Top 15 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S. (Updated for 2025)

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The Baseline for Living in the United States

15 of the Most Expensive U.S. Cities

Make Your Budget Work for You

Sometimes, it’s time for a change, and you can’t explain why. Maybe your heart no longer lies with your hometown but with some other city you’ve only seen in articles and photos. If you feel like it’s time for a move, you should carefully consider what your budget will allow. Not everyone can afford the most expensive cities to live in the U.S.

Analyze what draws you to your favorite city. Research how easily you can stay in that area. It might surprise you just how much you can afford, or maybe you’ll discover a cheaper town nearby you can reside in. That way, you can save money and commute to the larger city you love.

The Baseline for Living in the United States

Not every city follows the national standard of living. Cities and states are ranked against a baseline of 100. Any number over that is higher than the national average, and you’ll likely have to tighten your budget to live there. Ideally, you should look for towns close to or below 100.

The median household income was $80,610 a year in 2023. From this, on average, Americans spent 32.9% on housing, 17% on transportation and 12.9% on food. With hidden costs thrown in the mix, it’s no wonder nearly one-quarter of households live paycheck to paycheck.

With those costs serving as a baseline, you’re better prepared for what to expect when moving to one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.

15 of the Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S.

Typically, the most expensive cities to live in the U.S. are the ones you know and love, but a high population isn’t a prerequisite for a high cost of living. More components go into the cost of living than you might think, and being a bustling city is just one trait an expensive area might have. You also need to consider factors like utilities, health care and taxes, as well as miscellaneous expenses.

In this list, median home value, gross rent and median household income stats are from the U.S. Census Bureau Quickfacts.

1. Manhattan, New York

Median Housing Unit Value (NYC): $751,700

Median Gross Rent (NYC): $1,779

Median Household Income (NYC): $79,713

Most commonly what people think of when they refer to New York City or the “Big Apple,” Manhattan is a large borough of New York, New York, that has all but become its own city. It’s often portrayed in the media as a desirable place to live. It’s also known as the City That Never Sleeps, making it perfect for all opportunities. Just because it’s a possibility doesn’t mean that it’s right for you, though.

The median income in New York City is $127,100 for a family of three. While this amount may seem suitable for your household, you must remember that the cost of living is higher, too. A family that falls into that same category should expect to pay about $2,796-$3,495 a month for a two-bedroom apartment.

The great news is that you can save money on gas and potentially sell your car by living in Manhattan. Most places are within walking distance, and those that aren’t can be easily navigated using public transportation. If you have a hankering for the Big Apple, you can absolutely do it with a little bit of guts as long as you stick to your budget and don’t let costs run away from you.

2. Los Angeles, California

Median Housing Unit Value: $879,500

Median Gross Rent: $1,879

Median Household Income: $80,366

Home to Hollywood stars and numerous tourist attractions, this city promotes healthy and casual lifestyles. Over 3.8 million people live in Los Angeles, and it’s truly the melting pot of America, where all people and cultures are celebrated.

The median value of a home in Los Angeles is nearly $783,300, and the per capita income per person falls around $44,319. Unless you have a job in a well-paying field, it might not be in the cards to buy a home in LA right off the bat. Still, you may find that Los Angeles is the place you belong once you visit and consume the cultural and inviting atmosphere.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

Median Housing Unit Value: $710,400

Median Gross Rent: $2,093

Median Household Income: $94,755

This city is renowned for its hospitals, which are among the top in the nation. Additionally, you may come across numerous events if you spend time in Boston. It’s a beautiful city that makes for a must-see travel destination if you choose not to live there.

Single-family homes in Boston may go for over $820,000 because the demand for them is so high. The shortage of homes in the city only drives the price of the available listings up further, so you may have trouble finding a suitable place to live. If you want to live close to Boston for the city life and exciting atmosphere, consider moving to a suburb with a lower cost of living and commuting instead. 

4. San Francisco, California

Median Housing Unit Value: $1,380,500

Median Gross Rent: $2,419

Median Household Income: $141,446

San Francisco’s booming industries and thriving culture have made it quite the hub, so you may need to put a little extra change in the bank before making your move. The driving force behind people moving to San Francisco is job opportunities. This area is where the tech industries thrive, and San Francisco’s growing job market will only attract more people to live there.

