The 20 most expensive places to live in the US

Twelve places in California made it to the top 20 most expensive places to live in the US, as identified by US News & World Report. While still high, the cost of living in Fresno actually falls under the state average. 

Population of metro area: 1,003,150

Median home price: $430,711

Median monthly rent: $1,098

Average annual salary: $53,860

The cost of living in Modesto, California, which is positioned between San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, is more expensive than the national average, with residents paying more for basic necessities like utilities and groceries. 

Population of metro area: 829,992

Median home price: $463,918

Median monthly rent: $1,251

Average annual salary: $53,906

Washington, DC, is one of the most appealing locations to live, with "world-class art museums, historic neighborhoods, thousands of acres of green space, and countless cultural festivals all year long," according to Insider's Christabel Lobo.

Population of metro area: 6,332,069

Median home price: $538,037

Median monthly rent: $1,783

Average annual salary: $80,480

Currently the 11th largest city in the state, Stockton may seem more affordable than places in the Bay Area, but general expenses and cost of living remain substantially higher than the national average. 

Population of metro area: 771,406

Median home price: $589,200

Median monthly rent: $1,387

Average annual salary: $55,020

Known as the "Mile High City," Denver hosts up to 300 days of sunshine and has scenic landscapes, but its cost of living has increased significantly. 

Population of metro area: 2,936,665

Median home price: $658,554

Median monthly rent: $1,554

Average annual salary: $66,750

While the median home price in Sacramento was lower than other major California cities in 2022, its average home price was still more than $230,000 higher than the national average, according to US News & World Report. 

According to state estimates, Sacramento's population increased the most out of California's largest 10 cities from 2022 to 2023, The Sacramento Bee reported.

Population of metro area: 2,379,368

Median home price: $619,981

Median monthly rent: $1,465

Average annual salary: $65,580

Here, housing prices are higher than in most other places across the country and the price of basic needs, such as utilities and groceries, is even higher.

Population of metro area: 1,995,351

Median home price: $1,524,907

Median monthly rent: $2,511

Average annual salary: $99,430

From enjoying the waterfront to immersing yourself in Seattle's coffee culture, there is so much to do in Seattle that you might want to do more than visit.

Population of metro area: 3,971,125

Median home price: $768,396

Median monthly rent: $1,701

Average annual salary: $76,170

According to Insider's Maria Noyen, Boston is "a mini New York City," with a great food scene and modern accommodations, but is also family friendly.

Population of metro area: 4,912,030

Median home price: $716,746

Median monthly rent: $1,659

Average annual salary: $76,850

Since the pandemic, New York City has seen a sharp increase in rental costs, inflation that has made groceries more expensive, and a hike in energy bills. The cost of living is pushing people out.

Population of metro area: 20,968,258

Median home price: $642,004

Median monthly rent: $1,574

Average annual salary: $74,108

Vallejo, California, and Fairfield, California, are only 18 miles apart but form a safe haven for those fleeing the expenses of the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite still being higher than the national average, the cost of living in Vallejo and Fairfield are lower than the California average. 

Population of metro area: 451,432

Median home price: $606,442

Median monthly rent: $1,802

Average annual salary: $64,270

San Juan, Puerto Rico, may draw potential residents in with its low rents, but its average energy bill is more expensive than what most Americans pay on the mainland, the Associated Press reported in June.

Population of metro area: 2,096,657

Median home price: N/A

Median monthly rent: $551

Average annual salary: $31,650

Santa Rosa, California, is home to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the bedrock of wine country, and attracts people from all over.

Population of metro area: 492,498

Median home price: $889,590

Median monthly rent: $1,856,

Average annual salary: $64,080

The price of real estate in Salinas, California, an agricultural hub, is nearly twice the national median-home sale price, US News & World Report reported.

Population of metro area: 438,953

Median home price: $925,458

Median monthly rent: $1,718

Average annual salary: $56,350

San Francisco is the 13th largest city in the US. With fewer new homes being built within city limits in recent years, house prices have rocketed, according to US News & World Report.

Population of metro area: 4,725,584

Median home price: $1,122,946

Median monthly rent: $2,155

Average annual salary: $86,590

Known for its celebrity residents and picturesque coastline, Santa Barbara, California, is a dream to live in — if you can afford to. 

Population of metro area: 447,651

Median home price: $464,954

Median monthly rent: $1,810

Average annual salary: $62,020

The party city of Miami may downplay it, but its price of living is actually higher than the national average. 

Population of metro area: 6,105,897

Median home price: $608,742

Median monthly rent: $1,492

Average annual salary: $54,790

Honolulu rakes in millions of visitors each year, according to the state's website, but living in paradise comes with a hefty price tag. 

Population of metro area: 1,015,167

Median home price: $581,658

Median monthly rent: $1,870

Average annual salary: $61,860

The sprawling metropolis is known for its current housing crisis, which has contributed to a high cost of living. 

Population of metro area: 18,628,215

Median home price: $836,831

Median monthly rent: $1,685

Average annual salary: $63,056

San Diego tops US News & World Report's list as the most expensive city to live in. With a beautiful climate, residents refer to their high cost of living as the "sunshine tax." 

Population of metro area: 3,296,317

Median home price: $919,507

Median monthly rent: $1,842

Average annual salary: $67,200