1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s costs have crept up, especially in the housing market. While still cheaper than New York, home and rent prices have jumped significantly in the past few years. At the same time, the city grapples with high crime rates and aging infrastructure. Public schools are underfunded, making it a tough sell for families.
Property taxes and utility rates are also on the rise. Many residents feel like they’re not getting much for what they pay. Philly still has rich history and great food, but it’s no longer the value pick it once was. For many, it feels like paying big-city prices without the big-city benefits.
2. New York City, New York
New York will always have unmatched energy, but the cost of experiencing it is becoming absurd, according to Mike Winters from CNBC. Median rent in Manhattan recently crossed $4,000, and that’s for a modest space, not luxury digs. Everyday costs like groceries, transportation, and childcare are also well above national averages. It’s a city that makes you hustle just to keep up, and burnout is a very real consequence.
Post-pandemic, remote work has also made it easier for people to live elsewhere while keeping their NYC salaries. That’s partly why the city saw a major exodus in 2020–2021. Though some have returned, many have realized they can have a backyard and lower stress levels elsewhere. When you weigh cost against quality of life, it’s fair to ask: is the dream still worth it?
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco used to be the gold standard for tech innovation and culture, but sky-high rent and home prices have made it nearly impossible for average earners to stay, according to Christian Leonard from The San Francisco Chronicle. The median home price still hovers well over $1 million, and rent for a one-bedroom can exceed $3,000. That might be manageable if the city were still booming, but it’s faced a wave of tech company relocations and job cuts. Add in rising crime rates and a visible homelessness crisis, and it’s clear the shine has worn off.
Even lifelong residents are leaving for more affordable parts of California—or out of state entirely. The city’s population actually dropped by over 6% between 2020 and 2022. And while the charm of cable cars and fog-draped bridges remains, daily life here feels like more stress than reward. If you’re not pulling in a tech executive salary, it’s tough to make the numbers work.
4. Denver, Colorado
Denver used to be a laid-back, affordable alternative to the coasts, but that narrative is outdated, according to Catie Cheshire from Westword. Home prices have more than doubled in the past decade, with median listings now above $600,000. Rent is also climbing, and inflation has driven up costs for food, transportation, and utilities. At the same time, homelessness has surged, and crime rates have crept upward.
Locals are feeling the pinch, especially younger residents trying to buy their first home. The city’s infrastructure is strained, and growth feels more like sprawl than smart development. Denver still has mountain access and sunshine, but those perks no longer come cheap. The vibe has shifted from chill to stressed.
5. Los Angeles, California
L.A. has always had a cost-of-living premium, but lately it feels more punishing than aspirational, according to Jackie Fortiér from LAist. With median home prices around $900,000 and rent prices continually rising, the affordability gap keeps widening. Public transportation still lags behind, forcing most residents to own a car and pay exorbitant gas and insurance costs. The city also struggles with worsening air quality and traffic that can eat hours of your day.
Add to that a rising crime rate and a housing crisis that’s visible on nearly every major street. Even entertainment professionals are leaving for Atlanta or Austin. The city once promised glamour and opportunity, but now it can feel like a place where dreams go to die under a pile of bills. If you’re not in a high-income bracket, it’s hard to make it work.
6. Seattle, Washington
Seattle was once a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest, but tech-driven growth has pushed the cost of living into nosebleed territory, according to Melissa Santos, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Kavya Beheraj from Axios. Amazon and Microsoft helped inflate housing costs, with median home prices around $800,000. Rent continues to rise, and utility costs are no bargain either. That might be manageable if the city still felt vibrant and welcoming, but many locals feel it’s lost that edge.
Add in the persistent gray skies and seasonal affective disorder, and it’s not exactly the utopia it used to be. Traffic is also a growing concern, with congestion steadily worsening. Some neighborhoods feel overdeveloped while others struggle with underinvestment. It’s still a beautiful place—but the high costs are giving many second thoughts.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers rich history and top-tier education, but unless you’re a student or a surgeon, affording life here is tough. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits around $2,800, and the median home price is north of $750,000. Even groceries and basic services cost more than in many similar-sized cities. Commuting isn’t easy either, thanks to an aging public transit system that’s prone to breakdowns.
For all the intellectual capital, Boston has become inhospitable for middle-class families. Young professionals are increasingly skipping town after a few years. The winters are brutal too, which doesn’t help make the cost feel justified. It’s a great city—just not a livable one for everyone anymore.
