16. North Carolina

• Median household income/paycheck: $1,856.00
• The leftover income after covering monthly expenses: $860.78
• Percentage of leftover income: 46.38 percent

The cost of living here is higher than in Louisiana, but this state scores better due to its generous median household income. At the end of the day, North Carolina residents have more money left in their wallets after covering expenses than Louisiana residents.

15. Kentucky

• Median household income/paycheck: $1,723.50
• The leftover income after covering monthly expenses: $811.03
• Percentage of leftover income: 47.06 percent

Despite having the 5th-lowest median household income in the nation, the Bluegrass State is a place where most Americans would want to move to. Why? Because living costs are really, really low, meaning that residents are actually less likely to live paycheck to paycheck.