REPOST: 7 most expensive states to live in the U.S.

 USA Today features this article written by Erika Rawes on the most expensive states to live in the US.  

Paradise is expensive. To live comfortably in Hawaii, you'd need a salary of over $122,000. | Image Source: usatoday.com

As most of us already know, an equal salary can stretch much further in one place than in another. If you earn at least $75,000 per year, you earn a comfortable salary. At this income level, you are said to have reached the point where you really don't need any more money to thrive. In each state, however, this $75,000 has to be adjusted to account for costs of living differences.

A few states, however, like Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, and Wisconsin are right around the benchmark. That is, even when adjusting for cost of living, these states will produce a monetary amount that is relatively similar to the nationwide reference point.

Recently, we shared the most inexpensive states to live in the U.S. Now, let's check out the most expensive states. Do you live in an expensive state? How much does it cost to live, eat, and go out on the town in these higher priced locations? We're also going to take it one step further and answer the question: how much of an annual salary do you need in each of these states to live comfortably at that $75K level?

These states are ranked in order based on their overall cost of living. All cost of living index data comes from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) first-quarter report, and pricing data comes from Zillow, Numbeo.com, and other resources.

7. Connecticut

Cost of Living Index: 125.2
Grocery Index: 124
Housing Index: 136.1
Utilities Index: 116.3
Transportation Index: 119
Health Index: 120.4
Misc.: 122.8

In Connecticut, notice how every index category is above the benchmark index of 100, and food, healthcare and miscellaneous costs — like entertainment and clothing — are particularly high. The median home value in the Northeastern state is $240,000 and homes generally list for a median price of around $275,000 (or $162 per square foot). If you rent, you're also looking at a hefty housing payment of around $1,500 per month, as per the Zillow reported median.

In Hartford, utilities in a small apartment average around $210, and to go out for dinner (at a mid-range restaurant) and a movie with a friend, you're probably going to pay around $75.

Assuming $75,000 is the ideal income, you'd need to earn close to $94,000 to achieve the same standard of living that $75k would offer in a state closer to the benchmark, like Florida.

6. California

Cost of Living Index: 127.1
Grocery Index: 113.6
Housing Index: 176.7
Utilities Index: 113.6
Transportation Index: 111.1
Health Index: 109.7
Misc.: 106.2

The median home value in the sunny state is $429,000, and homes generally list for a median price of $425,000 ($256 per square foot). As a renter, you're looking at a median rent of almost $1,900 and housing and rent prices in some California cities — like San Francisco — are among the highest in the nation.

Dinner and a movie for you and a guest may very well come with a $100 price tag. Basic food items, like milk, bread, and eggs, are going to cost you a pretty penny, as well. In San Fran, you may pay close to 4 bucks for a regular old loaf of bread.

Utilities, however, are not as high as they are in some of the other expensive states. In San Fran, you may just be able to keep your lights and water on in a small apartment for less than $100 per month. All in all, living in California is going to cost you. If you want to achieve that $75K standard of living, you'd need a salary of around $95,000 in California as of late.

5. New Jersey

Cost of Living Index: 127.6
Grocery Index: 108.2
Housing Index: 167.7
Utilities Index: 117.3
Transportation Index: 112.4
Health Index: 104.3
Misc.: 116.1

Overall, living costs in New Jersey are comparable to California. You'd need that same $95K salary to feel completely comfortable. Home prices in Jersey are lower than in California, though, with the median value of Jersey homes at $278,600. If you're looking for a home to purchase in the Northern state, the median list price is just under $300K, or $174 per square foot.

Rent is exceptionally high, with the median monthly rent at $1,800. If you rent in an area like Princeton, you may have to pay $275 or so for utilities in a tiny apartment. If you go out for dinner and a movie, expect to pay around $80 to $85 in Princeton.

4. Alaska

Cost of Living Index: 131.8
Grocery Index: 128.4
Housing Index: 147
Utilities Index: 161.7
Transportation Index: 115
Health Index: 144.8
Misc.: 116.8

When we think of expensive states, New York and California are generally the first ones to come to mind. We often forget about the high cost of living in Alaska. In Anchorage, you're going to pay around $70 (or more) for Internet (6 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), which is considerably high compared to many other locations.

The median list price of homes in the large state are $252,000. Homes cost much more in Juneau (where the median is around $315,000) than in Kenai (where the median sits at around $200,000). Food is also priced high, and of you go out to dinner and a movie with a friend, you're looking at a bill of $85 or so.

3. New York

Cost of Living Index: 132.2
Grocery Index: 110.6
Housing Index: 193.3
Utilities Index: 106.8
Transportation Index: 112.9
Health Index: 103.0
Misc.: 112.1

New York is known for its higher cost of living, with median home prices sitting at around $525,000 ($507 per square foot). The real estate market in the Big Apple is hot, as statewide housing values have risen 8.5% over the past year, according to Zillow. As a renter, you could easily pay upwards of 4 grand for a small apartment in New York City, and utilities in that apartment will run you about $175 per month.

