America's happiest state is not California or Florida - Hawaii tops the list.

This year, the happiest state in America is different from last year's top-ranked state, according to WalletHub's annual ranking.

The personal finance website analyzed the happiness levels of Americans by comparing the 50 states based on 30 metrics within three essential categories.

1. Emotional and physical well-being
2. Work environment
3. Community and environment

The metrics were evaluated on a 100-point scale, with a perfect score indicating the highest level of happiness.

According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, the happiest states are those that offer above-average quality of life in multiple areas, including strong economies, high-quality healthcare, ample leisure time, and good weather.

While California and Florida are often associated with pleasant weather and retirement, they did not make it to the top 10 list. California ranked 13th, and Florida came in 14th.

Hawaii is the happiest state in America

The U.S. state with the highest happiness score of 68.71 is Hawaii.

Despite ranking 31st for work and environment, it placed first for emotional and physical well-being and third for community and environment.

Hawaii had the lowest depression rate in the U.S., with 86% of adults reporting good or better health. Additionally, it boasted one of the lowest unemployment rates and a high percentage of households with an annual income above $75,000.

Hawaii is also one of the priciest places to reside.

Hawaii and Massachusetts were ranked among the most expensive states to live in, according to CNBC's 2024 America's Top States for Business study. The average home price in Honolulu is $1,674,195 and the monthly energy bill is $359.53.

A May report from the University of Hawaii states that only one in five households in the state can afford to purchase a single-family home.

The housing situation in Hawaii has been exacerbated by the 2023 Maui wildfires and higher interest rates.

The 10 happiest states in America

1. Hawaii
2. Maryland
3. New Jersey
4. Utah
5. Delaware
6. Minnesota
7. Connecticut
8. Idaho
9. Nebraska
10. Massachusetts

The Old Line State moved up from third to second place on the list, with a total score of 64.67, according to WalletHub's report.

In the emotional and physical well-being metric, the state ranked third, while in the work environment, it ranked tenth. Additionally, the state placed sixth in the community and environment rank.

Annapolis, the capital city of Maryland, is renowned as the world's sailing capital, as declared by the state government.

The Maryland State House, the oldest state capital still in use, is located in Annapolis.

Although Maryland ranks as the second happiest state in the U.S., it's crucial to mention that the cost of living in Maryland is 16% higher than the national average, as reported by RentCafe. Specifically, housing costs are 44% higher than the national average, while utilities are 10% higher.

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