For Vietnamese families immigrating to the United States through EB-5, the question of “which state should we live in?” is not only about costs or community, it is also about the future of their children: How good are the schools? How safe is the environment? And what level of income is needed to earn a living wage in America in that state? This article analyzes the best state in the United States for raising children based on 2026 rankings, combined with real-world data on living wages, average income in America, and what Vietnamese people earning money in America need to know in order to build an accurate financial plan.
The Cost of Raising Children in America: A Number That Surprises Many Families
Best state in the United States for raising children 2026 education costs school rankings Vietnamese family
Before choosing a state for settlement, it is important to understand one foundational number: How much does it cost to raise a child in America until age 18?
According to WalletHub 2026 data, the cost of raising a child in the United States through age 18 can reach as much as $320,000, and this figure continues to rise as living costs keep increasing. Raising children has become significantly more expensive than it was a decade ago.
This $320,000 figure does not include university expenses, which are often a top priority for Vietnamese families when considering their children’s future. With a U.S. green card, your child can attend public universities at in-state tuition rates rather than international student rates, saving $20,000–$40,000 per year compared to studying as an international student, a tremendous financial advantage over four years of university education.
However, not every state offers the same opportunities. Public school quality, crime rates, childcare costs, and community safety create significant differences between the best state in the United States and less favorable states.
See also: How Much Wealth Does a Vietnamese Family Need to Live in the United States?
Ranking the Best States in the United States for Raising Children in 2026 According to WalletHub
WalletHub analyzed all 50 states using 50 indicators grouped into five categories: family recreation, health and safety, education and childcare, affordability, and socioeconomic conditions. The most notable results are as follows:
Top 5 Best States for Raising Children in 2026
Position #1: Massachusetts The Gold Standard of Education
Massachusetts ranks as the best state for raising a family in 2026 for the fifth consecutive year due to its economic opportunities, excellent health outcomes, and top-tier educational quality.
Massachusetts ranks #1 nationwide for public school quality. It is not only famous for Harvard and MIT, but its K–12 public education system is also considered the best in the country. The state has the highest percentage of children with health insurance coverage, the third-lowest infant mortality rate, and the fourth-lowest property crime rate nationwide.
Challenges for Vietnamese families: High living costs, harsh winters, a 5% state income tax, and a relatively small Vietnamese community concentrated around Boston and Lowell, though not nearly as large as those in California or Texas.
Position #2: Minnesota
Minnesota ranks as the second-best state for raising a family, with median household income exceeding $109,000 (second highest nationwide after adjusting for cost of living), the second-lowest family poverty rate, and the eighth-smallest income inequality gap in the country.
The state offers leading public hospitals, high life expectancy, and an extensive park system.
Challenges for Vietnamese families: Among the harshest winters in America (temperatures frequently fall below -20°C), a relatively small Vietnamese community in the Twin Cities, and a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
Position #3: North Dakota
North Dakota completes the top three thanks to affordable housing, abundant childcare options, highly rated public schools, and one of the lowest divorce rates in the nation, a metric often viewed as an indirect indicator of stable family communities.
Observation: North Dakota is generally not practical for most Vietnamese families. The Vietnamese community is nearly nonexistent, the climate is extremely cold, and the economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and oil industries.
Position #4: Wisconsin
Wisconsin stands out with low property crime rates (12.2 incidents per 1,000 residents), abundant green spaces, rich cultural events, and a safe transportation environment.
The state offers a simple, affordable lifestyle with a strong balance between quality of life and cost.
Special relevance for EB-5 investors: Wisconsin, and particularly Milwaukee, is home to FirstPathway Partners (FPP), VITA CAPITAL’s Regional Center partner, which has operated there since 2007. The region features a stable labor market, reasonable housing costs, and strong educational opportunities.
Position #5: Utah
Utah combines several advantages rarely found together: the highest birth rate in America (often considered the “young family” state), a rapidly growing economy, quality schools, spectacular natural scenery, and housing costs significantly lower than California.
Salt Lake City is currently one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the United States.
Which State Is Best for Vietnamese Families? Combining Education Rankings with the Vietnamese Community Factor
WalletHub’s overall rankings do not always align perfectly with the realities faced by Vietnamese families because they do not account for ethnic community factors. When practical considerations relevant to Vietnamese EB-5 investors are added, the rankings change significantly.
