Discover the Most Exclusive U.S. Cities to Live In
Explore the top U.S. cities where living costs are notably high, driven by economic opportunities, lifestyle, and amenities.
Living in certain U.S. cities comes with a steep price tag due to a blend of factors. Residents invest in these locations for their exceptional amenities, thriving job markets, favorable climates, and vibrant cultural scenes. Below is a curated list of the most expensive cities to reside in across the United States, based on research by the U.S. Council for Community and Economic Research.
10. Seattle
Cost of living index: 44.9% above the national average.
Population: 684,451.
Median household income: $70,594 (national average: $53,889).
Median home price: $452,800 (national average: $178,600).
Unemployment rate: 4.5% (national average: 4.9%).
Seattle stands out as a leader in economic growth, hosting headquarters of tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. The influx of global talent has driven housing costs up nearly 80% above the national average, with prices continuing to climb.
9. Stamford, Connecticut
Cost of living index: 45.7% above the national average.
Population: 128,874.
Median household income: $79,359.
Median home price: $501,200.
Unemployment rate: 5.0%.
Known for its high concentration of millionaires per capita, Stamford benefits from convenient rail connections to New York City, keeping transportation costs only slightly above average by 11%.
8. Boston
Cost of living index: 47.9% above the national average.
Population: 667,137.
Median household income: $55,777.
Median home price: $393,600.
Unemployment rate: 3.4%.
Boston’s rich academic, healthcare, and historical presence make it highly desirable. Though living costs are elevated, affordable options exist for students and young professionals, with grocery prices only 6% higher than other cities.
7. Oakland, California
Cost of living index: 48.4% above the national average.
Population: 419,267.
Median household income: $54,618.
Median home price: $458,500.
Unemployment rate: 3.8%.
While incomes align closely with national averages, housing prices in Oakland are more than double the typical U.S. cost, with steady annual increases continuing.
6. Washington, D.C.
Cost of living index: 49% above the national average.
Population: 681,170.
Median household income: $70,848.
Median home price: $475,800.
Unemployment rate: 3.8%.
Housing expenses here are more than twice the U.S. average, but other living costs, including healthcare and transportation, remain fairly moderate. The city boasts excellent public transit and numerous free museums, enhancing quality of life.
5. Brooklyn, New York
Cost of living index: 73.3% above the national average.
Population: 2,629,150.
Median household income: $48,201.
Median home price: $570,200.
Unemployment rate: 4.8%.
Once an affordable alternative to Manhattan, Brooklyn’s housing costs have surged to three times the national average, reflecting its growing appeal and urban development.
4. San Francisco
Cost of living index: 77.2% above the national average.
Population: 864,816.
Median household income: $81,294.
Median home price: $799,600.
Unemployment rate: 3.8%.
Fueled by booming tech sector incomes, San Francisco’s living expenses are among the highest nationwide. Monthly rent averages $3,548, over three times the national average, making affordability a challenge despite high salaries.
3. Honolulu
Cost of living index: 90.1% above the national average.
Population: 992,605.
Median household income: $74,460.
Median home price: $580,200.
Unemployment rate: 2.8%.
Living in paradise comes at a premium, with nearly all goods imported to Hawaii, driving prices higher. Honolulu tops the charts for food costs among 288 large U.S. cities, and gasoline prices are 30% above mainland levels.
2. Sunnyvale, California
Cost of living index: 122.9% above the national average.
Population: 151,754.
Median household income: $105,401.
Median home price: $790,300.
Unemployment rate: 3.8%.
At the heart of Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale hosts major tech headquarters like Yahoo, Intel, Tesla, Google, and Apple. Housing costs here are an astonishing 375% above the national average, balanced by some of the highest salaries in the country.
1. Manhattan, New York
Cost of living index: 127.8% above the national average.
Population: 1,643,347.
Median household income: $72,871.
Median home price: $848,700.
Unemployment rate: 4.8%.
Manhattan tops the U.S. real estate market in prices, with average rent at $4,239 per month. Grocery bills run 43% higher, and healthcare and transportation costs exceed other cities by 30%. Its population density nears 27,000 people per square kilometer, offering a bustling urban lifestyle for those who can afford it.
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