It’s no secret that prices are going up – not just luxury houses and goods, but even the basic essentials we all need. This price hike hasn’t popped out of the blue; it’s a result of some tough times the USA and the whole world have been through recently. We get it – lots of folks are wondering which cities are the most expensive to live in. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this article.
In this piece, we’re going to give you the lowdown on the ten most expensive cities in the US. To do this, we’ll look at property prices and the price of food. The two most important things, right?
If you’re a resident of any of these cities, we feel for you. But at least you’ll know that it’s not your spending habits that are hurting your bank balance.
Let’s get straight into it.
TL;DR
- NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn)
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- Honolulu
- Washington, D.C
- Los Angeles
- Orange County
- Oakland
- Miami
Highest Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $4,645 – Manhattan, NYC
Highest Median home values – $2,388,421 – Manhattan, NYC
Highest Median household income – $127,919 – Manhattan, NYC
Most Expensive Bread – $5.55 – Honolulu, Hawaii
Most Expensive Eggs – $4.24 – Honolulu, Hawaii
Most Expensive Gallon of Milk – $4.38 – Honolulu, Hawaii
Most Expensive 12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $14.99 – Honolulu, Hawaii
Most Expensive McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $6.74 – Brooklyn, NYC
Manhattan (New York City)
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $4,645
Median home price – $2,388,421
Median household income – $127,919
Bread – $4.19
Dozen eggs – $3.13
A gallon of milk – $3.13
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $13.13
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $6.43
We start our list with Manhattan. NYC is a massive city with very diverse neighborhoods, so we had to pick a neighborhood. Besides, Manhattan is basically a city anyway. It’s no surprise NYC is at the top of the list, especially as it’s the city with the most millionaires.
What makes Manhattan so expensive is its high cost of living. In fact, research by The Council for Community and Economic Research which found that living costs in Manhattan are 122% higher than average.
When it comes to expensive places to live, Manhattan sets the bar high. Good luck getting anything in the form of affordable housing here. For the many amenities available here, residents pay above and beyond the national average. Who can blame them? Nothing says city living quite like Manhattan.
Brooklyn (New York City)
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $3,701
Median home price – $1,330,081
Median household income – $66,923
Bread – $3.92
Dozen eggs – $2.83
A gallon of milk – $2.89
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $12.46
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $6.74
Next up, we have Brooklyn, another neighborhood from NYC. Often seen as Manhattan’s trendier sibling, Brooklyn has forged its own identity. While it might not boast the same towering skyscrapers as Manhattan, it has its own vibe that commands a premium in the real estate market.
Brooklyn offers a different pace of life compared to bustling Manhattan, with tree-lined streets, parks, and a more community-oriented atmosphere. Residents can enjoy leisurely walks along the Brooklyn Bridge Park and savor artisanal cuisine in local eateries. Honestly, the high cost of living is kind of justified for NYC as a whole.
San Francisco, California
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $3,709
Median home value – $1,473,216
Median household income – $126,187
Bread – $4.94
Dozen eggs – $3.68
A gallon of milk – $3.27
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $14.19
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $6.07
Our next stop on the list of most expensive cities in the US is the picturesque city of San Francisco. Known for its golden bridges and tech titans, it’s a place of dreams. But dreams come with a bill.
San Francisco is at the heart of Silicon Valley, where tech giants like Apple and Google call home. With all of these companies posting lucrative job opportunities, housing costs have shot up. Even the average rent of a closet-sized apartment can cost a small fortune.
Additionally, fancy areas like Pacific Heights and Nob Hill offer stunning views and fancy mansions. Living here is a statement, but it comes at a premium, with the average home price being well into the millions.
Living here might mean tightening your belt, but it also means being at the forefront of tech and culture. It’s a pricey ticket, but for those who want a piece of the tech action and a vibrant urban scene, San Francisco delivers.
San Diego
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $2,874
Median home price – $947,111
Median household income – $89,457
Bread – $4.04
Dozen eggs – $3.53
A gallon of milk – $2.56
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $12.37
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $5.85
Our next destination on the list of expensive cities to call home is sunny San Diego. With its stunning beaches and endless sunshine, it’s easy to see why people flock to this coastal California gem. But this sun-soaked paradise comes with a price tag.
San Diego’s beach communities like La Jolla and Del Mar offer a beach lover’s dream. Plus, the city’s abundant parks and outdoor activities are all included as part of the package. However, the proximity to the coast drives up housing costs considerably.
Living in San Diego means embracing a beachy, laid-back lifestyle, but it also means stretching your wallet. The appeal lies in the balance between a strong job market and the leisure opportunities the city offers. For those who prioritize career opportunities and great weather, the overall cost is worth it to call San Diego home.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $3,519
Median home price – $1,551,400
Median household income – $92,600
Bread – $5.55
Dozen eggs – $4.24
A gallon of milk – $4.38
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $14.99
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $5.16
Our next stop takes us to the sunny shores of Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital. It’s a tropical dream with palm-fringed beaches and a laid-back vibe. But this paradise comes with a catch.
