United States

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈCost of Living in United States

Compare the cost of living across 20 cities in United States.

New York

New York

The largest city in the US, known for its iconic skyline, cultural diversity, and as a global center for finance, media, and the arts. Living costs are among the highest in the world, driven by steep housing prices.

Cost Index

100

Monthly Cost

$4,200

Pop: 8,336,817Safety: 55/100
Los Angeles

Los Angeles

A sprawling Southern California metropolis famous for its entertainment industry, beaches, and year-round sunshine. Housing and transportation costs are significant, though slightly below New York levels.

Cost Index

83

Monthly Cost

$3,650

Pop: 3,979,576Safety: 50/100
San Francisco

San Francisco

A compact city on the California coast and the heart of the tech industry, with notoriously high rents and living expenses. Its fog-draped hills and vibrant neighborhoods offer a unique urban experience.

Cost Index

95

Monthly Cost

$4,100

Pop: 873,965Safety: 48/100
Chicago

Chicago

The Windy City is a major hub for finance, culture, and architecture on the shores of Lake Michigan. It offers a more affordable cost of living compared to coastal US cities while maintaining world-class amenities.

Cost Index

68

Monthly Cost

$3,200

Pop: 2,693,976Safety: 45/100
Miami

Miami

A vibrant coastal city with a strong Latin American influence, known for its nightlife, beaches, and growing tech scene. Housing costs have risen sharply in recent years, though there is no state income tax.

Cost Index

78

Monthly Cost

$3,400

Pop: 442,241Safety: 47/100
Houston

Houston

The energy capital of the US with a diverse economy and one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country. Low housing costs and no state income tax make it one of the more affordable major US cities.

Cost Index

58

Monthly Cost

$2,800

Pop: 2,304,580Safety: 44/100
Austin

Austin

The capital of Texas and a booming tech hub with a famous live music scene and outdoor lifestyle. Once considered very affordable, costs have risen significantly due to rapid population growth.

Cost Index

65

Monthly Cost

$2,950

Pop: 979,263Safety: 55/100
Seattle

Seattle

Home to major tech companies and surrounded by natural beauty, Seattle combines urban sophistication with easy access to mountains and water. No state income tax, but high housing and general living costs.

Cost Index

80

Monthly Cost

$3,550

Pop: 737,015Safety: 52/100
Boston

Boston

A historic city and academic powerhouse with world-renowned universities and a thriving biotech sector. High housing costs are the primary driver of its elevated cost of living.

Cost Index

82

Monthly Cost

$3,700

Pop: 675,647Safety: 58/100
Denver

Denver

The Mile High City sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering an active outdoor lifestyle and a growing economy. Once affordable, housing prices have climbed due to strong population growth.

Cost Index

64

Monthly Cost

$3,100

Pop: 715,522Safety: 53/100
Atlanta

Atlanta

Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of Georgia, serving as a major cultural and economic hub of the southeastern United States. Home to the world's busiest airport and headquarters of major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta, the city offers a moderate cost of living with a vibrant music and food scene.

Cost Index

65

Monthly Cost

$2,600

Pop: 500,000Safety: 40/100
Dallas

Dallas

Dallas is a major city in North Texas and a leading economic center in the Southern United States, known for its oil industry heritage and modern skyline. The city offers a relatively affordable cost of living with no state income tax, attracting businesses and residents from across the country.

Cost Index

62

Monthly Cost

$2,500

Pop: 1,300,000Safety: 45/100
Las Vegas

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, located in the Mojave Desert of Nevada and famous for its casinos, nightlife, and world-class shows. Despite its glamorous reputation, the city offers a moderate cost of living with no state income tax and affordable housing compared to other Western cities.

Cost Index

63

Monthly Cost

$2,400

Pop: 650,000Safety: 43/100
Minneapolis

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, known as the 'City of Lakes' for its abundant parks and waterways. The city is a cultural and economic powerhouse of the Upper Midwest, home to Fortune 500 companies and a thriving arts scene, with a cost of living below many comparable metro areas.

Cost Index

68

Monthly Cost

$2,550

Pop: 430,000Safety: 44/100
Nashville

Nashville

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and the heart of American country music, with a rapidly growing economy fueled by healthcare, tech, and tourism. The city has experienced a population boom with no state income tax and a vibrant nightlife scene along the famous Broadway strip.

Cost Index

64

Monthly Cost

$2,500

Pop: 690,000Safety: 45/100
Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and a historically significant metropolis known for its role in American independence. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to nearby New York and Washington D.C., with a thriving food scene and rich arts culture.

Cost Index

72

Monthly Cost

$2,800

Pop: 1,600,000Safety: 42/100
Phoenix

Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city of Arizona, situated in the Sonoran Desert with year-round sunshine. The city has experienced rapid growth due to its relatively affordable housing market and booming tech and healthcare sectors.

Cost Index

65

Monthly Cost

$2,500

Pop: 1,650,000Safety: 48/100
Portland

Portland

Portland is the largest city in Oregon, known for its progressive culture, thriving craft beer scene, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. The city has no sales tax and offers a walkable downtown, though housing costs have risen significantly in recent years.

Cost Index

73

Monthly Cost

$2,800

Pop: 650,000Safety: 45/100
San Diego

San Diego

San Diego is a coastal city in Southern California known for its year-round mild climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the Mexican border. The city is a major hub for military, biotech, and tourism industries with a cost of living above the national average.

Cost Index

80

Monthly Cost

$3,200

Pop: 1,400,000Safety: 58/100
Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and home to the federal government, iconic monuments, and world-renowned museums. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and diverse dining, though its cost of living is significantly above the national average.

Cost Index

85

Monthly Cost

$3,500

Pop: 700,000Safety: 50/100