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NYC tops U.S. list of most expensive cities
It's not exactly shocking to see that New York City is the most expensive city in the United States. Groceries, gasoline and other items tend to run a tad more than twice the national average. Whether you rent or buy, you'll spend a fortune in this city, where the average price for a home is $1.1 million and an apartment, on average, will cost $3,400 a month. So, how can so many bloggers live here? Remember: these are averages. That means someone has to be on the underside of them.
Housing prices were also among the reasons why San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. worked their way into top spots on the list. Average home prices shot past $600,000 in all four of these cities. In Austin, the average home price is a much more modest $226,998, and it's even more comfortable in Nashville, at $201,020.
The measure used to determine the cost of leaving in each of the cities is based on expenses in six categories: groceries, housing (rent/mortgage), healthcare, utilities, transportation and miscellaneous items. The prices of 57 goods in these categories were used.
Six of the most expensive cities in the country are in California, with four of them among the top 10. Texas has four – Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. Most of the costliest cities are on the two coasts, though Chicago (14), Las Vegas (18), Phoenix (25) and St. Louis (35) made the top 40.
The most surprising appearance on the list of most expensive places to live is Detroit. Even though it's plagued by unemployment of 16.7 percent, utilities are expensive. Electricity costs an average of $243.56 a month, compared to a mere $141.64 in Atlanta.
The ten most expensive cities on the list are:
[Photo via MigrantBlogger]
The most surprising appearance on the list of most expensive places to live is Detroit. Even though it's plagued by unemployment of 16.7 percent, utilities are expensive. Electricity costs an average of $243.56 a month, compared to a mere $141.64 in Atlanta.
The ten most expensive cities on the list are:
- New York City
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Los Angeles
- Washington DC
- San Diego
- Boston
- Philadeplhia
- Seattle
- Baltimore
Gallery: The most expensive hotel food and beverages in the world
Gallery: The World's Dirtiest Cities
[Photo via MigrantBlogger]
Filed under: North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DJ Dec 22nd 2009 8:21AM
Where is the complete list that includes all 40 cities?
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Andi Dec 24th 2009 7:15AM
3,400$ a month for rent in NYC? I LIVE here and I can tell you at LEAST 80 percent of the people in this city don't pay that much. That's ridiculous.
KARA Dec 24th 2009 8:02AM
So many times these people that write the articles and sponsor the surveys forget to factor in that in just about any city most dwellings are in an average price range for that city, and that most residents of these cities live in an average priced home. Of course each city will have it's poorer citizens and rich citizens, but like Andi there said a high percentage are paying lower than the top price. About 80% are middle class, with the other 20% being divided between the top and bottom earners.
Tom Johansmeyer Dec 24th 2009 7:18AM
"Average" means there are people above and below that number. And, it can take a whole lot of people below that number to offset one rent that's really high. Again, "average."
Wayne Dec 24th 2009 7:29AM
San Antonio, oh pls.. it is cheap town than houston, dallas and austin. I live there for year.. I can afford bills than in houston..
DivaTalk Dec 24th 2009 7:45AM
DJ you're right. I didn't see any list of 40 cities either. The article is not helpful without this list.
susan Dec 24th 2009 7:49AM
Andi--Thats because you live in an apartment the size of a closet for $1000/month or inherited a rent controlled apartment...But if you want to live comparable to others, say a 2 bedroom in a decent neighborhood in Manhattan, rent will be expensive..That's why everyone has roommates unless you live in the outer boroughs..I grew up on the Lower East Side and then lived in Queens until I moved out of NYC when I was 32..Although a city is expensive living, everyone should live in a big city once in their life (preferably when they are young)..There is nothing like it
LAUREN Dec 24th 2009 8:27AM
I live in Monmouth County, NJ. We have the highest taxes in the nation. IN THE WHOLE NATION, it is a fact. How come NJ is NEVER on these lists, even though we pay so much more than any other state??? Just wondering.
Richard Dec 24th 2009 8:56AM
I lived in Hawaii for 25 years I find it hard to beleive that Honolulu did not make the top 40.
phurbee951 Dec 24th 2009 9:22AM
Thank the labor unions for the ridiculous prices.
beatrice Dec 24th 2009 9:56AM
I have lived in bergencounty NJ, Manhattan, Miami. I would say Everyone says the cost of living is high in Hawaii I havent heard one person say other wise. New York has the most expensive apartments and places to rent, Miami has the most expensive groceries and items you need for the house, bought a pound of shrimp for $15 in miami saw same size shrimps for $5.99 a pound in NJ two weeks later. Yes NJ has expensive towns and taxes but trust me There are so many other rich towns in the US like that. Most of the celebrities that own house in the tristate also own homes in Miami and other parts of florida with similar price tags orlando and Tampa are in expessive compared to Miami. Bergen county is only the 16th richest counties in the US meaning there are 15 other counties outside the tristate area which pay higher prices to live in which ever state they live in. and lets not forget. You my think your area is expensive but always remember there is always some where else more expensive than where you live. Unless if you live in alpine NJ or miami beach then no can really top you.
LAUREN Dec 24th 2009 10:22AM
The state of New Jersey, all of it, has the highest taxes in the NATION. Look it up. Even in 'not rich' places like Newark and Keansburg, homeowners pay more taxes than any other state in AMERICA. So how can we not be on the list?
Carmen Higham Dec 24th 2009 10:46AM
Moving to Washington from California, it has been a big difference..You can get a nice apartment in Washington for about $800.00 a month...You can shop for groceries at good prices..you do not need a car, Metro system is the best.
You can always get a job...
kimo2 Dec 24th 2009 11:20AM
You mean.....we can all go back to Hawaii now?! I...er....I can't believe it! we can all go home?
whoa...er..wow!
karie Dec 24th 2009 11:40AM
I dont understand this? They did not include Alaska or Hawaii... Both places are extremely expensive to live and to visit. I currently live in Alaska and my fuel is $3.69 per gallon. I wish they would include ALL of the US before issuing these inaccurate reports! Get it together Forbes!
Wayne Dec 24th 2009 12:12PM
What a poorly written article. I think you mean "living" in those cities rather than "leaving" in those cities (although that might be a good idea). Also, "TX has four in the top 10"? I think you meant "Least Expensive" cities.