While a $100 bill may seem like it holds the same value across the US, a fascinating new report shows that is far from the case.
Massive differences in the cost of living – from groceries to housing to gas – across the country mean a so-called ‘Benjamin’ will buy much less in some areas than others.
In fact, the purchasing power of $100 can vary as much as 26 percent across states, the study found. It goes furthest in Arkansas and buys the least in California.
The report by GOBankingRates used a Government index that compares costs for goods and services among each of the 50 states.
Varying prices mean Americans might be able to live comfortably in one state on a certain salary, but struggle to make ends meet with the same paycheck in another, it found.
Click here for the map of all 50 states to see. It’s kind of what you’d expect, but still interesting. Don’t live in the Northeast or California if you want your money to go further.
Delusions of Adequacy 