The worst state to live in is Tennessee, and the best state is Vermont — at least according to CNBC’s standards.
These are the 10 worst states to live in for 2026, according to CNBC.
1. Tennessee
2. Texas
3. Indiana
4. Louisiana
5. Georgia
6. Utah
7. Missouri
8. Alabama
9. Oklahoma
10.Arkansas pic.twitter.com/7ndZstMleQ— Complex (@Complex) July 12, 2026
On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin parse through CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business” study and discuss why many people think it is a joke. Lyrah and Madelynn examine the survey’s emphasis on each state’s inclusivity policies regarding LGBTQ issues, DEI, and reproductive rights, which they argue caused conservative-leaning states to sink to the bottom of the list. They criticize the ranking for not only being biased but also for being tone-deaf to the true desires of Americans when choosing a place to settle down. (READ MORE: Democrats on Affordability: Oh, Never Mind)
Tune in to find out if you live in the best or worst state!
Listen to the Spectator P.M. Podcast on Spotify.