You could shell out over $400 if you and a guest decide to go to dinner and to the theater one night. If you want to go out to a downtown club and have a drink, you may end up paying $13 for a cocktail. But, if you're more of a neighborhood pub kind of person, a beer should cost around $7. Overall, to be able to live comfortably at the $75K level, you'd need around $100,000 per year.

2. Washington, D.C.

Cost of Living Index: 139.6
Grocery Index: 111.7
Housing Index: 249.4
Utilities Index: 97
Transportation Index: 103.7
Health Index: 95.9
Misc.: 97.4

Although some costs like healthcare and utilities are lower than the benchmark, housing prices in DC are incredibly high. According to Zillow, "the median price of homes currently listed in Washington is $449,000 while the median price of homes that sold is $527,150." The housing market in the nation's capital is red hot, as home values have increased by 10.4% over the past year.

If you're planning on renting, the median rent price is just under $2,000 — more than double the median in some other states like Wisconsin. Utilities in a small apartment should cost around $160 per month, which is pretty reasonable. However, dinner and a movie for you and a guest may come with a higher price — probably around 100 bucks. To thrive in DC at that $75,000 level, you'd need an annual salary of right around $105,000.

1. Hawaii

Cost of Living Index: 162.9
Grocery Index: 159.7
Housing Index: 213.1
Utilities Index: 227.8
Transportation Index: 125.3
Health Index: 113.3
Misc.: 126.6

Paradise is expensive. To live comfortably in Hawaii, you'd need a salary of over $122,000, as of late. Dinner and a movie in Honolulu will cost you around $75, which is a little high. Your grocery bill may be on the higher end in this area as well, with the price of bread and eggs averaging over $4 each.

The median home value in Hawaii is $518,800 and the median list price is a little higher at $525,000 ($420 per square foot). If you decide to rent, you're looking payment of just under $2,000 per month, and that's if you pay the median price. To keep the utilities running in a small apartment in Honolulu, you're facing a cost of around $285 per month.

Read more interesting articles about apartment living by following this Madera Apartments Facebook page.

REPOST: Avoiding Apartment Rental Scams

Protect your self from rental scams by reading this NECN.com article.


Finding the perfect living accommodations is a major part of a college students life | Video Source: necn.com

Finding the perfect living accommodations is a major part of a college students life.

There are some things you should be aware of before signing on the dotted line.

Paula Fleming, vice president of communications for Better Business Bureau, joined NECN to discuss how to avoid the scams when it comes to apartment hunting.

Fleming explains what to expect when renting an apartment properly. She also reviewed some red flags to be aware of.

If the deal sounds to good to be true, run away.

If the landlord is located elsewhere, prefers to communicate via email, asks for a large deposit or wired money, then expect a scam in progress.

Fleming says these sort of scammers are prevalent. It's important to be close attention to all the details.

 Learn more living hacks by visiting this Madera Apartments Facebook page.

A fast track to finding great college apartments

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Living away from mom and dad is a step that every college student has to undergo. And picking out an apartment, for instance, can be an overwhelming experience. However, there are approaches that can transform apartment selection into a rewarding process and face it head-on.

Whether you are relocating to a new city or state, it takes time and effort to find the perfect apartment. With the following handy tips, however, choosing a place to stay can be done easily and quickly:

Know what you need to narrow the hunt. Before beginning the search, you have to identify what you want in a living space. Ask yourself questions like: How many bedrooms will I need? Will I need a studio-type apartment, instead? Will a garage necessary?

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Search online is a commonplace nowadays. Make the best use of today’s technology. Bookmarking maps, addresses, and websites of potential apartments saves you time.

Do it in person. After utilizing technology to rank places, it’s time for you to do it in person. There is nothing more certain than emailing and calling landlords, and taking a tour of your top choices.

Choosing an apartment can be daunting, with so many options that pop up during the selection process. It is helpful to limit down your options to avoid confusion and lessen stumbling blocks. Lastly, you have to try to not fret too much. By learning from the experience, the process is not as bad as you think.

Image Source: warrenrentals.com

Find out more apartment living tips from Madera Apartments in San Antonio, TX, a company providing quality and affordable housing for college students and young professionals. Visit this website for more information.

Apartment living 101: How to live peacefully with a roommate

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For many people, having a roommate is the best option, at least during these tough economic times, for cutting down on apartment rental costs. Payment due dates don’t seem as overwhelming when there's someone with whom to split the bills.

However, living with a roommate could easily spell trouble if one party is unprepared for it. Here are some ways to ensure domestic bliss while living with a roommate in one apartment.

1. Choose a roommate wisely

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It's best to choose a roommate with a personality similar to one's own, or at least has similar goals. A person who likes to study a lot will find living with an avid partygoer difficult, while an impulsive, outgoing person might not get along very well with someone with anger issues.

Before choosing a roommate, one should ask about the potential roommate's previous housing experience and determine if he or she is financially capable of paying the rent. If he or she mentions moving from place to place, or talks about leaving his or her last apartment due to a fight or unpaid bills, it might be best to move on to a better candidate.

