Does the cost in incarcerate people vary by state? One map.

You're probably wondering why the cost to imprison people is $307,000 in Mass versus $31,000 in Texas. Actually most of the South Eastern states are cheap.

Well first off, Texas has a higher rate of incarceration (approx 5x of Mass). So by locking up more people they're more efficient at it. Mass has about 7,000 people in the big house, vs 130,000 in Texas. I love it! Plus the cost of living for prison employees is sky high in Mass. And their prisons have more services to help rehabilitation. Ergo it's like country club. Most inmates have access to a 36 hole championship golf course, a latte bar and personal massages (no not be offending gang leaders).

Since Texas puts more people in the slammer, do they have a lower crime rate. Not really. It's actually about 20% higher.

What I think is the best solution? Mass should ship their inmates to Texas and close their prison. They'd save money and criminal would be scared of the beating they'd receive down South.