Iowa has the lowest housing costs. That earned it a top 20 spot for best states to live.

Iowa has been ranked as the 12th best state to live in according to WalletHub's 2024 report, maintaining its position as the state with the lowest housing costs for the second consecutive year. The report evaluates states based on cost of living, education quality, and safety. Iowa scored 21st in affordability, 32nd in economy, 15th in education and health, 16th in quality of life, and 12th in safety. It dropped one spot from its 2023 ranking but remains ahead of Minnesota and Maine.