The mean hourly wage is about $46.86 in San Francisco. It also boasts one of the highest costs of living in California, so unless you can earn a well-paying tech job, you may want to reconsider moving to San Francisco and instead just visit now and then.

5. Brooklyn, New York

Median Housing Unit Value (NYC): $751,700

Median Gross Rent (NYC): $1,779

Median Household Income (NYC): $79,713

Brooklyn is another borough of New York City that has grown to the size of a city. With over 2.6 million residents, it’s larger than many of the other most expensive cities in the U.S. It’s a historical neighborhood with plenty to offer a resident, from modern to timeless.

Not counting rent, a single resident of Brooklyn can expect to pay around $1,521 in expenses per month. Surprisingly, rent is cheaper in Brooklyn than other locations in New York by about 21.6%, making it potentially affordable for anyone who dreams of moving there.

6. Washington, D.C.

Median Housing Unit Value: $724,600

Median Gross Rent: $1,900

Median Household Income: $106,287

Though it’s an expensive place to live, plenty of the activities within the nation’s capital, such as natural parks or museums, are free. Numerous events keep the city active, and while you’re there, you should dress to impress.

While D.C.’s cost of living is 39% higher than the national average, it’s still more affordable to live there than in many of the other most expensive cities to live in the U.S., thanks to the high salary rates and minimum wage. You can cut one more expense off your list by learning the public transportation system and relying on it instead of your car.

7. San Diego, California

Median Housing Unit Value: $848,500

Median Gross Rent: $2,223

Median Household Income: $104,321

San Diego has a population of about 1.388 billion, but there’s also room to breathe. This booming metropolis boasts more farms than any other place in the country. With neighborhoods that represent different cultures and the cool breeze from the beach sweeping past you, this city makes for an incredible place to live.

The cost of living in San Diego is about 44% higher than the national average, but this can vary based on your career and the real estate market. This city has multiple locations in one, though, and you can appreciate all of the town for the price. Plus, you’re never too far from the beach.

8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Median Housing Unit Value: $232,400

Median Gross Rent: $1,323

Median Household Income: $60,698

Philadelphia is the second-largest city on the East Coast. The first capital of the United States is home to history, culture and creativity. It has a workforce of over 3.3 million people, making it an excellent place to find a job in the growing tech environment it harbors.

You should expect to find one-bedroom apartments in town for around $1,269 and two bedrooms for $1,468. Rent has been increasing slightly, though, so consider living outside the city if you worry about rent inflation. 

Not everyone who works in the City of Brotherly Love lives there, so if you enjoy the city but are afraid of creeping rent prices, you can choose to commute and save up money so that you can enjoy all the historic city has to offer in the future.

9. Seattle, Washington

Median Housing Unit Value: $912,100

Median Gross Rent: $1,998

Median Household Income: $121,984

Just a two-hour car ride to any of Washington’s national parks, Seattle is a city that is close to nature. There’s no state income tax, either, so it’s no wonder people choose to work and retire in Washington. 

Unfortunately, the sales tax is higher as a result, amounting to 10.10% — one of the highest in the nation. If owning a home in Seattle is your dream, you can expect to pay about $871,986, a 3.9% increase over the previous year.

10. Oakland, California

Median Housing Unit Value: $924,700

Median Gross Rent: $1,917

Median Household Income: $97,369

With incredible architecture and historic sites, Oakland is a popular town for any anthropology enthusiast. Many also consider it the place with the highest population of artists, which bathes the city in a creative atmosphere. Additionally, it features many green locations, which, while not unique to a populous town, offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

All this comes at a price, however. The cost of living in Oakland is 40% above the national average, and the cost of housing is 82% greater. Median home prices are $908,412, placing it among the highest cost-of-living cities in the U.S.

11. Portland, Oregon

Median Housing Unit Value: $557,600

Median Gross Rent: $1,596

Median Household Income: $88,792

Portland has a unique history. The name of the city was decided through the flip of a coin, which is on display at the Oregon Historical Society. Residents lean into their strangeness, such as the fact that the city is home to the nation’s smallest park. In fact, its slogan is “Keep Portland Weird.” If you’re searching for a unique home and have the finances to stay in town, you’d fit right in with the friendly and unique atmosphere of Portland.

