What US city has highest cost of living?

The U.S. city with the highest cost of living is consistently New York City, particularly the borough of Manhattan, where housing, groceries, and everyday expenses are significantly higher than the national average, often more than double the national rate, driven primarily by extremely expensive housing markets. Other top contenders for high living costs include San Francisco, Boston, San Jose, and Honolulu, with California cities dominating the top lists.

Which US city has the highest cost of living?

The U.S. city with the highest cost of living is consistently New York City, particularly Manhattan, often followed closely by San Francisco and San Jose, California, with Honolulu also ranking high due to imported goods, but NYC's housing and overall expenses place it at the top for 2025. High housing costs, especially rent, are the primary driver, pushing these major metropolitan areas far above the national average. 

What city in the US has the best cost of living?

The best affordable U.S. cities for cost of living often feature low housing costs, with places like Akron (OH), Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Tulsa (OK), Oklahoma City (OK), Memphis (TN), and San Antonio (TX) frequently cited for affordability, balancing budget-friendly living with growing job markets and unique cultural draws, especially in the Midwest and South. Cities in Texas (McAllen, Brownsville, Wichita Falls) and the Rust Belt (Buffalo, Dayton, Cleveland, Detroit) also consistently rank high for low expenses, particularly housing. 

Which 10 states have the highest cost of living?

Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland consistently rank as the top 5 most expensive states, driven by soaring housing costs, high taxes, and increased prices for daily goods, with other costly states often including Washington, New York, Connecticut, Colorado, and New Hampshire, due to unique regional factors like island isolation, tech hubs, or coastal living expenses. 

What is the #1 cheapest state to live in?

Below is a detailed breakdown of the ten most affordable states to live in 2025:

• Arkansas. Arkansas continues to be one of the most affordable states in the U.S., especially for those looking to buy property. ...
• Mississippi. ...
• Oklahoma. ...
• New Mexico. ...
• Missouri. ...
• Tennessee. ...
• Michigan. ...
• Texas.

20 Cities with the Highest Cost of Living in the United States 2024

What is America's happiest city?

According to recent studies, Fremont, California, is frequently named the happiest city in the U.S., noted for high life satisfaction, financial stability, low depression, strong community, and ample green space. Other cities like San Jose, Irvine, and Sioux Falls also rank highly, with happiness often linked to economic well-being, good mental health, strong social connections, and access to nature and recreation, though rankings vary slightly by study. 

Where is the cheapest but safest place to live in America?

The cheapest and safest places to live in the U.S. often blend low crime rates with affordable housing, with top contenders frequently including small cities in Ohio (like New Philadelphia), Georgia (Roswell, Johns Creek), Texas (Mission, Brownsville), Michigan (Grand Rapids, Bay City), and Oklahoma (Enid, Edmond), offering good cost of living, low property values, and stable economies, though "safest" and "cheapest" can vary by ranking source. 

What is the #1 best city to live in America?

There's no single "number one" city, as it depends on what you value, but New York City often tops global lists for culture/vibrancy (World's Best Cities 2025), while Brookline, MA, and Washington, D.C. rank high for quality of life/livability by U.S. News & Real Estate and RentCafe, respectively, focusing on amenities, safety, and schools; other top contenders vary by criteria, with suburbs like Naperville, IL, and cities like Charleston, SC, leading for small-town feel or food scenes. 

What city has the lowest quality of life?

Global Liveability Index

Copenhagen was ranked the most liveable city in 2025, while Damascus was ranked the least liveable. Cities from the Western world dominate the top 10, reflecting their widespread availability of goods and services, low personal risk, and effective infrastructure.

Where is the cheapest place to start a new life?

Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2025-2026

• Decatur, IL.
• Enid, OK.
• Springfield, IL.
• Mission, TX.
• Bay City, MI.
• Eagle Pass, TX.

Where is it hardest to afford a home?

According to the 2023 International Housing Affordability Survey by Demographia, three out of the 10 least affordable housing markets are in Australia and New Zealand, two are in Canada and four more are located in the United States. The least affordable housing market is Hong Kong.

