DENVER (KDVR) — The COVID-19 surge fueled by the omicron variant continues to decline across the country, but there’s another virus we’re all vulnerable to, especially during the winter — the common cold.
When it comes to weathering a strong cold, the average amount Americans spend battling symptoms varies by state, according to NiceRX. The research shows a common cold costs Coloradans $57.35, for example, but Mississippians only $49.71.
NiceRX looked at the cost of products, including Tylenol Cold+Flu Severe Day/Night Caplets, Vicks VapoRub Cough Suppressant Ointment and Robitussin Cough + Chest Congestion DM MAX Relief Liquid, as well as the cost of a doctor’s visit.
“Looking at the cost of the three products as well as the average cost of a visit to a family practice for someone with insurance, we can see which states have the highest and lowest prices for those suffering from a cold,” NiceRX shared.
According to the research, NiceRX said, the most expensive state for a common cold is Massachusetts.
| Rank | State | Cost of Cold and Flu Tablets | Cost of VapoRub Ointment | Cost of Cough Syrup | Cost of the average visit to a family practice with insurance | Total Cost |
| 1 | Massachusetts | $8.29 | $10.99 | $13.49 | $27.16 | $59.93 |
| 2 | Colorado | $7.69 | $10.49 | $12.59 | $26.58 | $57.35 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $7.49 | $9.29 | $11.69 | $27.75 | $56.22 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $6.49 | $8.59 | $10.59 | $29.22 | $54.89 |
| 5 | California | $6.49 | $8.59 | $10.59 | $28.72 | $54.39 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $6.49 | $8.49 | $10.59 | $28.02 | $53.59 |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $6.49 | $8.59 | $10.59 | $27.07 | $52.74 |
| 8 | Maryland | $6.49 | $8.49 | $10.59 | $26.89 | $52.46 |
| 9 | Nevada | $6.49 | $8.59 | $10.59 | $26.65 | $52.32 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $6.49 | $8.59 | $10.59 | $26.61 | $52.28 |
The least expensive state for a common cold, according to NiceRX, is Arkansas. It costs $49.57 to have a cold there.
Rounding out the cheapest 10 states are — from least to most expensive — Mississippi, South Carolina, Idaho, Missouri, Tennessee, Nebraska, Kentucky, Indiana and Iowa.