Luckily, Portland is a relatively affordable place to live as long as you can find corners to cut. For example, you could purchase a public transportation pass for a monthly fee instead of driving everywhere. 

Housing in Portland is about 19% higher than the national average, and housing prices are 49% higher. While not exactly cheap living, you could still eke out a good life here and enjoy all that Portland has to offer.

12. Honolulu, Hawaii

Median Housing Unit Value: $873,000

Median Gross Rent: $2,054

Median Household Income: $104,264

While beautiful, life in Honolulu can be expensive. Hawaii is currently the most expensive state in the union to live in, making its main city expensive almost by default. Due to its seclusion, goods and services of all kinds tend to be more costly on average, driving up the cost of living. 

The high cost of living here is often referred to as the “paradise tax” — that is, the price you must pay for the beauty that surrounds you on the Hawaiian Islands. If you visit Honolulu, you’ll likely get used to seeing the same faces. Meeting the same people every day quickly builds the sense of community that Honolulu prides itself on.

The best thing you can do to mitigate Honolulu’s expenses is to choose the right neighborhood to live in. Honolulu’s overall cost of living of 185. The most expensive community, Waialae-Kahala, is a striking 257, while the least expensive of the top 10 are Kalihi Valley and Moanalua at 194. You can also expect groceries to come at a higher cost than the rest of the U.S. due to some items being imported from the mainland.

13. Fairbanks, Alaska

Median Housing Unit Value: $255,700

Median Gross Rent: $1,470

Median Household Income: $72,077

Fairbanks is one of the oldest cities in Alaska, and there are still two active gold mines near it. It’s also the largest city in Interior Alaska. Fairbanks boasts several unique traits, such as temperatures that reached an all-time high of 99 F back in 1919, and is the only place in Alaska where a tornado has touched down.

The cost of living in Fairbanks is 21% more expensive than the national average, but the cost of housing is 2% less, making it one of the most affordable of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Utilities are a staggering 103% higher. If you think of creative solutions to heat your home, you can save more money on your gas and electric bills.

14. Fremont, California

Median Housing Unit Value: $1,289,400

Median Gross Rent: $2,905

Median Household Income: $176,350

Fremont is a newer city in California, established in 1956. It’s twice the size of San Francisco, which makes sense when you realize that Fremont came into being from four other smaller cities. This is where silent films used to be made.

As one of the top expensive cities to live in the U.S., you can expect your energy bill to be higher than average in Fremont. Fremont is about 45% higher in price than the national average, but it’s still more affordable than some other places on the most expensive cities to live in the U.S. list. The average rent is around $3,983, so if you’re looking to rent instead of buying a home, you might find it possible on a budget.

15. Miami, Florida

Median Housing Unit Value: $475,200

Median Gross Rent: $1,657

Median Household Income: $59,390

Living in Miami can be affordable, depending on the area you choose to reside in. The cost of living is higher in some places, and that’s where you’ll find the wealthier residents. Because of this, wages might be lower than what you’re used to. Aside from that, the nightlife is booming — with stores and attractions open late in this tourist town, you’ll be sure to have some fun to look forward to on the weekends.

The average monthly salary in Miami is about $4,598 monthly or about $55,183 per year. Plenty of Miami neighborhoods are exclusively for those with wealth. Some communities on the beach cost upward of tens of millions of dollars.

Make Your Budget Work in the Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S.

If there’s a place you’d like to live, you can stretch your budget to make it work for you — even if it’s among the most expensive cities to live in the U.S. Do as much research on the city you plan on moving to, including checking out residents’ perspectives, and you’ll feel better prepared to choose the home of your dreams.

Don’t forget that you can always choose to live near a city rather than in it, particularly if the cost of living completely blows away your budget. Staying farther away and saving up your income to afford something closer later down the line is an excellent idea. Plus, it gives you something to aspire toward.

Original Publish Date 7/20/2021 — Updated 4/1/2025