The State You Love to Hate: Every State’s Most Hated State

Hawaii

Least Favorite: California

While Hawaii generally has a friendly disposition towards all states, if there’s a mild rivalry, it’s with California. Both are popular tourist destinations, competing for travelers seeking beach vacations. Furthermore, there’s an influx of Californians moving to Hawaii, leading to concerns about rising property prices and changes in local culture. The states also vie for dominance in the surf culture.

Idaho

Least Favorite: Washington

Idaho and Washington share the agricultural market of the Pacific Northwest. Competition in farming, especially in the potato industry, creates a rivalry. Additionally, there’s been a growing number of Washingtonians moving to Idaho, leading to concerns similar to those Arizona has with Californians—rising property prices and shifts in local dynamics.

Illinois

Least Favorite: Wisconsin

The rivalry between Illinois, especially Chicago, and Wisconsin, particularly Milwaukee, has roots in sports, especially the NFL rivalry between the Bears and the Packers. Moreover, there’s competition over which state offers the better cultural experience, with Chicago’s deep-dish pizza versus Wisconsin’s cheese often becoming a humorous point of contention. Border disputes and differences in political perspectives further the divide.

Indiana

Least Favorite: Michigan

Indiana and Michigan compete over which state offers a better experience in the Great Lakes region. This competition extends to industries, tourism, and university sports. The states’ differing stances on various socio-political issues also cause some division, leading to spirited debates between residents. Another state that did not appear on the list of every state’s most hated state as a “hated state.” What’s there to hate about Indiana? Turns out, not much.

Iowa

Least Favorite: Nebraska

Iowa and Nebraska have a long-standing sports rivalry, especially in college football. Beyond sports, there’s competition over agricultural prowess, with debates over which state produces better corn. Differences in political leanings and views on agricultural policies further intensify this state-to-state relationship.