Minimum Wage by State Adjusted for Cost of Living
States ranked by their cost-of-living-adjusted minimum wage for 2026. Washington leads at $18.18/hr after adjustment, while Missouri and Nebraska crack the top 5 thanks to low living costs.
Data
| # | State | Nominal Min Wage | COLI | Adjusted Min Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $20.74 | 114.1 | $18.18 |
| 2 | Missouri | $15.00 | 89.0 | $16.85 |
| 3 | Nebraska | $15.00 | 92.6 | $16.20 |
| 4 | Illinois | $15.00 | 94.7 | $15.84 |
| 5 | Michigan | $13.73 | 90.1 | $15.24 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $16.94 | 112.7 | $15.03 |
| 7 | Colorado | $15.16 | 102.7 | $14.76 |
| 8 | Delaware | $15.00 | 101.9 | $14.72 |
| 9 | Florida | $15.00 | 102.2 | $14.68 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $16.00 | 110.6 | $14.47 |