Many things are taken into consideration when you’re looking at the cost of living. Rent, food, gas, etc. With the United States on the verge of another recession, the cost of living in the United States is at an all time high. The country as a whole has seen the price of everything from gasoline to food sky rocket over the past year, but some states have it worse than others.  California was ranked the third most expensive state to live in according to a study conducted by CNBC.

California’s economic slump has led to sky high unemployment rates and has driven up the cost of living. With gas prices averaging at $3.12 a gallon and doctor visits for the uninsured hitting the $120 mark, according to the study,  making ends meet is becoming more and more difficult.

“It’s stressful especially on a college student because I have to find the money to pay for rent, gas, tuition, books and other necessities. It’s definitely not easy,” said 22-year-old business major Erica Leiman.

Some students have had to make drastic changes just to keep their heads above water.

“I had to sell my car and get a cheaper cell phone just so I could make keep my house,” said Chris Rayla, a 26-year-old math major. “It hasn’t been easy but I have to finish school and that was my only option.”

While the study focuses on the living costs in California, it doesn’t include the unemployment rate . With less jobs and prices going up, many are left wondering whether living in California is worth the hassle or not.

“I’ve moved here from Oregon five years ago and I really like it but I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to afford living here,” said Larry Nguyen, a 32-year-old psychology major. “After paying the bills I don’t have  money left to do anything else and finding another job isn’t easy.”

While the study compared the prices of houses, gas and movie tickets, it failed to calculate the rising cost of food. With the sales tax varying in every state, the price of food and clothes differ. But, students are also taking food and clothes into consideration when deciding whether California is the state for them or not.

“I don’t want to work all day, come to school all night and not be able to spend any of my money. It all goes to paying for school and paying for rent and I don’t like that,” said 27-year-old child development major Rhonda Burke.

Other states in the top 10 include Maryland, New York, Alaska and Hawaii, which ranked number one.