Most Expensive Cities For Living in the U.S.A.
When you leave the nation's heartland and head to the coasts, prices jump. In fact, half of the most expensive cities on our list are in California. The rest are on the East Coast and in far-flung Hawaii and Alaska.
New York, N.Y. Cost of Living Index: 218 - Metro Population: 18,925,869
Median Household Income: $60,964 - Average Home Price: $1.15 million
It should be no surprise that New York is first on this list. Housing costs four times the national average are a big reason that the overall cost of living is so high. But everything from grocery items to utilities are much pricier in Manhattan than in the rest of the nation. A New Yorker would have to make $127,935 a year to have the same standard of living as someone earning $50,000 in Fort Smith, Ark., the least expensive city.
Honolulu, Hawaii Cost of Living Index: 163 - Metro Population: 903,231
Median Household Income: $64,355 - Average Home Price: $709,945
You have to pay a high price to live in this island paradise. The average home price is well above the national average. And consumer goods and services are more expensive here than in many places on the mainland.
San Francisco, Cal. Cost of Living Index: 162 - Metro Population: 4,222,756
Median Household Income: $72,059 - Average Home Price: $815,556
With the highest home prices in California and second highest in the nation, it's no wonder San Francisco is one of the most expensive places. However, it stays out of the second-place spot in our list because costs for grocery items and utilities are much less in San Francisco than in Honolulu.
Santa Ana (Orange County), Cal. Cost of Living Index: 146 - Metro Population: 12,818,132
Median Household Income: $56,680 - Average Home Price: $748,359
Orange County is home to Disneyland, "Surf City, U.S.A." and some of the most exclusive and expensive neighborhoods in the nation. Not only are home prices well above the national average, costs for everything from groceries to health care run higher. California also has some of the highest income taxes in the country.
Stamford, Ct Cost of Living Index: 145 - Bridgeport/Stamford Metro Population: 903,425
Median Household Income: $66,870 - Average Home Price: $626,611
Although the Bridgeport/Stamford metropolitan area is among the places where home prices have fallen most, housing costs still are twice the national average. However, the city is a much more-affordable option than nearby New York City.