8. Miami, Florida
Miami has seen a surge in demand, especially from out-of-state buyers and remote workers, but it’s priced locals out in the process. Median rent rose nearly 50% in some areas post-2020, making it one of the fastest-growing rental markets in the U.S. Property insurance costs are sky-high due to hurricane risk, and rising sea levels are a long-term concern. Plus, wages don’t match the new cost of living—especially in tourism and service jobs.
For many, the party lifestyle no longer compensates for the financial strain. Local families are being forced out to more affordable parts of Florida. Traffic is worsening, and infrastructure hasn’t kept up with population growth. Miami may be flashy, but behind the glam, it’s a tough place to get ahead.
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
Paradise comes at a steep price in Honolulu, and more people are questioning whether it’s worth it. The cost of importing goods drives grocery and fuel prices sky-high, and housing is both limited and expensive. The median home price sits around $800,000, which is a tough sell even with the views. Wages haven’t kept pace, especially in service-heavy sectors like tourism and hospitality.
Residents are increasingly being priced out, with many Native Hawaiians relocating to the mainland. The cost-of-living crisis has sparked real frustration, especially as vacation rentals push locals out of their neighborhoods. Living in a postcard doesn’t matter much if you’re stressed about paying rent. It’s becoming a tale of two Honolulus—one for tourists, one for everyone else.
10. Austin, Texas
Austin has been the poster child for relocation—but the rapid growth has made it a victim of its own success. Housing prices have skyrocketed, with the median home price hovering around $550,000, up dramatically from just a few years ago. Property taxes are high, and rent is keeping pace. The cost of living has outpaced local wages, especially for those not in tech.
Traffic is now a major headache, and urban planning hasn’t kept up with the influx. Long-time residents feel priced out of their own city. The quirky, indie vibe that once defined Austin is fading under the weight of luxury developments. What was once cool and affordable now feels overpriced and overcrowded.
11. Washington, D.C.
D.C. is a city of power, but living near it takes some serious financial muscle. Housing is extremely expensive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Dupont Circle or Capitol Hill. Rent remains steep, and child care costs are among the highest in the nation. Add to that expensive groceries, transportation, and healthcare, and it’s easy to see why families struggle.
The political prestige doesn’t translate to daily convenience or comfort. The Metro system is aging and prone to shutdowns. Crime has become a bigger issue, and wealth disparities are stark. Unless your job requires you to be here, the lifestyle may not justify the price.
12. San Diego, California
San Diego offers sunshine and beaches, but it’s become almost as unaffordable as its northern neighbor, L.A. The median home price is well over $900,000, and rental prices are climbing steadily. Utility costs, especially water, are high due to the region’s drought concerns. Meanwhile, wages in many sectors don’t match up with the costs.
Locals often find themselves priced out of their own neighborhoods. Teachers, nurses, and service workers are struggling to stay in the city they serve. The lifestyle is undeniably pleasant—when you can afford it. But for many, the financial math just doesn’t add up anymore.
13. Portland, Oregon
Portland was once a hipster haven with affordable rent and a creative community. But in recent years, housing prices have soared, and rents are up sharply. The city has also dealt with social unrest and a significant rise in homelessness. For a city known for its livability, the cracks are starting to show.
Infrastructure hasn’t kept up with growth, and crime rates are a concern in certain areas. Some of the city’s charm feels lost under the pressure of rising costs and declining public services. It’s still green, quirky, and full of good coffee—but less friendly to the middle class than it used to be. Affordability is no longer Portland’s strong suit.
14. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago has big-city perks, but a heavy cost burden with less upside than coastal cities. Property taxes are notoriously high, and the sales tax is one of the highest in the country. Crime continues to be a persistent issue in several neighborhoods. While housing is somewhat more affordable than in New York or L.A., other expenses add up fast.
Winters are long and harsh, which can impact quality of life. Many families and young professionals are choosing nearby suburbs or other Midwestern cities. Infrastructure needs serious investment, and public services are under pressure. It’s still a cultural powerhouse—but not the budget-friendly option it once was.
15. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder has incredible natural beauty and a strong sense of community, but that comes with a hefty price tag. Median home prices are over $1 million, making it one of the most expensive small cities in the U.S. Rent is equally high, and there’s limited availability thanks to strict zoning laws. Local wages, especially outside tech and education, don’t go far.
The high cost of entry has made the city feel exclusive and less diverse. Many workers commute from more affordable towns, adding to traffic woes. While outdoor access is unbeatable, the cost of staying in Boulder full-time is hard to justify for many. It’s beautiful—but increasingly out of reach.
