4. Illinois
Annual median wage: $94,880
Cost of living: 95.5
Employment: 400
Low cost of living? Check. High wages? Check. Great employment rates for economists? Check. Illinois has really impressive statistics which brought it this far on the list. With such a great balance between wages and expenses, the state appears to have so much potential as compared to others mentioned. You can almost guarantee you’ll be able to enjoy your money and save some of it as well.