20 U.S. Cities Where the Cost of Living Has Become Unaffordable

The cost of living has climbed across much of the United States, but in some cities, even a solid income no longer goes very far. Housing takes the biggest bite in many places, while groceries, utilities, transportation, insurance, and other everyday expenses continue adding pressure. For residents trying to buy a home, raise a family, or simply keep up with monthly bills, life in these cities can feel increasingly unaffordable.

This list examines 20 U.S. cities where the cost of living is among the highest. The rankings consider major household expenses, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and local income levels, to show where everyday life places the greatest strain on a typical budget. Some cities are famous for their high prices, while others may be more surprising.

• Food costs weigh heavily when it comes to affording to live in Minneapolis. A gallon of milk is over $4, and a dozen eggs cost about $5. Above-average scores on transportation and healthcare make this city worth the higher price. Plus, the green spaces and skyline views put it at 20th on the list of most expensive U.S. cities.
• Population: 425,115
• Average Yearly Salary: $70,315
• Average Home Price: $313,147
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,600
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 20.2 cents

• Transportation options and grocery prices are both reasons people love life in Charlotte. The weather is appealing, too. High housing costs and lower incomes are the biggest downsides, but with plenty to do every day, it's still an appealing place to live. Head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Hendricks Motorsports Complex if you enjoy auto racing.
• Population: 911,311
• Average Yearly Salary: $64,814
• Average Home Price: $394,796
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,985
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 13 cents

• Humidity isn’t the only downfall to life in New Orleans. High housing costs add to the woes. However, it’s hard to ignore that this city has so much to offer in terms of music, food, and culture.
• Population: 364,136
• Average Yearly Salary: $63,957
• Average Home Price: $238,785
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,700
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 13 cents

• With an average hourly wage of $32, housing is hard to afford in Atlanta. The state also has higher than average income taxes, which adds to the issue. Why live here? The city’s professional sports, employment options, and southern charm are all desirable.
• Population: 510,823
• Average Yearly Salary: $66,107
• Average Home Price: $392,151
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,053
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 18 cents

• As the nation’s first capital, Philadelphia is a historic city with a lot to see. Grocery costs and rent are not easy to manage on a $34 average hourly wage. When you move here, you are relatively close to other major cities like New York City and Baltimore.
• Population: 1,550,542
• Average Yearly Salary: $70,746
• Average Home Price: $221,590
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,600
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 20.6 cents

• Salaries are low when you consider the higher rent and housing costs. Florida can be beneficial with low tax rates, but insurance costs are spiking due to frequent hurricanes. Despite those issues, Tampa remains a charming city for families and individuals who enjoy theme parks and aquariums.
• Population: 403,364
• Average Yearly Salary: $62,434
• Average Home Price: $375,947
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,095
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 16 cents

• While the cost of living isn’t extremely affordable, one area where Portland excels is healthcare. The city also receives perfect scores for public transportation options and walkability. Within the city are highlights like botanical gardens, Multnomah Falls, and the highly-rated Powell’s City of Books, a must-see for avid readers.
• Population: 630,498
• Average Yearly Salary: $69,448
• Average Home Price: $527,725
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,800
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 16.7 cents

• Denver is a skier’s dream location. Many slopes are within easy reach, and there’s plenty to do in the city if you aren’t a skier. Multiple museums and outdoor attractions keep residents busy. Denver is also home to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for some of the best concerts you’ll ever experience.
• Population: 716,577
• Average Yearly Salary: $71,323
• Average Home Price: $547,500
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,175
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh:15 cents

• High rents and housing costs with comparably lower incomes make Raleigh one of the nation’s more expensive cities to live in. That said, it’s also a city where you get to experience four seasons without dealing with bitter cold in the winter.
• Population: 482,295
• Average Yearly Salary: $69,720
• Average Home Price: $438,803
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,850
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 15 cents

• It’s hard to ignore the beauty of the Art Deco buildings in Miami. It’s equally difficult to ignore the lush beaches for cooling off on a hot day. Food, music, shopping, and sun are all reasons to live here.
• Population: 455,924
• Average Yearly Salary: $65,115
• Average Home Price: $581,466
• Average Monthly Rent: $3,100
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 14 cents

• Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a sprawling city. Despite the high rents and cost of living, the city offers outstanding shopping for both upscale and budget needs, green areas, and the nation’s third tallest building, Willis Tower.
• Population: 2,664,452
• Average Yearly Salary: $71,566
• Average Home Price: $294,789
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,950
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 16.8 cents

• Head inland to California’s mountainous areas to the capital city for another expensive city to live in. The historic district dates back to the Gold Rush, and it’s hard to ignore the importance of this area. When you’re not taking a trip back in time, the city also boasts museums and the Sacramento Zoo for leisurely afternoons.
• Population: 526,384
• Average Yearly Salary: $73,209
• Average Home Price: $481,327
• Average Monthly Rent: $1,989
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 16 cents

• Seattle gets high marks for exceptional healthcare access and public transportation options. Those are two reasons people live here. It’s also a city with an abundance of entertainment venues, hiking/biking trails, restaurants, and pedestrian-friendly outdoor shopping areas.
• Population: 755,078
• Average Yearly Salary: $77,845
• Average Home Price: $850,272
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,195
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 14 cents

• Certain areas of Los Angeles are a bit more affordable than others, but the city is still one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. Bel Air is one of the most expensive neighborhoods with average home prices nearing $4 million. Despite the high price tag, Los Angeles is the place to be for fine dining, professional sports, theater, and celebrity sightings.
• Population: 3,820,914
• Average Yearly Salary: $74,933
• Average Home Price: $950,032
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,800
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 28.2 cents

• Sunny weather, easy access to dozens of beaches, mountains, and parks, restaurants, and shopping make San Diego popular with young adults and retirees alike. It’s also one of the top 20 walkable U.S. cities. Despite the higher cost of living, the quality of life is worthwhile.
• Population: 1,388,320
• Average Yearly Salary: $72,963
• Average Home Price: $1,013,944
• Average Monthly Rent: $3,095
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 37 cents

• Our nation’s capital is where laws are made and the U.S. president resides and works. It’s a bustling city throughout the year. It’s also home to historic monuments, lush green parks, and the Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo, which all offer free admission.
• Population: 678,972
• Average Yearly Salary: $77,670
• Average Home Price: $601,920
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,500
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 16.7 cents

• Faneuil Hall, Boston Commons, the Freedom Trail, and a wealth of shops, restaurants, sports, and museums make Boston a favorite of all ages. Plus, there’s so much fresh seafood. The cost of living is high, but the wealth of outdoor and indoor activities makes it worthwhile.
• Population: 653,833
• Average Yearly Salary: $77,180
• Average Home Price: $748,710
• Average Monthly Rent: $3,200
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 32 cents

• The trade-off to warm sunny days, Pacific breezes, and miles upon miles of sandy beaches is very high prices. While Honolulu isn’t cheap, friendly neighbors, year-round outdoor fun, and easy access to tropical fruits are worthwhile.
• Population: 341,778
• Average Yearly Salary: $70,023
• Average Home Price: $791,520
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,650
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 46.52 cents

• While San Francisco offers many things to see and do along California’s beautiful coast and Golden Gate Park, it has the second highest cost of living in the U.S. Benefits to this city include a very high walkability score and public transportation options are abundant, so you don’t need a car to get around. Instead, hop on a historic cable car.
• Population: 808,988
• Average Yearly Salary: $84,017
• Average Home Price: $1,260,086
• Average Monthly Rent: $3,400
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 34 cents

• New York City is the most expensive place to live in the U.S. Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens top the list as the most expensive boroughs in New York City. They’re walkable and filled with theaters, restaurants, shops, parks, museums, and galleries. With professional sports venues and concert halls rounding out the things to do and see, it’s a desirable, yet pricey, city.
• Population: 8,258,035
• Average Yearly Salary: $77,996 (Brooklyn), $78,277 (Manhattan), and $67,000 (Queens)
• Average Home Price: $799,000 (Brooklyn), $1,500,000 (Manhattan), and $800,000 (Queens)
• Average Monthly Rent: $2,770 (Brooklyn), $3,500 (Manhattan), and $3,400 (Queens)
• Average Electricity Rate per kWh: 33 cents (Brooklyn and Manhattan) and 24 cents (Queens)