Below you can find the list of 10 most expensive cities in America. For a detailed discussion as well as a more comprehensive list, please visit the 25 most expensive cities in America.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Cost Of Living:199
Considered an economic and cultural hub, the city is not only home to esteemed universities like Harvard but is also a technological and innovative epicenter. Although the city has very high placement on the world livability ranking, it has a cost of living index of 199 due to the high prices of housing and basic amenities. Not only this, the city is 39.7 percent above the U.S. average, with groceries and healthcare running 26 percent above average, and is one of the most expensive cities in America.
9. Jersey City, New Jersey
Cost Of Living Index: 201
With a stunning view of the Hudson River, Jersey city has managed to become a finance and banking hub. So much so that it is now nicknamed ‘Wall Street West. The city is the most densely populated city after new york in its county and with the recent economic developments, the city has experienced a greater inflow of people. Consequently, the rents have skyrocketed as well, making it from among the most expensive cities in America.
8. Los Angeles, California
Cost Of Living Index: 202
Known as the ‘City of Angels’, and a holy grail for struggling artists, actors, and models, Los Angeles is among the most expensive cities in America. With the cost of living index amounting to 202, LA is 89% more expensive than the national average partly due to the ever-increasing housing costs. Even the basic utilities and gas prices are way above the national average. The increased migration in this city also hasn’t helped the case.
7. Washington DC
Cost Of Living Index: 205
The capital city of the United States of America, located on the Potomac River, Washington is a political epicenter. One of the most visited cities in America, Washington not only is the capital city but also has many important landmarks, museums, and art galleries. Home to The Washington Post, Washington is majorly a democratic area. Not only this, this city has a diverse economy, with the federal government agency being the biggest employer. Immune to economic recessions, Washington is home to many law firms, NGOs, lobbying firms, and trade unions. It also has a very strong tourism industry with hosting nearly 200 foreign embassies and international organizations including the IMF. With a cost of living index amounting to 205 and the average household income approximating $86,420, Washington is one of the priciest cities in America.
6. Santa Barbara
Cost Of Living Index: 223
Called the ‘American Riviera’, this city is situated on the west coast between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez mountains. Enjoying a Mediterranian, almost perfect climate, Santa Barabara is sometimes called a ‘playground for the rich and famous. Although not nearly as large as its counterpart Los Angeles, the city not only has a larger metro area but is a popular tourist and resort destination. Known for its famous bungalows, the architectural style of Santa Barbara reflects the era it was constructed in. With a high cost of living index amounting to 223, the rising expenses of this city often force people to live in a slightly less pricey neighborhood. Not only this, but it also has the highest gas prices in the country.
5. New York
Cost Of Living Index: 239
There are very few people in this world who haven’t heard of New york. Considered a cultural, economic, and social hub with a well-known fashion industry, New York is a universe of its own. Serving as a backdrop to many songs and movies, New York tops our list as the most expensive city to live in in the United States. In 2018, it had a GMP of $2.0 trillion and it is said that if New York was to be an independent state, it would be the eighth largest economy in the world !. It is also home to the highest number of billionaires of any city in the world. Truly a global city, New York is one of the most visited cities in the world with people flocking from all over the world to see the numerous attractions it has to offer. With a cost of living index amounting to 239, the city is the 4th most expensive city in the world. From groceries to public transportation, everything is relatively expensive in this city, making it the most expensive place to live in America.
4. Mountain View, California
Cost Of Living Index: 238
Know for an integral part it played in the early stages of the Silicon Valley, Moutain View is home to many technology firms. Not only this, the city is famous for its scenic beauty and a thriving social scene. The city also has a cost of living index of 238 and is 98% more expensive than the rest of the country.
3. San Francisco, California
Cost Of Living Index: 244
Filled with historical landmarks, steep roads, and scenic beauty, San Francisco is considered a cultural, financial, and commercial hub in northern California. The 16th most populous city in the united states, San Francisco is a universe in itself, with a cluster of historic buildings, grassy hills, and bustling city life, it is also hailed as a global city with a service economy including finance, tourism, and high technology. With a cost of living index of 244, San Francisco is an expensive city to live in especially with the ever-increasing living costs.
2. Oakland, California
Cost Of Living Index: 216
A charter city, Oakland is situated in the San Francisco Bay area, with a landscape made of flatlands and hills. Considered one of the diverse cities in the US, Oakland has in the past been ranked among the best cities to live in. Not only this, Oakland experienced an exponential increase in its population and land value. With an average home price exceeding $866,668, the city has a cost of living index amounting to 216, making it from among the top 5 most expensive cities in America
1. San Jose, California
Cost Of Living Index; 204
The cultural, financial, and political epicenter for Silicon Valley, San Jose is considered a hub for innovation. Known for its high cost of living, the city has the third-highest GDP per capita in the world after Zurich and Oslo. Nicknamed as the ‘capital of silicon valley, the city is known for its quiet and clean atmosphere. It also has a cost of living index amounting to 204. Home to many tech conglomerates, the city has headquarters for many companies including companies like Adobe Inc. (NMS: ADBE), Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYQ: HPE) eBay Inc. (NMS: EBAY).
Please also see 25 Most Diverse Countries in the World and 25 Most Beautiful Countries In the World.
