These Are The Most Expensive Cities in the US

May 2024 · 4 minute read

People who are relocating for work, moving to a new place, or simply planning a vacation can benefit from knowing the most costly cities in the United States. Understanding how much it costs to live in a place and why is important before making a decision to relocate. Unsurprisingly, California cities dominate the list of America’s most expensive cities, according to our analysis. Unless otherwise noted, all data are current as of July 2022.

List of 10 Most Expensive Cities in the US?

Below is the list of the ten most expensive cities in America

1. Manhattan (New York City)

Manhattan, New York metropolis’s borough, is the most expensive metropolis in the United States. Manhattan is home to around 1.7 million of New York City’s 8.5 million residents.12 Manhattan’s cost of living index is 237.8% higher than the national average.3

Everything in New York City is more expensive, from groceries to public transit to housing. The median cost of a home in New York’s five boroughs is around $776,946, compared to a national median of $355,852.4

2. Honolulu

Honolulu is the second most expensive city in the United States. The island city has a population of somewhat more than one million people, according to the US Census Bureau.

3. San Francisco

Every day, people make the decision to leave San Francisco. The city’s population was little over 815,000 in July 2022.12 It’s not surprising, given the city’s exorbitant cost of living and out-of-reach property costs. The city’s median home price is more over $1.6 million, and its key sectors include tourism, information technology, and financial services.

4. Brooklyn (New York City)

Brooklyn is New York City’s second borough to make the list of the most expensive cities in the United States. The neighborhood is well-known for its primary attractions, including as Coney Island and Prospect Park, as well as its hipster lifestyle.

With around 2.6 million individuals, Brooklyn has a larger population than the more pricey Manhattan.

The median house value in Manhattan is $776,946.17, according to Zillow. The average rent in the borough might reach $3,100 per month, for a total of $37,200 per year.

5. Washington, D.C.

The high expense of living in Washington, D.C. is due to its status as the headquarters of the world’s most powerful nation. The city has a plethora of government and private-sector jobs, thanks to several federal agencies, think tanks, lobbying firms, and a thriving tourism industry.

The area is home to almost 670,000 people.19 The median home value is at $708,000, while the median household income is around $90,842.2021 In Washington, D.C., a family of four with both adults working requires $96,163 in after-tax income to make ends meet

6. Orange County, CA

If you choose to live in this location, you will be joining approximately 3.2 million other people.23 Remember that you’ll be in an area with a high concentration of Fortune 500 corporations and celebrities. It also has some of the best surfing waters in the country.

Think again if you’re searching for a break from the high prices of places like San Francisco. Home prices in this area exceed $1 million.24 That’s a lot of money when you realise the typical household income is $94,441.23. The city’s concentration of big employers provides for a lower-than-average unemployment rate of 2.8% as of July 2022.

7. Los Angeles

Los Angeles conjures up images of wealthy, gorgeous movie stars, although the film and television industries play just a minor role in the city’s thriving economy. The city’s shipping industry is extremely important, as the Port of Los Angeles is one of the world’s busiest ports. The city’s high cost of living is exacerbated by a thriving manufacturing sector and a notable start-up scene. Certain ZIP codes, such as the much-touted 90210, raise housing prices.

8. Boston

Boston has a population of approximately 655,000 people.29 Groceries and health care are expensive in Massachusetts, topping the national average by 16% for health care and roughly 12% for food.30 Boston has a thriving higher education environment, a thriving innovation economy that rivals Silicon Valley, and historic landmarks dating back to the 13 original colonies, making it one of the country’s top tourist attractions.

9. Seattle

Seattle is the most populous city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is perhaps most recognized for being the birthplace of Starbucks and the grunge music scene. This city is home to up to 734,000 inhabitants. The average household income is $97,185.34.

10. Oakland, CA

Oakland is conveniently located between San Francisco and San Jose. It has a population of approximately 434,000 people.37 Buying a property in Oakland isn’t as expensive as it is in Orange County, but it’s still rather pricey. According to Zillow, prices have reached $981,000 in some areas.

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