This assessment seems to really have missed the big picture by coming at things from the wrong angle. It seems to be that the most expensive states to live in are the blue states. The blue states have lower income but higher costs of living and it is clear that they are monitarily eliminating mediocraty, sick, disabled and the elderly. Because there is no way to live there on soctal services or retirement, or the average salary. Which is said to be around $75,000. But you'd be hard pressed to earn that salary, so I don't know where you'd get that average from. Never the less, it doesn't come close to being enough.