◆ Reports
Data studies & state rankings
Original FAHAQ studies that turn our 50-state datasets into ranked, cite-able research — take-home pay, property taxes, home closing costs, minimum wage and cost of living. Every figure is sourced and current for 2026, and every ranking links straight to the underlying calculator. Free to read, share and cite.
5 studies · Updated 2026-07-19
States With the Highest Take-Home Pay (2026)
Ranking all 51 US jurisdictions by net pay on a $100,000 single-filer salary after 2026 federal, FICA and state income tax.
#1 Alaska — $79,180
Property Taxes by State, Ranked: Lowest to Highest (2026)
Every US state ranked by average effective property tax rate — from Hawaii's rock-bottom rate to New Jersey at the top.
Lowest: Hawaii 0.27% · Highest: New Jersey 2.11%
Cheapest States to Buy a Home: Closing Costs Ranked (2026)
Average buyer closing costs as a share of home price, ranked for all 51 US jurisdictions — transfer taxes are the great divider.
Cheapest: South Dakota 0.46% · Priciest: Delaware 2.99%
Minimum Wage by State, Ranked (2026)
All 51 US jurisdictions ranked by 2026 minimum wage — from the District of Columbia and Washington at the top to the $7.25 federal floor.
#1 District of Columbia — $18.40/hr
Most & Least Expensive US Cities to Live In (2026)
US cities ranked by overall cost-of-living index (US urban average = 100) — from New York City at the top to the affordable Midwest and South.
Most: New York City, NY 187 · Least: Cleveland, OH 82
Methodology and sources are listed in full on each study. Figures are 2026 estimates from published government and industry data; verify locally before relying on any number.