The cost of living has risen sharply in many parts of the United States, with housing prices leading the way. In some cities, rent and everyday expenses have climbed so high that many residents feel their money simply doesn’t go as far as it once did.
To identify some of the most overpriced cities in the country, we looked closely at rent trends and overall cost-of-living factors. Rising housing costs are often the clearest sign that a city is becoming less affordable.
In this gallery, we highlight 20 cities where prices feel especially steep right now and explore what is driving the high cost of living in each one.
1. New York City, NY
With a long-term reputation of being overpriced, NYC’s baseline costs feel like they’re charging you for access rather than any type of comfort. Zumper’s latest national rent table puts a median one-bedroom in the city at around $4,320, and the median two-bedroom around $5,140, making this location unfeasible for most…