The Top 10 States To Live In for the Best, Most Blissful Work-Life Balance

These days, when the majority of us are tethered to our phones and laptops even when we’re off the clock, it can seem hard—if not impossible—to achieve work-life balance.

But where you live can play a pivotal role in how easy (or difficult) work-life balance is to attain.

Recently, B2B Reviews issued a report naming the Best States for Work-Life Balance, ranking states based on factors such as commute times, average weekly hours, weekly wages, maternity leave policies, and other factors.

These rankings are particularly relevant now, as many Americans are reconsidering their priorities—with an emphasis on work-from-home options, labor rights, and self-care.

“Work-life balance is a common topic that comes up in both therapy and coaching,” says Aisha Kamala, a licensed clinical social worker, a therapist, and a career performance coach from Chico, CA. “I do believe it’s becoming more important, and workers are realizing that their mental health, happiness, and stress levels are even more important than a paycheck.”

Here are the top 10 states that deliver the most work-life balance, and why—plus a glimpse into the cost of living in each area based on median home prices.

Minnesota

Median home list price: $425,000
Average commute: 23.3 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.1
Average weekly earnings: $1,249.19
Maternity leave policy: Yes, unpaid
Percentage of remote workers: 16.1%
Depression rates: 20.2%
Final weighted score: 76.8 out of 100

Colorado

Median home list price: $596,498
Average commute: 25.6 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.3
Average weekly earnings: $1,258.74
Maternity leave policy: Yes, 12 weeks paid
Percentage of remote workers: 19.9%
Depression rates: 18.5%
Final weighted score: 71.7 out of 100

Wisconsin

Median home list price: $365,500
Average commute: 22.2 minutes
Average hours per work week: 32.7
Average weekly earnings: $1,094.80
Maternity leave policy: Yes, unpaid
Percentage of remote workers: 12.2%
Depression rates: 20.5%
Final weighted score: 71.2 out of 100

Hawaii

Median home list price: $796,500
Average commute: 26.6 minutes
Average hours per work week: 32.8
Average weekly earnings: $1,214.91
Maternity leave policy: Yes, 6-8 weeks paid—up to 6 months
Percentage of remote workers: 8.7%
Depression rates: 12.7%
Final weighted score: 66.4 out of 100

Oregon

Median home list price: $550,000
Average commute: 23.3 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.9
Average weekly earnings: $1,218.37
Maternity leave policy: Yes, unpaid
Percentage of remote workers: 17.7%
Depression rates: 21.4%
Final weighted score: 65.6 out of 100

Utah

Median home list price: $585,000
Average commute: 21.9 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.4
Average weekly earnings: $1,134.93
Maternity leave policy: No
Percentage of remote workers: 16.4%
Depression rates: 22.7%
Final weighted score: 65.0 out of 100

Montana

Median home list price: $615,000
Average commute: 18.8 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.2
Average weekly earnings: $1,051.11
Maternity leave policy: Yes, unpaid
Percentage of remote workers: 11.3%
Depression rates: 23.4%
Final weighted score: 64.8 out of 100

Nebraska

Median home list price: $339,493
Average commute: 19.1 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.4
Average weekly earnings: $1,046.09
Maternity leave policy: No
Percentage of remote workers: 10.1%
Depression rates: 17.0%
Final weighted score: 64.1 out of 100

Maryland

Median home list price: $425,000
Average commute: 32 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.2
Average weekly earnings: $1,163.66
Maternity leave policy: Yes, 12 weeks paid
Percentage of remote workers: 16.9%
Depression rates: 16.1%
Final weighted score: 63.9 out of 100

South Dakota

Median home list price: $369,600
Average commute: 17.4 minutes
Average hours per work week: 33.8
Average weekly earnings: $1,028.53
Maternity leave policy: Yes, unpaid
Percentage of remote workers: 9.8%
Depression rates: 16.4%
Final weighted score: 63.3 out of 100