The 12 Most Expensive Cities To Live in the US—From High Rent to Sky-High Mortgages
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The US has its share of expensive cities to live in, but a few top the list. From wine-country destinations to tropical beaches, these American cities are well worth their high cost of living.
A U.S. News report reveals the most expensive cities to live in across the United States. It identifies the locations by examining the median gross rent and annual housing costs for homeowners with mortgages.
To live in a coastal getaway or hub of culture and industry, you’ll have to pay a little extra. From medium rent and housing prices to food costs, you’ll pay much more than the national average to live in the destinations below.
Even with the higher costs, these cities continuously top the charts as some of the best places to live in the country. If you don’t mind paying an arm and a leg to live in one of these cities, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Santa Barbara, California
It’s hard to beat Santa Barbara’s beaches, gorgeous mountains, and world-famous wine. That’s why so many people move to the small city to live their California dream.
Santa Barbara residents pay some of the highest mortgage and rent costs in the USA. If you want to live here, you can expect to pay a monthly rent of $2,467 and well over $1 million for a small house.
People living in Santa Barbara enjoy a Mediterranean climate, endless nightlife, and proximity to LA. If you want to drive through vineyards and mountain passes or sip on wine in a Spanish-style villa, then this coastal Californian city is for you.
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Los Angeles, California
LA is the world’s entertainment capital. It is also an economic hub with plenty of high-paying jobs, famous nightlife, and nearby mountains and beaches. Because of this, LA attracts people from around the world to try their shot at the good life.
The median monthly rent for LA is around $1,944. This makes it one of the most expensive places to live in the USA. For people who love nature, beaches, and big-city life, the high rent and housing prices may be worth it.
Residents of LA can enjoy beautiful weather year-round. You’ll find world-class museums and endless culture, as well as some of the best restaurants in the world.
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Miami, Florida
Florida’s largest city is one of 2024’s hottest destinations. From its beaches to its famous nightlife, Miami also continues to be an attractive place to live. This has caused a real-estate boom, leading to medium monthly rent costs to soar above $1,644.
For people who call this tropical paradise home, Miami’s high prices may be worth it. By living in Miami, you’ll get access to stunning beaches, diverse cuisine, and endless fun, no matter what time of day or night.
Miami residents can spend the night dancing in South Beach or take a drive through the Florida Keys. Also, the city is where the world’s greatest musicians come to perform. If you want a fast-paced life filled with live music and sunshine, then Miami’s the place to be.
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New York City, New York
The ‘Big Apple’ is the heart of the country’s economy and a hub of culture. You’ll also find some of the highest-paying jobs in the country and some of its highest costs of living.
Expect to pay over $1,850 in monthly rent in the city or higher in the Borough of Manhattan. In neighborhoods such as Hudson Yards and SoHo, the median sale price for homes is over $3 million USD.
Although you’ll pay an arm and a leg to live there, New York is a playground for people who love to have a good time. On top of its restaurants, museums, bars, and famous parks, you’ll live in one of the most diverse cities on the planet.
Read also: Top Cities in the US To Visit
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii’s largest city is a paradise for beach lovers. No matter if you surf, hike, golf, or just enjoy relaxation, few places can compare to this beautiful coastal city.
Because of its beauty and attractions, you can expect some of the highest real estate prices in the country. You can spend over $2,000 in monthly rent in Honolulu. Because it’s an island, expect to pay higher than average food costs as well.
Even with the higher costs of living, residents of Honolulu love the city’s nature and laid-back lifestyle. If you live here, you can hit the waves in Waikiki or enjoy a relaxing.
Read also: Must-Do US Bucket List
San Francisco, California
The ‘City by the Bay’ is known worldwide as a center for the global tech boom. This has driven prices in the city sky-high, with a median monthly rent of $2,432.
Even with the extra cost, San Francisco still draws in people for its unique culture and beautiful landscape. The city is close to redwood forests, miles of beaches, and famous attractions. Plus, it’s also one of the most influential food cities on earth.
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You’ll enjoy a life full of live music, cultural events, and year-round mild weather. The city is also full of culture, from legendary theaters to exciting neighborhoods such as Chinatown. Plus, if you love water sports like surfing or sailing, San Francisco is hard to beat.
Read also: Top American Cities to Live
San Jose, California
San Jose is the heart of the global tech industry. Since the late ‘90s, it has grown to become one of the largest cities in the country and also one of its most expensive. San Jose’s medium monthly rent is $2,697 and real-estate costs remain incredibly high.
However, you can still find beautiful spaces, world-class food, and access to some of California’s most stunning landscapes. If you love the outdoors and a booming food scene, then San Jose is unlike anywhere else.
Within an hour, residents can drive to destinations like Big Sur, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz. You’re also less than two hours away from the vineyards of Napa or the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Read also: America’s Safest Cities
Salinas, California
Famous for being the birthplace of American writer John Steinbeck, the city of Salinas is an attractive and laid-back place to live. Salinas has beautiful architecture, a pleasant climate, and is close to San Jose and Big Sur.
Like other Californian destinations, real estate prices have gone through the roof in Salinas. The median monthly rent in Salinas is $1,860. Still, people are still moving here to enjoy the heart of California’s agricultural heartland.
You’ll enjoy a quiet atmosphere filled with calm small-town vibes and pleasant drives. On top of the city’s lifestyle, you’ll have year-round mild weather and sunshine.
Read also: Avoid These American Tourist Traps
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is ground zero for music, art, cuisine, and dramatic landscapes. From music festivals to art shows, there’s something for everyone in this iconic northwestern city.
Rent in Seattle will cost over $2,000 a month. Real estate also remains high, fueled by the city’s growing economy. Even so, many people choose to live here to take advantage of all it offers its residents.
A typical day in Seattle involves tasting delicious seafood, walking its boardwalks, and checking out live shows at one of its iconic theaters or craft breweries. There’s also plenty of historical places, museums, and quaint parks to relax in. For quality of life, few cities can beat it.
Read also: Best Honeymoon Destinations in the US
Napa, California
If you love wine, amazing food, and small-town vibes, then Napa is the place for you. The small city is close to the tech centers of San Francisco and San Jose. Its proximity to these booming tech cities and its high quality of life have made it an ideal place for people to call home.
Like many other cities in California, Napa’s popularity has made it one of the most expensive places to live in the country. You can expect to pay over $2,242 in rent per month. In addition, Napa is wine country, so expect to set aside extra cash to explore its vineyards and world-famous restaurants.
Read also: Fun Facts About the USA
Santa Rosa, California
For anyone who loves fine wine, beautiful landscapes, and laid-back Californian charm, Santa Rosa is ideal. The small city is just over an hour north of San Francisco. As the heart of Sonoma County’s wine industry, you’ll find romantic vineyards, amazing restaurants, and plenty to explore nearby.
Santa Rosa’s median monthly rent is $2,162. Real estate prices continue to rank far above the national average. Despite that, many people happily choose to spend more to enjoy all that Santa Rosa offers.
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San Diego, California
For fans of year-round sunshine, warm weather, palm trees, and fun attractions, few cities can compete with San Diego. California’s southernmost city has a beach-loving culture, plenty of universities, and world-class entertainment.
Because of all it offers, it’s no surprise that San Diego is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Median monthly rent costs are around $2,284, and the city’s real estate market continues to top the charts.
Still, life in San Diego revolves around hanging out at the beach and surfing or attending events such as Comic-Con or the annual 4th of July airshows. For food lovers, the city has some of the best Mexican food in the world outside of Mexico.
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