Living Wage in America: Minimum Wage vs Living Wage in 2026
Average income in America 2026 minimum wage living wage Vietnamese earning money in America living wage
This is the most important practical section for Vietnamese families planning immigration: What is a true living wage in America, and how different are minimum wage and living wage?
Minimum Wage vs Living Wage: A Significant Gap
Minimum wage (federal minimum wage): $7.25/hour, unchanged since 2009.
However, most progressive states have established higher minimum wages:
California: $16.50/hour
Washington: $16.28/hour
New York: $16.50/hour
Texas: still follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour
Living wage refers to the hourly wage that an individual in a household must earn to support themselves and their family while working full-time (2,080 hours per year). It is a more realistic measure than minimum wage because it reflects the actual cost of living in a specific location.
Living Wage for a Family of Four (2 Working Adults, 2 Children) by State – 2026
State
Living Wage/Hour (2 Working Adults, 2 Children)
Required Annual Income
Notes
Massachusetts
~ $28/hour
~ $116,000/year
Highest in the Northeast
California
~ $30/hour
~ $125,000/year
Highest on the West Coast
New York
~ $32/hour
~ $133,000/year
NYC is the most expensive
Texas
~ $22/hour
~ $91,000/year
No state income tax helps
Florida
~ $23/hour
~ $96,000/year
No state income tax
Wisconsin
~ $20/hour
~ $83,000/year
Lower living costs
Virginia (Northern VA)
~ $26/hour
~ $108,000/year
High costs due to proximity to DC
Average Income in America 2026: Realistic Benchmarks
The national average income in the United States in 2026 is approximately $63,795 per year.
Median household income is approximately $83,782 per year, but the average household spends around 41.8% of its income on housing alone, reflecting the genuine financial pressure faced by many American families.
Household Income by State Commonly Chosen by Vietnamese Families
State
Median Household Income
Notes
Massachusetts
~ $96,000/year
Highest in the Northeast
Washington
~ $90,000/year
Driven by the technology sector
California
~ $86,000/year
High costs offset much of the advantage
Minnesota
~ $109,000/year
Highest nationwide after cost adjustments
Virginia
~ $85,000/year
Benefits from the high-income DC metro area
Texas
~ $72,000/year
Lower but no state income tax
Florida
~ $68,000/year
Similar to Texas
Are you currently planning your family's income strategy and budget before immigrating to America? Contact VITA CAPITAL for a comprehensive post-immigration financial planning consultation, including cost projections based on your chosen state completely free of charge.
How Do Vietnamese People Earn Money in America? Real Data for 2026
This is the most practical question every Vietnamese family should answer before immigrating.
Actual Income of Vietnamese Americans
The median income of Vietnamese Americans born in the United States exceeds $80,000 per year.
For Vietnamese immigrants, median income exceeds $70,000 per year.
This places Vietnamese Americans among the immigrant groups with the strongest upward economic mobility in the United States.
The Vietnamese community in America is widely recognized for its strong work ethic and emphasis on education. Many studies indicate that Vietnamese-American children graduate from university at rates significantly higher than the national average, contributing to higher incomes across generations.
Common Occupations and Income Levels Among Vietnamese Americans
Information Technology (Silicon Valley, Seattle)
Software Engineer: $130,000–$200,000+/year
Data Scientist: $120,000–$180,000/year
Product Manager: $140,000–$220,000/year
The Vietnamese communities in San Jose and Seattle have the highest concentration of professionals working in the technology sector.
Healthcare (Common in California, Texas, and Virginia)
Physician (MD): $200,000–$400,000+/year
Pharmacist: $120,000–$160,000/year
Registered Nurse (RN): $75,000–$110,000/year
Dentist: $150,000–$250,000/year
Business Ownership and Restaurants (Houston, Orange County)
Family-owned restaurants: Stable income of $60,000–$150,000/year depending on size
Small service businesses: $70,000–$200,000+/year depending on industry
Finance and Real Estate
Successful real estate agents: $80,000–$250,000+/year (Orange County, San Jose)
Financial Advisors: $80,000–$180,000/year
EB-5 Investors with Income from Vietnam
Many Vietnamese EB-5 investors continue earning income from businesses in Vietnam while establishing themselves in the United States.
