The big weight on their performance was the importantCost of Doing Businesscategory. All three states typically finish in the bottom five of the 350-point category .

In addition, Alaska and Hawaii are among the most expensive states in which to live, and thus perform poorly in the Cost of Livingcategory.

But, lest you think it's all underachievement, we should note that over the years each of these states have posted strong points in the following categories: Rhode Island in Education, Alaska in Economy and Hawaii Quality of Life.

In the last case, we assume that counts for a lot — to residents, as well as visitors from the other 49 states.

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