The Most Expensive Cities To Live Across The US

Do you have money on your mind? If so, you're not the only one. Plenty of Americans are concerned about their finances, particularly the cost of housing. Whether you're renting or buying, the market isn't cheap. However, there are definitely parts of the US that are more affordable than others.

If you're finding money to be an issue, there are some places you'll probably want to avoid. After all, the most expensive cities to live across the US might be popular for a reason, but they might not be the places we need to give our bank balances a rest.

Vallejo and Fairfied, California, are great commuter cities

It's a sad truth that some places that were once considered affordable are now out of the price range for quite a lot of people. That seems to be how it is in cities like Vallejo and Fairfield, which have seen quite a rise in prices over the last few years. As people have tried to escape the cost in the surrounding areas, they've consequently made these small Californian cities more expensive than they used to be. Now, the average rent for a one-bedroom place here is $1,684. The fact that they make for good commuter cities only makes matters worse. After all, it gives people even more of a reason to live here and up the costs.

Santa Barbara, California, has been upped by celebrities

Another Californian spot that's not particularly affordable to live in right now is Santa Barbara. Here, the average one-bedroom rent is just shy of $1,700, which is more than many would be comfortable paying. The fact that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle probably doesn't help matters. There's also the fact that it's a gorgeous part of the nation, with a lovely climate and stunning beaches that make this the "American Riviera." It's maybe no wonder housing is 5.5 times more expensive here than in any other part of the United States.

San Diego, California, is plagued by a lack of housing

Noticing a trend here? With an average one-bedroom rent of $1,732, San Diego is another of the most expensive cities in the US. It's another Californian spot that gets excellent weather, so we're not surprised it boasts a population of over 3 million. Unfortunately, there's also a lack of housing here, which is why the market is so competitive. High taxes have caused a problem, too, driving some people away from the city for good. While it used to be a cheaper alternative to Los Angeles, it's now seemingly no better than the City of Angels.

Santa Rosa, California, is surrounded by beautiful views

If you don't want to live somewhere where the average rent is excessive, we'd suggest steering clear of California. Nearly all of the most expensive cities in the US reside here, with Santa Rosa being yet another one. Reports state that a one-bedroom place here costs around $1,743, which is the third highest in the nation. Apparently, the cost of living here is some 7% higher than California's average and almost 40% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, homes cost 66% more than the national average, making many wonder why anyone would want to live here. We suppose the gorgeous scenery has something to do with it.

Honolulu, Hawaii, comes with some huge tax bills

The only one of the most expensive cities in the US that's not in California is Honolulu in Hawaii. Here, someone spends almost $1,780 on a one-bedroom home on average, which may have something to do with the city's limited housing. There are also costs related to high taxes, strict zoning laws, and even shipping costs. While this might be one of the most beautiful places to live in the US, it's not for those who struggle to rub two nickels together. Plus, there are the difficulties that come with having a reported 10 million tourists visiting every year.

San Francisco, California, is the most expensive city in the US

Out of all of the cities in the United States, it's San Francisco that's apparently the most expensive. You'll reportedly have to pay, on average, more than $2,000 for a one-bedroom place here. A considerable part of that is down to the influence of the many tech workers who have found a home here in recent years. This movement has apparently seen a tenfold increase in rental rates and housing prices, with the cost of living brought up as a result. It's from San Francisco that some people escape to surrounding cities to find a cheaper lifestyle. Unfortunately, that only serves to make those places more expensive too.

It's clear that some parts of the US are more expensive to live in than others. However, these spots also tend to come with more job opportunities and other perks that might be less common elsewhere. So, sometimes the higher costs are worth it. You just have to ask yourself whether or not that is the case for you.