Most Expensive Cities in North America
Ranking of cities by overall cost of living index. Index of 100 = New York City.
Top 5 Ranked
Palo Alto
2% more expensive
New York City
Same as NYC
San Francisco
3% cheaper
Palo Alto
2% more expensive
New York City
Same as NYC
San Francisco
3% cheaper
Overview
This ranking uses a weighted cost index calculated from user-contributed price data across 7 categories. For each city, we compute the average price in each category and compare it to New York City (baseline = 100). A score below 100 means cheaper; above 100 means more expensive.
Housing (35%): Rent, utilities, and accommodation costs
Groceries (20%): Food, beverages, and household supplies
Transportation (15%): Public transit, fuel, and vehicle costs
Dining (10%): Restaurants, cafes, and takeout meals
Entertainment (8%): Leisure activities, movies, and sports
Clothing (7%): Apparel, footwear, and accessories
Childcare (5%): Daycare, babysitting, and child-related services
City Rankings
Index value of 100 = New York City. Lower values indicate cheaper cost of living.
North America Cost Heatmap
Interactive map showing the most expensive cities in North America. Larger, redder circles indicate higher cost of living.
Understanding City Cost Differences
City costs are shaped by real estate markets, local wages, and demand for urban amenities. Global cities with strong economies and international appeal tend to be more expensive. Transportation costs vary based on car dependency versus public transit availability. Dining and entertainment costs reflect local wages and tourism demand. Comparing city costs helps with career decisions, retirement planning, and lifestyle choices.
Source: User-contributed price data. Rankings are based on the weighted average of category indices.
Last updated: January 2026
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