, it ranks in the 18th spot out of all 50 states. Aside from being home to the economic powerhouse that is New York City, the state has much to offer in terms of culture and outdoor appeal. 

If you're thinking about relocating to New York, consider Schenectady as a landing spot. This upstate locale is one of the most affordable cities to live in New York state. Schenectady is also home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential neighborhoods in the United States. For economic opportunities or concerts and sporting events, the state capital, Albany, is about 20 minutes away.

Holding the 17th spot in CNBC's ranking, Ohio receives a quality of life score of 153. Affordability is another perk of the Buckeye state. Ohio stands out for landing in the top 10 of states with the lowest cost of living in CNBC's report. Compared to states that have a notoriously high cost of living, Ohio's excellent quality of life plus affordability mean there is big value in this state.

Mentor, Ohio might be your ideal landing spot if you're making a Midwest move. The draw might be the low unemployment rate or the shorter-than-average commute time. Keeping with the state's reputation for being budget-friendly, housing is more affordable compared to nationwide averages. Bear in mind that this is a four-season climate. You can expect the coldest weather from December to February, with summertime heat peaking in July.

Located in the upper Midwest, Iowa has a quality of life score of 156. Iowans, as the state's residents are known, enjoy a low cost of living — especially when it comes to housing. And even though the winters are chilly, you won't want to spend all your time inside. The state has an impressive network of over 2,000 miles of paved trails.

For fun and opportunity, consider relocating to Iowa City. This college town has numerous annual events like the Book Festival, Jazz Festival, and Downtown Block Party that showcase the state's "Iowa Nice" mantra. Keeping with Iowa's reputation for offering plenty of outdoor recreation, there are more than 60 parks to explore in Iowa City. There are also seasonal opportunities to pick produce like apples and strawberries.

Washington has a quality of life score of 157 and a lot to offer future residents. Coastline, countryside, and mountains await you in the state of Washington. The state also ranks high in terms of technology and innovation and offers a skilled workforce and strong economy. You'll find much of this economic activity centered in the greater Seattle area, with major corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks based here.  

Redmond is one of the top suburbs to live in Washington. Great schools, plenty of parks, and other attractions like restaurants and coffee shops make this a great landing spot for families. If you love nature, Redmond's enormous Marymoor Park showcases all the beauty that the Puget Sound region has to offer. In Redmond, most residents are an equal mix of renters and owners. Keep in mind, though, that the median home price is around $1 million.

The "mitten" state gets a quality of life score of 157. With a true four-season climate and more lakes than any other U.S. state, there's plenty of opportunity for winter and summer sports. The state is also the historic home of America's automotive industry and thus full of car-related opportunities and industrial history.

You might zero in on Ann Arbor for your Michigan move. The city is home to the well-known University of Michigan. Sports fans know this college is famous for the "Big House" — the largest college football stadium in the United States. Plus, art enthusiasts will also enjoy the largest juried art fair in the United States, the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which happens each year in July. Even in the colder months, locals stay busy at wine bars, coffee shops, and bookstores.

Rhode Island is a small state with good things in store for residents. The state earns a quality of life score of 160 and is most notable for being just over 1,000 square miles. Ocean lovers will be delighted to know that the state has nearly 400 miles of coastline to explore. Because of the state's small size, you can easily explore all that Rhode Island has to offer as often as you wish, as well as neighboring metropolitan areas—like Boston, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut.

Pawtucket stands out as one of Rhode Island's most attractive cities to move to. It's not the most populous of the small state's cities—that distinction goes to Providence—but it earns high marks for its historical points of interest and its art culture. And regardless of which of the many villages within Pawtucket you decide to call home, you'll find plenty of diversity. In fact, Pawtucket is among the most diverse suburbs in Rhode Island.

Seasons and sunshine wait for you in Colorado, which has a quality of life score of 161. Endless outdoor activities make this state a popular pick for hikers, mountain bikers, campers, and anyone that enjoys fresh air activities. This state lands just outside the top 10 states for business, but a healthy economy and strong workforce mean there's still plenty of opportunity.

