Staying connected can represent a considerable financial burden depending on the state you live in. And although it is not a basic need like eating, nowadays, it is considerably close. Being a vast country, the price you can pay for telephone and internet services in the United States varies considerably depending on where you live. That's why, this time, we bring you the places where these bills absorb the largest amount of the average income in the area. In some places in the United States, the combined cost of telephone and internet services exceeds $1,600 per person per year. This represents a significant percentage of annual income, sometimes exceeding 3%, according to an analysis by Power Choice Texas. In the following 10 states, connectivity costs are the highest in the country, considering both the amount an average resident pays and the impact on their income. The analysis also takes into account service quality, particularly average internet speed, according to the most recent data from HighSpeedInternet.com.

1. Kansas

Kansas ranks as the state with the greatest relative economic weight in connectivity. Its residents spend 3.48% of their annual income on telephone and internet services, equivalent to $1,576 per person per year.

Despite the high cost, the average speed is just 186.88 Mbps, placing the state 34th nationwide. In other words, despite being one of the most expensive in the country, its internet is one of the worst.

2. Washington

While Kansas leads the nation in income, Washington has the highest total spending in the country at $1,618 per person per year. That's 2.70% of the median income.

Seriously, despite the investment, internet speeds sit at 201.11 Mbps, leaving them outside the national top 20.

3. Texas

Texas spends $1,225 per person per year, which is 2.67% of income.

However, the state offers one of the best average speeds, at 225.74 Mbps. This places it among the top 10 states for internet performance, improving the cost-benefit ratio.

4. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents pay about $994 per year, which represents 2.10% of their income. While costs are not the highest in absolute terms, they do significantly affect disposable income.

Internet speeds, at 204.66 Mbps, are close to the national average, but not outstanding.

5. Virginia

Virginia offers a more balanced mix. The average annual cost is $1,018, or 2.04% of income.

In return, residents enjoy a solid connection at 230.49 Mbps, making the state the sixth fastest in the country.

6. New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, costs hit $992 a year, consuming 1.99% of income.

At 217.06 Mbps, the speed is slightly higher than the national average, though the expense is still high relative to purchasing power.

7. California

Californians pay just over $1,000 a year for connectivity ($1,004), which represents 1.86% of their income.

While the amount is not the highest, it does have an impact due to the high overall cost of living. The average speed is 223.59 Mbps, ranking ninth in speed nationwide.

8. New York

With annual spending of $1,030 and a 1.81% income share, New York is also among the most expensive states to stay connected.

The average speed of 208.05 Mbps is just above the national average, not entirely justifying the high cost.

9. Alaska

In Alaska, people pay more than $1,000 a year for connectivity, or 1.79% of income.

However, the state has the slowest internet in the country, at just 125.09 Mbps. This is a clear example of high cost for low performance, especially affecting rural or isolated areas.

10. Massachusetts

Massachusetts rounds out the list with an annual spending of $1,006 and an income percentage of 1.66%. While the cost is high, the state's high median salary helps cushion it.

Its speed, at 218.54 Mbps, is among the best in the country, ranking 12th.

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