2. Create a "roommate bill of rights" 

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 Establishing ground rules and defining boundaries are important in ensuring peaceful cohabitation. A "roommate bill of rights" outlines the basic rights every household member is entitled to, including the right to privacy and a clean house.

3. Make a list of chores

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One should write a list of all household chores, like vacuuming, dusting, and washing dishes, and assign each member of the household his or her share of the work. An alternative is to hire a twice-monthly cleaning service and split the costs with the other roommates.  

Madera Apartments in San Antonio, TX provides quality and affordable housing for college students and young professionals. Subscribe to this blog for more tips on other aspects of apartment life.

Five eco-friendly ways to decorate and furnish a rented apartment

Environmentally aware apartment dwellers don't need to sacrifice style and functionality over sustainability. Listed below are five ways to beautifully decorate and furnish a rented apartment without doing harm to the environment.

1. Shop vintage. As many environmentalists say, the greenest item you can buy is one that already exists. Thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets are great sources of vintage furniture. An old wooden chest can serve as storage, coffee table, and even as a focal point of a room once it’s cleaned, sanded, and stained. Buying secondhand furniture can bring you great savings and can last just as long or even longer with proper care.

Image Source: houzz.com

2. Purchase furniture made of sustainable materials. Furniture pieces made of reclaimed lumber come in all styles, from rustic to modern with sleek lines, so it's not difficult to incorporate them into an apartment's existing design scheme. Bed frames made from sustainable hardwood are sturdy and durable, and can guarantee a good night's sleep for a green activist who's concerned about the state of tropical hardwoods.

3. Maximize natural light. Save energy and reduce your carbon footprint by turning the lights on only at night and only when needed. Blinds let light in better during daytime than heavy curtains or drapes, and the direction of light can be controlled by adjusting the angle of the blinds. To increase natural light in an apartment with few windows, use mirrors to reflect light from the windows to illuminate the entire room.

Image Source: dornob.com

4. Use non-toxic paint. Many paint companies now offer eco-friendly paint with no harmful solvents, chemicals, or dyes. In addition, painting rooms in light colors can help make them look brighter and larger.

5. Decorate with house plants. Plants do double duty: as decoration and as a natural air purifying system. Plants grouped together can add visual interest to a plain-looking corner, and flowering plants can add light and color to a dim area. More importantly, plants can remove almost 90 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

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Madera Apartments in San Antonio, TX offers its residents eco-friendly services and amenities. For more articles on apartment living, visit this blog.

Things young people learn once they've lived on their own

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Those who have experienced moving out of their parents’ home and into their first apartment already know of the ups and downs that come with the experience. While young people tend to feel excitement over the prospect of living on their own, many find that it is not exactly as fun as they first expected. Still, all of it eventually becomes memories that one can recall fondly and even laugh at later on.

Here are a few things that young people can expect to find once they’ve finally moved out:

Image Source: livestrong.com

1. ‘What to eat’ counts as an important factor to consider every day. Back at home, they may take meals for granted, but when people first live on their own they soon find how much effort it is to prepare a meal, keep the fridge well stocked, and budget their spending money.

2. There are a lot of chores to do. It should come as no wonder for young people why their parents ask them to help out with the chores. Once they live on their own, they’ll find out just how much a person needs to do to prevent their place from becoming a total mess.

Image Source: usnews.com

3. Things are more expensive than they previously thought. It may be easy to think of an unnecessary expense as cheap when there aren’t other bills to pay, but once a person experiences being on a tight budget, they’ll start to think of items in the ‘want’ category as an expense that could cost them a decent meal for the next few weeks.

Living independently may indeed be difficult, but learning how to overcome the challenges is a necessary step into adulthood.

Learn more about Madera Apartments in San Antonio, TX, and read more articles about life apart from home as a university student on this Facebook page.

Tips on how to make apartment living more comfortable

Finding a good apartment isn’t easy, and living in one is not always as fun as many people may initially think. There are many factors that can affect the quality of your stay in an apartment, like noisy neighbors and strict regulations. It is often difficult to find an apartment that has everything, thus people often have to compromise and settle for one that’s closest to what they want.

Image Source: newyork.com

Given the many difficulties involved in apartment living, here are a few tips on how to make your stay more comfortable:

- A good start would be to make it feel more like home. Tenants are often forbidden from making any permanent changes to the property, but they can make a few additions to the apartment to make it more comfortable. A little goes a long way here; the addition of a few decorations, like photos and a large rug, can make your apartment a whole lot comfortable.

Image Source: homeremodelingandrenovations.com

- Conversely, it may be that there’s just too much stuff in your apartment. Letting go of some unnecessary items may be what’s necessary to make it more comfortable. Otherwise, find ways to make items in your home fit without being too obstructive.

- Establishing a good relationship with the property managers, the neighbors, and your roommate is also important to ensuring a more comfortable stay. Usually, this involves just being a responsible person, so that shouldn’t be too hard.

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If all else fails, then it might be better to just find another apartment that can provide most, if not all, the things you are looking for.

The Madera Apartments in San Antonio, TX, redefines the student housing experience as it has nearly everything that young people would want in their off-campus home. For more articles on apartment living, visit this Twitter page.