Erie, Colorado is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. The median house price here is a little over $700,000, but the community offers a slower pace and more space than cheaper areas like urban Denver. It offers close proximity to outdoor escapes like Rocky Mountain National Park, but is also within driving distance to the city delights that Denver has to offer, like museums and shopping.

On the cusp of the top 10 states for quality of life, New Hampshire earns a score of 166. That's not New Hampshire's only shining star. The state also ranks second-best for healthcare in the nation, based on access, affordability, and treatment outcomes.

Hanover is a particularly good option as a landing spot for retirement. But, since the city is home to prestigious Ivy League Dartmouth College, plenty of young people make Hanover their home base as well. It's a peaceful place for leaf peeping in the fall, year-round walks around the college green, and plenty of local cafes. Hanover arguably has the best medical care in the whole state, as the home of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center flagship.

Massachusetts ranks in the top 10 states for quality of life with a score of 167. This New England state is also a leader in terms of technology and innovation, earning the number 4 spot out of all 50 states for that criteria. Expect much of that opportunity to be based in Boston, which is the 25th largest city in the United States. Boston is a hub of prestigious higher education institutions, like Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which offer plenty of short courses and lectures for interested learners, even if you aren't planning to enroll in a full-time degree program.

Boston might be Massachusetts's most well-known city, but Newton might be your safe harbor. This suburb of about 90,000 residents is known for being safe and attractive to families. It has a higher cost of living than the national average but Newton's public schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state. It offers easy access to Boston's universities, museums, and shopping by bus or train. It has the feel of a little city next to the big city, with distinct villages like Newton Centre (walkable and convenient) and Chestnut Hill (luxurious and upscale). 

Tied with Massachusetts, Nebraska has a quality of life score of 167. More than being just an agricultural powerhouse, Nebraska offers big city fun in Omaha and Lincoln and affordable cost-of-living options, especially in its mid-size cities and rural communities. Looking for a relaxed pace of life? You might find what you're looking for in Nebraska, which ranked as the least stressed state in 2025.

For the happiest city in the least stressed state, consider a move to Lincoln. This mid-size city is the capital of Nebraska. In Lincoln, you'll find an appealing balance between a low cost of living and amenities like a water park, zoo, and science museum. Families with adolescents might be especially pleased with life in Lincoln, since this city is often recognized as a strong choice in Nebraska for raising teenagers. It offers plenty of extra-curricular activities, quality schools, and safe streets. It also has a vibrant university (the Lincoln chapter of the University of Nebraska) and lovely museums, like the Sheldon Museum of Art and the Great Plains Art Museum.

The mid-Atlantic state of Virginia is famous in the history books for being the home to 8 U.S. presidents but today it draws history buffs and backpackers alike. In fact, the state has about 550 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which is more than any other state. With fresh mountain air and sea breezes, it's not surprising to learn that Virginia earns a quality of life score of 167. 

Richmond is the Virginia state capital and a great place if you're considering relocating to another state. The city is notable for its strong employment growth, and the downtown has plenty to offer in terms of restaurants and shopping. The James River runs right through the city, so you can easily take a stroll along its banks or kayak down the waterway for a unique vantage point of Virginia's scenic beauty and Richmond's city delights. The city is also culturally vibrant, with plenty of small music venues, a rich public art program, and the rich Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

North Dakota is in the center of it all, literally. Rugby, North Dakota has a placard marking the geographical center of the United States. You might not have considered moving to this upper Midwest state but perhaps you should—it has a quality of life score of 171. It's also one of the most cost-effective states to live in, ranking number 4 in the country according to CNBC.

Fargo offers a low cost of living and an abundance of outdoor activities, as long as you don't mind cold winter weather. The good news is that summer temperatures are warmer, and you'll enjoy more than 200 days of sunshine throughout the year. The city boasts a laid-back feel with kind and friendly locals who are quick to welcome newcomers. Plus, traffic is relatively manageable, with less congestion than many other nearby cities.

Island life seems to be the good life, based on Hawaii's high quality of life score of 173. However, this picture perfect paradise comes with a bit of a steep price tag. Hawaii is often ranked as the most expensive state in the country. After all, many goods that those in the continental U.S. rely on must be imported.

