Even if you make a good living, your paycheck may not be enough to cover the high cost of residing in one of the nation’s most expensive cities. Outrageous rents and real estate prices are just the start. Expect to pay more – a lot more – for everything from groceries to gasoline. Here are the three U.S. cities with the highest cost of living.
1. Manhattan
City Population: 1.6 million
Cost of Living: 127.8% above U.S. average
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Median Household Income: $72,871 (U.S.: $53,889)
Median Home Value: $848,700 (U.S.: $178,600)
Average Monthly Rent: $4,239 (U.S.: $1,004)
Unemployment Rate: 4.8% (U.S.: 4.9%)
Highlight: “Hamilton” on Broadway
2. Sunnyvale, Calif.
City Population: 151,754
Cost of Living: 122.9% above U.S. average
Median Household Income: $105,401 (U.S.: $53,889)
Median Home Value: $790,300 (U.S.: $178,600)
Average Monthly Rent: $3,092 (U.S.: $1,004)
Unemployment Rate: 3.8% (U.S.: 4.9%)
Highlight: Silicon Valley
3. Honolulu
City Population: 992,605
Cost of Living: 90.1% above U.S. average
Median Household Income: $74,460 (U.S.: $53,889)
Median Home Value: $580,200 (U.S.: $178,600)
Average Monthly Rent: $2,996 (U.S.: $1,004)
Unemployment Rate: 2.8% (U.S.: 4.9%)
Highlight: Palm trees and trade winds
See the full list of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in.
-
Strategies to Optimize Your Social Security BenefitsTo maximize what you can collect, it’s crucial to know when you can file, how delaying filing affects your checks and the income limit if you’re still working.
-
Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray DivorceSome states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
-
5 Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan.
-
Rent or Buy? Which Is Best in Retirement?Making Your Money Last Renting isn't right for all retirees, but it does offer flexibility and it frees up cash.
-
Four Smart Steps To Take Before Buying Your First Homehome Buying your first home can be daunting. Here are four things you need to do years before you start house-hunting to prepare financially for the biggest purchase of your life.
-
Five Big Steps to Buying Your First Homereal estate We told you how to prepare years ahead of your first home purchase. Now here is how to close the deal.
-
Hurricane Insurance Claims: 10 Things You Should KnowBecoming a Homeowner Hurricane damage? Know what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to make the most of your policy if you need to file a claim.
-
5 Great Places to Buy a Vacation HomeWant a vacation home for remote work or a fun getaway? Here are locations with median prices under $400K.
-
The 25 Cheapest Places to Live: U.S. Cities Editionplaces to live Have a look at the cheapest places to live in America for city dwellers. Is one of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. right for you?
-
Retirees, A Healthy Condo Has a Flush Reserve FundSmart Buying Reserve funds for a third of homeowner and condo associations have insufficient cash, experts say. Here are some cautionary steps you should take.
