The American Dream Now Costs More Than $7 Million in Some States. 40% Say It Is Harder to Achieve Than 20 Years Ago.

The American Dream comes with a lifetime price tag exceeding $7 million in three states, according to a new report from BC Game, which ranked Hawaii as the most expensive place to pursue homeownership, raise a child, and cover the expenses associated with middle-class life.

The analysis comes as 40% of U.S. residents believe the American Dream is less achievable today than it was 20 years ago. BC Game examined how much families would need to spend to reach those milestones and maintain that lifestyle across different states.

Hawaii topped the ranking with an estimated lifetime cost of $7.28 million. California followed at $7.12 million, narrowly ahead of Massachusetts at $7.10 million. Washington and Colorado rounded out the five most expensive states.

The digital entertainment platform calculated expenses for a household consisting of two adults and one child. Its model included mortgages, childcare, college tuition, food, healthcare, and utilities, projecting spending across a lifespan from age 18 to 79.

Housing is a major contributor to Hawaii's position. The report lists a median home price of approximately $833,880, alongside annual childcare costs exceeding $15,000 and food expenses of roughly $12,000. Its estimated yearly cost for the modeled family is $191,380.

Hawaii also has the highest median household net worth among the 10 states listed, at $502,560. However, wealth tied to assets such as a home does not necessarily translate into cash available for groceries, childcare, or medical bills.

California ranks second in lifetime spending, although its estimated annual cost is higher than Hawaii's, at $195,210. The report places home prices near $774,000 and private university tuition around $33,000.

Those expenses create competing demands for households trying to buy property while saving for their child's education. The report lists California household income at approximately $119,000, below its modeled annual spending estimate.

Massachusetts has the highest annual cost among the top 10 states, at $209,300. Childcare approaches $18,000 a year, while college tuition averages nearly $47,000 under the report's figures.

Mortgage payments and childcare together account for approximately $64,000 annually in Massachusetts, before families pay for food, transportation, healthcare, or utilities. The report puts typical home prices around $669,000.

Washington ranks fourth, with an estimated lifetime cost of $6.77 million and annual expenses of $182,680. Mortgage costs exceed $41,000 a year, while college tuition adds approximately $32,000. Transportation costs more than $13,000, and healthcare exceeds $10,000 annually.

Colorado follows at $6.65 million over a lifetime. Although its typical home price of roughly $539,000 is lower than those in Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts, other expenses push its annual total to $176,450. Childcare costs approximately $16,000, college tuition reaches $27,600, and annual taxes total about $16,800.

Alaska places sixth, with estimated lifetime spending of $6.55 million. Connecticut follows at $6.40 million, Oregon at $6.38 million, New Jersey at $6.30 million, and New Hampshire at $6.23 million.

"The feeling that the American Dream is slipping away is actually a reality, and you can see it just by looking at housing," BC Game's chief executive said in comments accompanying the report.