For those ready to make the move to the Aloha State, say hello to Honolulu. This island city has high-rise buildings and beautiful beaches and is frequently ranked among the most desirable U.S. cities for lifestyle and quality of life. Beyond its iconic scenery, Honolulu offers year-round warm weather, a laid-back lifestyle, and easy access to hiking, snorkeling, and surfing just minutes from home. Residents enjoy the rich blending of Native Hawaiian traditions with global cuisine, festivals, and a diverse, international community that gives everyday life in Honolulu a distinct sense of place.

Connecticut earns a quality of life score of 179 and cracks the top 5 states to live in based on this criteria. With proximity to both Boston and New York City, you'll feel connected in Connecticut. But the state has plenty to offer in its own right. It ranks fifth for education and has a vibrant skilled workforce. When it's time for fun, the state is known for its charming small towns and coastal vibes, offering lobster rolls and lighthouses.

Within Connecticut, consider a move to West Hartford. This centrally located city is known for having a good school system, low violent crime rates, and a reliable local bus network with access to regional transport. However, expect a higher cost of living—life in West Hartford is slightly above the national average. It's not a major city like Hartford or Bridgeport, but it has a lovely, walkable downtown with dining and shopping, plus lovely trails and parks, including the bucolic Elizabeth Park with its absolutely stunning rose garden.

The Twin City State has a quality of life score of 189. It's also in the top ten states for business, based on CNBC's 2025 ranking. Well over a dozen Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Minnesota. And while the state is well-known for its wintery weather, locals praise the quality of life, culture, and beautiful nature in the North Star State.

Lakeville is a Minneapolis suburb that is rising in popularity. In fact, Lakeville has been called one of the best small cities to live in America. If you need more convincing to make the move, consider that Lakeville earns top scores for safety and offers relative affordability by metro-area standards. Whether you're on your own, or bringing a family to the town, Lakeville is rich in outdoor fun. Locals love kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Marion and Lake Orchard in the spring, and ice skating on frozen lakes in the winter.

The Garden State gets a quality of life score of 201, making it the third best state for quality of life. New Jersey offers proximity to big city vibes in New York City or Philadelphia and easy access to the Atlantic ocean. It might not surprise you to learn that New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country. That being said, the state stays true to its agricultural roots, with plenty of opportunities for picking apples, peaches, and more. New Jersey also has the most horses per square mile of any state.

Metuchen gives small-town vibes, but this city is just under an hour to NYC via the train. The combination of charm and convenience is a key reason that Metuchen has been named on lists of the best places to live in New Jersey. Check out Metuchen's Main Street for quaint shops and restaurants, and then enjoy some fresh air on the Middlesex Greenway, a 3.5-mile paved path for walking, jogging, or biking.

Maine slides into the number two spot for the best quality of life with a score of 207. Situated in the Northeast, Maine is well-known for stunning beauty of attractions like Acadia National Park, so tourism underpins a large part of the state's economy. Maine is also the top producer of lobster in the United States, so expect to see it on menus everywhere.

Portland is Maine's largest city and has been named among the top places to live in the United States by several national publications.. This coastal city has a walkable downtown full of up-and-coming restaurants with every kind of food you could hope for. Plus, if you're planning to settle down and find a job in the state of Maine, Portland has a shorter-than-average commute time for most residents. Even if you're past your working years, Portland makes a great spot for retirement relocation according to Kiplingers. It's home to a mid-sized hospital, a beautiful art museum, a scenic port, and lots of beautiful historic houses — everything retirees could want for home, health, and fun.

CNBC has deemed Vermont the state with the highest quality of life score at 228. This is the fifth year in a row that Vermont has claimed this category, according to CNBC. Factors like resident health, clean air quality, and low crime rates are all key reasons that Vermont scores high in terms of quality of life. The Green Mountain State isn't crowded, either; it ranks 49th in terms of population.

Burlington has the best of what Vermont has to offer. Relocate to this scenic city, and you'll be impressed by the abundance of outdoor activities and natural beauty. For instance, Lake Champlain offers opportunities for boating, paddleboarding, bird watching, and more. Off the water, there's a robust art and festival scene. Burlington is also home to the University of Vermont so expect the attractions and diversity that comes with a college town.