Discovering the 10 most expensive places to live in the US

Key takeaways

• In nearly every urban area on the list, housing is the biggest factor behind elevated living expenses, fueled by limited inventory and strong demand. 
• Many of these markets offer strong job opportunities and above-average incomes, yet residents still face affordability challenges. 
• Expensive places typically deliver better transit, culture, education and career access but residents must weigh whether those benefits justify the higher cost. 

Living in an expensive urban area has its advantages. Residents often enjoy a wide range of amenities, reliable public transportation, robust cultural offerings and more job opportunities. But those benefits come at a cost. In many cases, you’ll pay more for housing, food, utilities, gas and health care.
If you’re considering a move to a high-cost place, it’s important to understand the local cost of living. That insight can help you make a more informed decision about how a move could affect your finances and lifestyle.

This list is based on the 2025 Cost of Living Index from the Council for Community and Economic Research, an economics and workforce research organization. The index measures six categories: housing, transportation, health care, utilities, groceries and miscellaneous goods and services. Details about each urban area came from Census Reporter and Homes.com.

Source: Council for Community and Economic Research

Manhattan is the most expensive place to live in the United States, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s 2025 index. As the core of the nation’s largest city by population, the borough is home to landmarks like the Empire State Building, Wall Street and One World Trade Center. It also serves as a global hub for business, entertainment, fashion and finance.

Housing costs remain high because of limited inventory, strong demand and a high concentration of affluent residents. Despite the price tag, demand continues to grow.

• Population: 1.6 million
• Median household income: $106,403
• Median home value: $1.1 million
• Median monthly rent: $4,117

Known as the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a hub for the tech and finance industries. Strong job opportunities help offset its higher cost of living, with median household income reaching about $148,000.

The city also offers mild weather, with roughly 300 sunny days each year. Housing, however, remains a major expense.

• Population: 997,395
• Median household income: $148,000
• Median home value: $1.27 million
• Median monthly rent: $2,742

Honolulu is the cultural and economic center of Hawaii. Alongside beaches and year-round warm weather, the city offers diverse dining, shopping and attractions.

However, nearly everything costs more because of its geographic isolation. Groceries and utilities are especially expensive compared with the national average.

• Population: 998,747
• Median household income: $105,205
• Median home value: $920,600
• Median monthly rent: $1,735

Brooklyn offers a distinct lifestyle from Manhattan, with a strong sense of community, vibrant neighborhoods and cultural landmarks such as the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Once considered a more affordable alternative, the New York City borough's housing costs have surged. Expenses now exceed national averages, while incomes remain comparatively lower.

• Population: 2.6 million
• Median household income: $81,027
• Median home value: $912,500
• Median monthly rent: $3,006

Orange County draws residents with its beaches, strong schools and proximity to Los Angeles. It’s also home to major employers and a thriving cultural scene.

High housing demand and desirable amenities keep costs elevated.

• Population: 3.17 million
• Median household income: $115,229
• Median home value: $1 million
• Median monthly rent: $2,440

San Francisco is known for its natural beauty, tech-driven economy and cultural diversity. From Golden Gate Park to sweeping ocean views, the city offers a high quality of life.

That lifestyle comes at a steep cost, particularly for housing.

• Population: 827,526
• Median household income: $139,901
• Median home value: $1.3 million
• Median monthly rent: $3,371

Queens is the largest New York City borough by land area and offers convenient access to Manhattan, major airports and public transportation.

Its diverse communities and relative affordability compared with other boroughs continue to attract residents.

• Population: 2.3 million
• Median household income: $85,273
• Median home value: $720,300
• Median monthly rent: $3,537

Los Angeles combines entertainment, beaches and a mild climate. While it offers broad career opportunities and cultural appeal, housing costs remain a significant burden.

• Population: 3.87 million
• Median household income: $82,263
• Median home value: $947,900
• Median monthly rent: $2,182

Just outside New York City on the border of Queens, Long Island's Nassau County offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to Manhattan. Residents are drawn to communities with highly rated public schools, beaches on both coastlines and commuter convenience via the Long Island Rail Road.

The area’s desirability drives up housing costs, with many buyers competing for limited inventory. While incomes tend to be higher than the national average, so are property taxes and overall living expenses.

• Population: 1.39 million
• Median household income: $143,144
• Median home value: $704,400
• Median monthly rent: $1,191

Boston offers historic charm, walkability and an expansive public transit system. It’s also a major hub for education, with institutions like Harvard University and MIT attracting students and professionals.

Housing costs remain a challenge for both renters and homeowners.

• Population: 673,822
• Median household income: $97,791
• Median home value: $722,800
• Median monthly rent: $3,555

Despite higher costs, expensive cities offer several benefits:

• Infrastructure and amenities: Well-developed transit, health care and public spaces 
• Diverse opportunities: Strong job markets and networking potential 
• Health care access: Top-tier hospitals and specialists 
• Career growth: Higher concentration of employers 
• Cultural offerings: Museums, dining, entertainment and arts 
• Education: Access to leading schools and universities 
• Cosmopolitan lifestyle: Exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives 

No. Manhattan ranks No. 1. However, San Diego housing costs are high, with a median home value of about $980,700.

San Francisco leads this list, with median home values around $1.3 million.

Seattle does not rank in the top 10, though housing prices remain high, with a median home value near $950,800.

This story was updated on May 8.