This dual-income strategy can be highly effective, although it requires careful tax planning (FBAR and FATCA considerations).
(See also: Taxes in the United States for New Immigrants)
Living Wage in America by Settlement Stage
Years 1–2 (Adjustment Stage)
Families generally need at least $50,000–$70,000 per year in U.S.-based income (or the equivalent from funds transferred from Vietnam), plus an emergency reserve covering 12–18 months of living expenses.
This stage focuses on securing housing, enrolling children in school, and building a U.S. credit score.
Years 3–5 (Growth Stage)
The target income becomes approximately $80,000–$120,000 per year through a combination of U.S. and Vietnamese income sources.
Families can begin considering home purchases in lower-cost states such as Texas, Florida, or Wisconsin.
Building a strong enough credit score to qualify for favorable mortgage terms typically takes two to three years from scratch.
Long-Term (After 5 Years)
First-generation Vietnamese families in America often achieve annual household incomes above $100,000 within five to ten years, provided they have strong educational backgrounds and work in suitable industries.
This exceeds the national median household income of $83,782.
Which State Is Best for Vietnamese Families? A Practical Conclusion
When combining all key factors education, cost of living, taxes, Vietnamese community presence, and income opportunities the following recommendations emerge for different types of families:
Families Prioritizing the Best Education for Their Children + Strong Vietnamese Community → Northern Virginia (Fairfax County)
Fairfax County Public Schools consistently rank among the best school systems in the United States. The Vietnamese community in Falls Church is large, established, and stable, while the region benefits from proximity to the economic opportunities of the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Although Virginia imposes a state income tax of up to 5.75%, the region’s higher income levels help offset part of that cost.
Irvine, California: America’s Best City for Raising Children
Irvine, California was ranked the best city in America for raising children in 2026, earning an A+ rating for public schools, one of the lowest crime rates in the nation, and abundant green spaces.
However, housing costs in Irvine are among the highest in California, making it a premium option for families with substantial financial resources.
Families Prioritizing Financial Efficiency + Large Vietnamese Community → Houston, Texas
No state income tax, affordable housing, and the largest Vietnamese community in America centered around Bellaire and Southwest Houston make Houston one of the most attractive choices for Vietnamese families.
High-performing suburban school districts such as Sugar Land and The Woodlands further strengthen Houston’s appeal.
Based on overall criteria, Houston is arguably the best state-and-city combination in America for Vietnamese investors seeking the optimal balance between affordability, community support, and long-term opportunity.
Families Working in Technology → Seattle, Washington
Seattle offers no state income tax, some of the highest technology salaries in the country outside Silicon Valley, strong schools in Bellevue and the Eastside region, and a diverse Asian community.
For families building careers in technology, Seattle remains one of the most compelling destinations in America.
Families Seeking Balance Between Cost and Quality of Life → Orlando or Tampa, Florida
Florida offers no state income tax, a warm tropical climate, and housing costs that are significantly more affordable than those in Miami or California.
Orlando and Tampa provide a strong balance of affordability, lifestyle, and future growth opportunities for families seeking long-term stability.
(See also: Top Cities to Live in the United States for Vietnamese Investors)
VITA CAPITAL Helps Families Build the Right Settlement Strategy
Choosing the best state in the United States for your children is not a one-time decision; it is a long-term strategy that must simultaneously consider education, income, taxation, community, and overall quality of life alongside the EB-5 immigration journey.
VITA CAPITAL Your Global Future supports investor families from the moment they decide to pursue EB-5 until they are fully settled in America. This includes advising on the most suitable state and city based on each family’s financial profile, educational goals for their children, and long-term business plans not through a one-size-fits-all formula, but through a customized approach tailored to each family's circumstances.
The decision regarding the best state in the United States should be made before filing an EB-5 application because the chosen state of residence affects taxes, schools, and the family’s long-term financial planning.
VITA CAPITAL provides integrated consulting on both EB-5 applications and settlement-state selection before the September 30, 2026 deadline. Contact us today for a free consultation.
