This map shows the real value of $100 in every state

We often think about the relative value of the U.S. dollar when we’re traveling internationally. But have you ever paused to think how strong your dollar is when you’re traveling domestically?

For example, a crisp $100 bill will buy more in Alabama. There, your $100 bill is actually worth about $115.21, according to an analysis done by the Tax Foundation. So, go ahead and book that vacation to Gulf Shores or mark Mardi Gras on your calendar because Mobile does it big.

But take that same Benjamin to Hawaii, and it’s only worth $84.18. That’s a whopping $31.03 less than it’s worth in Alabama.

The Tax Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that studies U.S. tax policies on the federal and state levels, put together a map to show the real value of $100 in each state. The think tank used data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis for its report, showing that goods in states like Missouri and Ohio are much cheaper than they are in New York or California.

The only states where $100 is truly worth $100 are Oregon ($100.81), Florida ($100.50) and Illinois ($100.30).

The research found that your $100 will stretch the furthest in Mississippi ($116.01), Alabama ($115.21), Arkansas ($114.42), South Dakota ($113.38) and Kentucky ($112.87).

As for the states where you’ll get the least bang for your buck? Hawaii tops this list because your $100 is only worth $84.18. Other places where $100 is worth the least include the District of Columbia ($85.47), New York ($86.73), New Jersey ($88.18) and California ($88.18).

Curious how your state stacks up? Take a look!

Tax Foundation

Alabama: $115.21
Alaska: $94.70
Arizona: $103.95
Arkansas: $114.42
California: $88.18
Colorado: $96.90
Connecticut: $92
Delaware: $99.60
District of Columbia: $85.47
Florida: $100.50
Georgia: $107.99
Hawaii: $84.18
Idaho: $107.07
Illinois: $100.30
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Indiana: $110.25
Iowa: $110.74
Kansas: $110.62
Kentucky: $112.87
Louisiana: $110.38
Maine: $102.04
Maryland: $91.24
Massachusetts: $93.55
Michigan: $106.95
Minnesota: $102.67
Mississippi: $116.01
Missouri: $111.98
Montana: $105.49
Nebraska: $110.38
Nevada: $102.04
New Hampshire: $95.24
New Jersey: $88.18
New Mexico: $105.93
New York: $86.73
North Carolina: $109.65
North Dakota: $108.34
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Ohio: $112.11
Oklahoma: $111.23
Oregon: $100.81
Pennsylvania: $102.15
Rhode Island: $101.32
South Carolina: $110.74
South Dakota: $113.38
Tennessee: $111.23
Texas: $103.31
Utah: $103.09
Vermont: $98.43
Virginia: $97.56
Washington: $95.42
Wisconsin: $107.41
West Virginia: $112.49
Wisconsin: $107.41
Wyoming: $103.95

About the Author

Brittany Anas

Brittany has contributed to publications including Men's Journal, Forbes, Women's Health, American Way, TripSavvy, Eat This, Not That!, Apartment Therapy, Denver Life Magazine, 5280, Livability, The Denver Post, Simplemost, USA Today Travel Tips, Make it Better, AAA publications, Reader's Digest, Discover Life and more. More.

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