Are you planning to relocate to a new city in the United States? If so, it's essential to consider the cost of living in your desired destination. According to recent data from Yahoo Finance, some cities in the US are more expensive than others. In this article, we'll explore the top 30 most expensive cities to live in the US in 2025.
The cost of living in the US varies significantly from city to city. Factors such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities contribute to the overall expense of living in a particular area. To determine the most expensive cities, we've analyzed data from various sources, including the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and online pricing guides.
Here are the top 30 most expensive cities to live in the US in 2025:
1. Honolulu, HI: With a cost of living index score of 196.3, Honolulu is the most expensive city in the US. The median home price is over $800,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,300.
2. San Francisco, CA: San Francisco has a cost of living index score of 184.6, making it the second-most expensive city. The median home price is over $1.3 million, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,500.
3. New York City, NY: The Big Apple has a cost of living index score of 173.2, with a median home price of over $1 million and an average rent of $3,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
4. Seattle, WA: Seattle's cost of living index score is 164.6, with a median home price of over $800,000 and an average rent of $2,200 for a one-bedroom apartment.
5. Washington, D.C.: The nation's capital has a cost of living index score of 158.2, with a median home price of over $600,000 and an average rent of $2,100 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Other cities that make the list include:
Boston, MA (cost of living index score: 154.8)
Los Angeles, CA (cost of living index score: 149.2)
San Jose, CA (cost of living index score: 147.2)
Denver, CO (cost of living index score: 143.8)
Portland, OR (cost of living index score: 142.4)
The remaining 20 cities on the list are:
Oakland, CA (cost of living index score: 141.2)
Long Beach, CA (cost of living index score: 139.2)
Santa Ana, CA (cost of living index score: 138.2)
Anchorage, AK (cost of living index score: 137.2)
Juneau, AK (cost of living index score: 136.2)
Providence, RI (cost of living index score: 135.2)
Baltimore, MD (cost of living index score: 134.2)
Philadelphia, PA (cost of living index score: 133.2)
Pittsburgh, PA (cost of living index score: 132.2)
Cleveland, OH (cost of living index score: 131.2)
Minneapolis, MN (cost of living index score: 130.2)
St. Paul, MN (cost of living index score: 129.2)
Kansas City, MO (cost of living index score: 128.2)
St. Louis, MO (cost of living index score: 127.2)
Raleigh, NC (cost of living index score: 126.2)
Charlotte, NC (cost of living index score: 125.2)
Atlanta, GA (cost of living index score: 124.2)
Miami, FL (cost of living index score: 123.2)
Tampa, FL (cost of living index score: 122.2)
Orlando, FL (cost of living index score: 121.2)
In conclusion, the cost of living in the US varies significantly from city to city. If you're planning to relocate, it's essential to research the cost of living in your desired destination to ensure you can afford the expenses. The top 30 most expensive cities to live in the US in 2025 are primarily located on the East and West Coasts, with Honolulu, San Francisco, and New York City being the most expensive. By understanding the cost of living in different cities, you can make an informed decision about where to live and plan your finances accordingly.
Note: The cost of living index scores mentioned in this article are based on data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and online pricing guides. The scores are subject to change and may vary depending on the source and methodology used.
