The states where it's easiest and hardest to support a family on one income

Updated January 22, 2026

With the rising costs of childcare, many households with two working parents are wondering if it actually makes sense for one to stay home. But sacrificing one income can be a difficult trade-off, especially given the current high cost of living.

SmartAsset analyzed how much a solo breadwinner must earn to support a family in each state. Using data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, the study accounted for necessities such as housing, healthcare, and transportation to determine the single income required for a comfortable life.

Continue reading to see the five states where it’s most expensive to live on one income — and the five where it’s most affordable.

5th most affordable: North Dakota

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A North Dakota family needs to bring in $70,949 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

4th most affordable: Kentucky

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A Kentucky family needs to bring in $70,408 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

3rd most affordable: Mississippi

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A Mississippi family needs to bring in $70,242 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

2nd most affordable: Arkansas

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An Arkansas family needs to bring in $68,141 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

Most affordable: West Virginia

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A West Virginia family needs to bring in $68,099 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

5th most expensive: Connecticut

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A Connecticut family needs to bring in $90,542 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

4th most expensive: New York

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A New York family needs to bring in $92,290 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

3rd most expensive: Massachusetts

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A Massachusetts family needs to bring in $97,261 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

2nd most expensive: California

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A California family needs to bring in $97,656 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.

Most expensive: Hawaii

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A Hawaii family needs to bring in $102,773 a year from a single-income to allow the second parent to stay home.