Top 10 States That Balance Health, Wealth, and Happiness in 2025
Finding the right place to live isn’t just about sunshine or square footage. It’s about balance, where health, happiness, and income align to create a good life.
According to the latest research from sources like the Commonwealth Fund, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Wallet Hub, and Data Pandas, these are the top ten states that are leading the way.
Nebraska
In the Midwest, Nebraska delivers a surprising balance. WalletHub’s Happiest States report shows a lot of satisfaction scores that are supported by community involvement and low unemployment.
The state’s cost of living remains well below the national average at about 90. And, with a median household income of about $82,000, Nebraska continues to be one of the most affordable states for families to thrive.
Utah
Utah’s strong community ties and work-life balance continue to boost its happiness ratings. It ranks among the top ten in WalletHub’s survey, while the Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard highlights its efficient healthcare system.
According to SmartAsset’s study, Utah residents enjoy one of the highest real-income advantages in the country. A median income near $95,000 and a cost-of-living index around 98 make Utah a beautiful blend of affordability and opportunity.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire earns high marks for safety, community engagement, and overall happiness in WalletHub’s findings. It also performs well on the Commonwealth Fund’s health system rankings, particularly for access and outcomes.
Residents have an average income of about $95,000 and a cost-of-living index near 110. With no sales tax and low unemployment, New Hampshire seems to offer both financial stability and peace of mind.
Minnesota
Minnesota maintains a strong reputation for health and happiness. The Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard ranks it among the top performers in care quality and equity, while WalletHub places it in the upper half for well-being.
With a median household income of about $94,000 and a cost-of-living index near 99, Minnesotans continue to enjoy a high standard of living with strong community support and accessible healthcare.
Connecticut
Connecticut continues to pair prosperity with excellent public health. It ranks well for emotional well-being and family financial security in WalletHub’s report, while the Commonwealth Fund highlights its top-tier healthcare access.
According to World Population Review, household incomes average around $107,000. Though the cost of living is about 129, steady personal income growth seems to keep residents comfortable.
New Jersey
New Jersey performs well across both happiness and health measures. It reports one of the lowest adult depression rates in the country, according to WalletHub, and ranks highly for overall care quality in the Commonwealth Fund’s report.
The median household income is about $110,000, per World Population Review, while the cost of living remains below New York. It’s one of the few coastal states offering metropolitan convenience without extreme financial strain.
Maryland
Maryland has one of the strongest combinations of high income and overall well-being. It’s in the top tier of WalletHub’s happiness rankings and performs well in the Commonwealth Fund’s health data.
According to World Population Review, Maryland’s median household income exceeded $107,000 in 2025. The cost-of-living index sits just above average, giving residents an edge in purchasing power compared to other coastal hubs.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts ranks first, overall, in the Commonwealth Fund’s scorecard for preventive care and access. It’s also among the happiest states in WalletHub’s annual survey.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) confirms steady personal income growth, though a cost-of-living index of about 149.7 means comfort comes at a cost. Even so, Massachusetts remains a leader in national health and education quality.
California
California blends wealth, wellness, and opportunity. Its cost-of-living index sits around 138, but the Commonwealth Fund’s rankings show above-average healthcare performance.
BEA’s 2025 income data reveals solid personal income growth, while WalletHub notes strong emotional well-being and recreation scores. For many, California’s balance of creativity, climate, and career potential is worth the higher costs.
Hawaii
Hawaii remains a leader in happiness and health in 2025. WalletHub places it at the top for emotional and physical well-being, and the Commonwealth Fund lists it among the highest-performing health systems in the U.S.
Living here isn’t cheap, with a cost-of-living index near 184, but BEA’s 2025 report shows that personal income is rising nearly 3% statewide. That small bit of growth might help to offset the challenges of island life, keeping Hawaii as one of the happiest corners of the country.
Finding Balance in 2025
Finding the right state to call home is about more than just sunshine or scenery. The latest 2025 data shows that the happiest Americans live where strong health systems, sustainable incomes, and community well-being come together.
Whether that’s the wide-open spaces of Nebraska, the suburbs of Maryland, or the beaches of Hawaii, the best states for balance prove that quality of life isn’t only about earning more, but living better.
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