New York (Manhattan) is the most expensive place to live in the U.S in 2024, with a Composite Index Score of 231, highlighting the high costs associated with housing, health care, and other living expenses. Below, we provide a detailed analysis of the top ten most expensive places to live in the U.S., based on their Composite Index Scores. This includes comprehensive information on Housing Costs, Health Care Costs, Population, and Unemployment Rate for each place.
10 Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S in 2024
10 Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S in 2024
The most expensive places in the US are evaluated based on various cost-of-living metrics, including housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services.
The composite index is based on these six component categories. Below is a table of the top ten most expensive places based on their Composite Index Scores.
| Rank | Place | Composite Index Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York (Manhattan), NY | 231 |
| 2 | Honolulu, HI | 186.2 |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | 177.1 |
| 4 | San Francisco, CA | 169.6 |
| 5 | New York (Brooklyn), NY | 161.5 |
| 6 | Orange County, CA | 154.9 |
| 7 | Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA | 150.6 |
| 8 | New York (Queens), NY | 146.9 |
| 9 | Washington, D.C. | 144.6 |
| 10 | Boston, MA | 144.3 |
The composite index is based on six component categories – housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services. This list provides a snapshot of the places where the cost of living is highest in the U.S., reflecting the significant expenses associated with these essential services.
1. New York (Manhattan), New York
New York (Manhattan) is the most expensive place in the U.S., with a composite index score of 231, which is 131% above the national average. This vibrant and bustling borough of New York City is known for its high living costs, particularly in housing and health care.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 231 (131% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $4,000 – $6,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $600 – $800 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 1.6 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7 % (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Manhattan’s real estate market is among the most competitive globally, with properties in iconic neighborhoods like SoHo and Tribeca fetching some of the highest prices per square foot. The borough is also home to more than 70 museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
New York (Manhattan), NY holds the top position in the list of “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024” with a Composite Index Score of 231.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the second most expensive place, with a composite index score of 186.2, which is 86.2% above the U.S. average. Its remote location in Hawaii contributes to the high cost of living, especially in housing and health care.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 186.2 (86.2% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,500 – $4,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $500 – $700 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 344,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.5 % (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Honolulu’s geographical isolation leads to higher prices for imported goods and construction materials. The city is known for its stunning beaches, including Waikiki Beach, and its rich cultural heritage, with historic sites like the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S.
Honolulu, HI ranks as the second most expensive place in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 186.2.
3. San Jose, California
San Jose ranks third with a composite index score of 177.1, 77.1% above the national average. The city’s proximity to Silicon Valley drives up housing costs, and health care expenses are also notably high.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 177.1 (77.1% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $3,000 – $5,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $550 – $750 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 1.7 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.9% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: San Jose is the largest city in Silicon Valley, the global center of technology and innovation. It is home to numerous tech giants like Adobe and Cisco Systems. The city’s tech industry has significantly contributed to its high cost of living.
San Jose, CA is the third most expensive place in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” boasting a Composite Index Score of 177.1.
4. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, known for its iconic landmarks and high living costs, has a composite index score of 169.6, which is 69.6% above the U.S. average. The city is particularly noted for its expensive housing market and health care costs.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 169.6 (69.6% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $3,500 – $6,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $600 – $800 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 1.6 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.4% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: San Francisco is renowned for its picturesque Golden Gate Bridge and historic cable cars. The city’s real estate market is characterized by its steep hills and limited space, driving up housing costs. Additionally, San Francisco is a hub for venture capital investment.
San Francisco, CA holds the fourth spot in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 169.6.
5. New York (Brooklyn), New York
Brooklyn ranks fifth with a composite index score of 161.5, 61.5% above the national average. While housing costs are lower compared to Manhattan, they are still high, and health care expenses are significant.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 161.5 (61.5% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,500 – $4,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $550 – $750 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 2.5 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.6% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Brooklyn has experienced significant gentrification over the past decade, transforming neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO into trendy, sought-after places. The Brooklyn Bridge and Prospect Park are among its famous landmarks.
New York (Brooklyn), NY is the fifth most expensive place in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” featuring a Composite Index Score of 161.5.
6. Orange County, California
With a composite index score of 154.9, Orange County is 54.9% above the U.S. average. The high cost of living is driven by both housing and health care expenses.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 154.9 (54.9% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,800 – $4,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $500 – $700 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 3.1 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Orange County is known for its picturesque coastline and affluent communities, including Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. It is also home to Disneyland Resort, one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world.
Orange County, CA comes in sixth place in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 154.9.
7. Los Angeles (Long Beach), California
Los Angeles (Long Beach) has a composite index score of 150.6, 50.6% above the national average. The city is known for its relatively high housing and health care costs.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 150.6 (50.6% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,200 – $3,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $450 – $650 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 3.8 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.0% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Long Beach, part of the greater Los Angeles area, is known for its scenic waterfront and the Long Beach Convention Center. It is also a major port city, with one of the largest and busiest ports in the U.S.
Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA ranks seventh in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 150.6.
8. New York (Queens), New York
Queens, with a composite index score of 146.9, is 46.9% above the U.S. average. Although housing costs are lower than in Manhattan and Brooklyn, they remain high, with notable health care expenses.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 146.9 (46.9% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,200 – $3,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $500 – $700 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 2.2 million |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Queens is the most ethnically diverse place in the U.S., home to a wide range of cultures and communities. The borough features Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the U.S. Open tennis tournament is held.
New York (Queens), NY is the eighth most expensive place in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 146.9.
9. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. ranks ninth with a composite index score of 144.6, 44.6% above the national average. The high cost of living in D.C. is driven by both its housing market and health care expenses.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 144.6 (44.6% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,500 – $4,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $550 – $750 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 650,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.3% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Washington, D.C. is home to many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and institutions, including the White House, the Capitol, and the Smithsonian museums. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene and historical significance.
Washington, D.C. holds the ninth position in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 144.6.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston rounds out the top ten with a composite index score of 144.3, which is 44.3% above the U.S. average. The high cost of living in Boston is attributed to its housing and health care expenses.
| Cost Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Composite Index Score | 144.3 (44.3% above U.S. average) |
| Housing Cost | $2,800 – $4,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment |
| Health Care Cost | $500 – $700 per month for a single person |
| Population | Approximately 649,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% (U.S. average: 4.1%) |
Interesting Fact: Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. and played a significant role in American history, including the Boston Tea Party. The city is also renowned for its prestigious educational institutions, such as Harvard University and MIT.
Boston, MA rounds out the top ten in the “Most Expensive Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024,” with a Composite Index Score of 144.3.
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