Living on Oahu, the island Honolulu calls home, means steep housing costs. Everyone wants a slice of beachfront, and that drives up prices.
With stunning landscapes and a welcoming culture, tourism thrives here. While it boosts the economy, it can also inflate living expenses.
Living in Honolulu means daily doses of island beauty but also careful spending. It’s worth it for those who treasure the Hawaiian experience, job opportunities, and a unique way of life.
Washington, District of Columbia
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $3,199
Median home price – $1,130,198
Median household income – $93,547
Bread – $3.86
Dozen eggs – $2.43
A gallon of milk – $2.78
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $11.99
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $6.37
Our next stop is Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. It’s the home of the government and, as you can expect, attracts many top figures from across the country. This includes politicians and government workers, along with lobbyists. That means the competition for housing can drive up costs.
Living in D.C. lets you dive into politics and culture, but it’s no bargain. The appeal lies in having a world of career opportunities. For those seeking power and prestige, the cost is worth the experience.
Los Angeles
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $3,066
Median home price – $1,037,503
Median household income – $69,778
Bread – $4.03
Dozen eggs – $3.49
A gallon of milk – $2.60
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $12.45
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $6.17
The next most expensive city to live in is the City of Angels, Los Angeles. Known for its glitz and glamor, LA is home to many of the rich and famous and those who would like to be. But living the dream here can come with a hefty price tag.
LA is the heart of the entertainment world, drawing aspiring actors, musicians, and artists. The pursuit of fame often means shelling out for high rents and living expenses. Additionally, the city’s coastal neighborhoods, like Santa Monica and Venice Beach, are idyllic but not easy on the wallet. Proximity to the ocean drives up real estate prices.
Living in Los Angeles means being part of the entertainment hub but also having high living costs. For those willing to invest in their aspirations, the cost is often seen as a stepping stone to potential stardom and the LA lifestyle. This, of course, does nothing to reduce the prices.
Orange County, California
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $2,771
Median home price – $1,188,867
Median household income – $100,485.
Bread – $4.18
Dozen eggs – $3.54
A gallon of milk – $2.60
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $12.62
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $5.62
The next stop on our list takes us to Orange County, California, a suburban haven known for its coastal beauty and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Orange County boasts beautiful beaches and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. However, proximity to the ocean and picturesque views obviously comes with higher living expenses.
There are also excellent schools and safe communities which attract many well-off families. But these perks can mean a premium on housing costs.
For those seeking a balance between work and play in a beautiful coastal setting, the cost is often considered worthwhile.
Oakland, California
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $2,744
Median home price – $893,230
Median household income – $85,628
Bread – $5.15
Dozen eggs – $3.64
A gallon of milk – $3.24
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $14.16
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese – $5.78
Our journey of the most expensive cities takes us across the bay to Oakland, California. Known for its proximity to San Francisco, it’s a city that has plenty on offer.
Oakland has seen a resurgence in recent years, drawing a range of wealthy individuals such as entrepreneurs and tech professionals. This development has pushed up housing prices in trendy neighborhoods.
Located near San Francisco, Oakland offers access to job opportunities and cultural attractions. But this proximity comes with the Bay Area’s characteristic high living expenses.
Miami, Florida
Median 2-bedroom apartment rent – $2,556
Median home price – $552,207
Median household income – $47,860
Bread – $5.34
Dozen eggs – $2.43
A gallon of milk – $3.52
12-inch Pizza Hut pizza – $11.82
McDonalds Quarter-Pounder with cheese -$4.94
Our final destination on the list of expensive cities brings us to the vibrant shores of Miami, Florida. Known for its endless sunshine and stylish culture, the city holds international appeal.
Miami’s year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, and Art Deco architecture make it an ideal vacation destination. But the demand definitely drives up housing prices.
However, Miami also has a great entrepreneurial scene, which attracts many professionals from around the world.
Living in Miami means embracing a tropical lifestyle and international vibes, but ultimately, it’s a city where the heat is matched only by the costs.
Bottom Line
And with that, we’ve reached the end of this article. While the cost of living in these cities can be incredibly steep, for many, it’s not just about the price tag. It’s about the experiences and the opportunities that these cities bring to the table. For many, the price becomes justified by the thrill of chasing dreams and the satisfaction of being part of something bigger. You definitely can’t put a price on that. This is just a list of the ten most expensive cities in the us, there were some others that narrowly missed out. For example, San Jose which has astronomically high housing prices.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. Feel free to browse the rest of our site for more informative content. Don’t worry; we also have some affordable cities that you can browse.