California Tops WalletHub’s 2026 Ranking of the Most Fun States to Live In
New WalletHub report highlights how entertainment, tourism, and lifestyle amenities shape quality of life across U.S. states amid rising costs
A new report released by personal finance company WalletHub has revealed the most fun and entertaining U.S. states to live in for 2026. California claimed the top spot in the ranking, thanks to its abundance of restaurants, theme parks, movie theaters, and fitness centers, in addition to ranking second nationwide for the number of tourist attractions.
According to Newsweek, experts say that living in areas rich in attractions, activities, dining options, and nightlife has a positive impact on mental health by improving overall quality of life and encouraging social interaction. States that offer more recreational opportunities also tend to attract higher levels of tourism, which in turn strengthens their local economies.
Rising Costs Reshape How Americans Seek Fun and Entertainment
However, amid inflation and rising costs for housing, food, and fuel, experts expect many Americans to scale back spending. This includes opting for entertainment closer to home or seeking lower-cost alternatives to visiting major attractions and leisure venues.
The report ranked California first overall for entertainment and recreation, citing its large number of performing arts institutions, music festivals, and bars. Florida followed in second place, scoring especially well for recreation and outdoor activities due to its favorable climate, though it ranked lower in nightlife.
Nevada came next, standing out for having the highest number of nightlife activities per capita. The state offers an abundance of music festivals and casinos, with bars legally permitted to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, often with relatively low prices for beer and wine.
Commenting on the findings, Erin Tucker Allaway, head of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department at the University of Maryland, noted that California, Florida, and Nevada have long been strategic states that fully recognize the value of tourism, making it an essential part of their identity.
Experts Highlight Investment Gaps and Shifting Travel Trends
Tourism expert Jonathan Day added, “California, Florida, and Nevada are three states that invest heavily in tourist infrastructure as well as amenities for local residents. A place that is good to live in is, by definition, a place that is good to visit.”
According to the report, Mississippi and Rhode Island were ranked among the least fun states for entertainment and recreation, though they performed better in nightlife categories. At the bottom of the list was West Virginia, which ranked lowest overall for entertainment and recreation but slightly higher for nightlife. This was attributed to limited diversity in arts and recreational institutions, as well as lower per-capita spending on entertainment services.
WalletHub’s analysis also found that while inflation may reduce the frequency or length of travel for some households, it is simultaneously encouraging more domestic and regional travel. This shift creates new opportunities for local destinations to promote free and low-cost recreational activities to residents and visitors alike.