What city has the highest quality of life?

Zurich. Consistently ranking at the top, Zurich has earned its reputation as one of the best quality-of-life cities in the world. This Swiss financial and cultural hub boasts a nearly unmatched combination of high educational attainment, exceptional public transportation, and meticulous urban environments.

Where is the richest place to live in the USA?

Rank City State Total Private Wealth 1 New York City New York $4 trillion 2 San Francisco Bay Area California $2.7 trillion 3 Los Angeles California $1.5 trillion 4 Houston Texas $975 billion 5 Washington D.C. D.C.

What city is the safest to live in the US?

The top 10 safest cities in the United States, according to WalletHub, are:

• Burlington, Vermont.
• Juneau, Alaska.
• Yonkers, New York.
• Casper, Wyoming.
• South Burlington, Vermont.
• Columbia, Maryland.
• Lewiston, Maine.
• Salem, Oregon.

What is the easiest state to live in financially?

The easiest states to live in financially generally have low costs of living, especially for housing, and often feature low taxes, with Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi frequently topping lists for affordability and savings potential, driven by cheaper groceries, transport, and lower median home values compared to national averages. Southern and Midwestern states tend to offer more financial ease, while high-cost areas like Hawaii, California, and the Northeast are typically the hardest. 

Where can I live that is warm and cheap?

Best affordable warm states with soaring home prices

• Texas. Texas is ideal for millennials and Gen Z buyers who want affordable housing, strong job opportunities, and a good quality of life without the sky-high prices of coastal cities. ...
• Florida. ...
• Arizona. ...
• Georgia. ...
• South Carolina.

Is it better to rent or buy affordably?

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in California? In most cities, renting has a lower monthly cost, but homeownership can be more cost-effective in the long term due to equity growth and tax benefits. The decision depends on your budget and plans.

What state is #1 in quality of life?

There isn't one single answer, as it depends on the study, but recent reports often name Massachusetts, Vermont, or New Jersey as #1 for Quality of Life, with Massachusetts leading in overall metrics (health, education) and Vermont shining in specific areas like low crime and natural environment. Other top contenders include Idaho, Minnesota, and New York, highlighting that rankings vary based on whether they emphasize healthcare, economy, safety, or environment. 

Where is the cheapest and nicest place to live in the USA?

The cheapest, best places to live in the U.S. often involve the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Dayton (OH), and Knoxville (TN) offering low housing costs and good value, while states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma consistently rank as most affordable overall. Key factors are low housing prices and a cost of living significantly below the national average, with some top contenders being Decatur (IL), Enid (OK), and Brownsville (TX), but "best" depends on balancing budget with lifestyle needs like jobs, culture, and amenities. 

Where do the kindest people in America live?

While "nicest" is subjective, studies and surveys often point to Minnesota, known for "Minnesota Nice," along with Southern states like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia, and Midwestern states like Iowa, as having very friendly and polite people, often characterized by strong community spirit and helpfulness. Other frequently mentioned spots include Hawaii, Colorado, and Wisconsin, known for relaxed attitudes or deep-rooted hospitality. 

What state has the friendliest people?

While subjective, studies and surveys consistently rank Minnesota, Tennessee, and South Carolina as some of the friendliest U.S. states, often followed by Texas and Wyoming, with general "Southern hospitality" and Midwest politeness often cited, though perceptions of "niceness" (like Minnesota's reserved style) can vary.
 

What is the unhappiest state in the US?

Based on recent studies, particularly WalletHub's 2025 analysis, Louisiana and West Virginia consistently rank as the unhappiest states, often swapping the bottom spots, with Louisiana frequently cited as the absolute least happy due to factors like high depression rates, long work hours, low sleep quality, and high divorce rates, while West Virginia struggles with high adult depression and poor sleep. Other states often in the bottom ranks include Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee. 

Where am I supposed to live if I can't afford rent?

Explore Government Assistance Programs

Local state and federal programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide housing that includes units with rents affordable to low-income tenants and vouchers that help offset rent payments at privately owned housing.