50 Cities Where the Cost of Living Is Out of Control
The 2025 report from GOBankingRates reveals just how steep the price tag has become in major U.S. cities. Calculations based on the 50/30/20 budgeting rule and current housing data show that homeowners in these areas need to earn a household median income that’s well into six figures to stay financially afloat. Let’s check out 50 cities where the cost of living is getting out of hand.
Irvine, California – $129,647
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Irvine tops the charts as the nation’s most expensive city for both renters and homeowners. Mortgage holders face payments of $11,461 monthly, and renters need $130,943 per year to get by. Owning a home demands $326,645 annually, more than double the median income.
Fremont, California – $176,350
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The tech economy keeps pushing Fremont’s housing costs higher, and even renters earning $130,000 struggle to make ends meet. Homebuyers need $304,047 annually just to live comfortably. Monthly mortgage payments hover around $10,290. High salaries don’t stretch far enough to match the relentless rise in home prices here.
San Jose, California – $141,565
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Mortgage payments in San Jose average $9,790 and require annual earnings near $300,000 for comfort. As the heart of Silicon Valley, its housing demand remains consistently high and competitive. While incomes here outpace most other cities, the cost of owning or renting leaves many financially stretched despite impressive paychecks.
San Francisco, California – $141,446
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This city’s affordability crisis stems from chronic housing shortages and relentless demand. Monthly mortgage bills around $8,600 are common and push even six-figure earners to the brink. Renters often face costs surpassing the city’s already high median income. San Francisco consistently ranks among the nation’s most expensive housing markets.
Honolulu, Hawaii – $85,428
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Honolulu also faces some of the country’s highest utility expenses, as island life comes at a premium. Homeowners need $245,515 a year to stay financially secure. With mortgage payments pushing $7,500 monthly, many residents struggle to keep up, especially with added costs tied to Hawaii’s heavy reliance on imported goods.
San Diego, California – $104,321
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Even with an above-average income, residents face mounting challenges in San Diego. Renters often need to earn well over $120,000 to live comfortably. Housing supply hasn’t kept up with population growth, so home prices are stubbornly high. Its coastal location and desirable climate continue to drive strong demand despite rising costs.
Arlington, Virginia – $140,160
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Mortgage payments here average $6,777. Although Arlington has one of the highest median incomes in the country, homeownership still requires over $217,000 annually. Its proximity to D.C. and stable job market keep demand—and prices—consistently high. Arlington’s reputation for safety and top-rated schools further drives up housing competition.
Los Angeles, California – $80,366
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Affording L.A. life isn’t just about the mortgage or rent—it’s also about transportation, childcare, and taxes. Homeowners need north of $200,000 to manage comfortably. Renters often need well over $120,000. L.A.’s sprawl and traffic add further financial strain.
Anaheim, California – $90,583
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Anaheim’s location within Orange County adds to the elevated cost of living. Property costs here average $5,826 per month. With Disneyland nearby, tourism drives local prices higher, but wages haven’t kept up. Many locals now find even renting a serious financial stretch, let alone purchasing property.
Seattle, Washington – $121,984
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Thanks to tech growth, housing demand remains sky-high in Seattle. While renters might manage on the city’s median income, buyers typically need close to $200,000 to afford monthly mortgage payments near $5,800. Inventory shortages only worsen the problem. Seattle’s high property taxes further strain household budgets.
New York City, New York – $79,713
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Living in NYC requires renters to earn about $160,000 annually, and mortgage holders need nearly $200,000. With monthly rents averaging $3,710, affordability feels like a distant concept for anyone not earning far above the city’s median income. NYC’s taxes, fees, and transit costs compound the housing burden.
Long Beach, California – $83,969
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The overflow from Los Angeles has made Long Beach more expensive than ever. Buyers face $5,500 mortgage payments. Renters, meanwhile, need incomes over $110,000 to avoid financial strain, a far cry from the area’s modest median earnings. Coastal location and port industries help sustain housing demand.
Scottsdale, Arizona – $107,372
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To own a comfortable home here, residents are required to earn $186,055 with monthly mortgages averaging $5,662. Scottsdale’s rising popularity among retirees and remote workers has driven up home values rapidly. Its luxury housing market and golf communities continue to attract high-income earners looking for warm weather.
Chula Vista, California – $105,173
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The rising cost of living in this region mirrors the San Diego metro’s broader housing crisis. Renters need about $129,000 per year. Mortgage holders pay $5,383 a month. Chula Vista’s growing population and limited housing supply make it difficult for middle-class families to achieve homeownership without stretching their budgets thin.
Santa Ana, California – $88,354
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Santa Ana’s affordability gap is wide, as homeownership calls for nearly $183,000 annually. With mortgage payments approaching $5,500 a month, many locals focus on renting, though even that requires incomes most residents don’t reach. The city’s dense population and proximity to Los Angeles keep demand and costs consistently high.
Boston, Massachusetts – $94,755
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Historic charm doesn’t come cheap. Mortgage holders pay about $5,210 monthly and require $181,000 a year for financial comfort. Boston’s housing shortage pushes both home and rental prices higher every year.
Santa Clarita, California – $119,926
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Despite high local incomes, homeowners still need $176,330 annually to avoid financial strain. Owning a home in Santa Clarita costs around $5,144 monthly. Renters also face growing costs as housing demand outpaces supply throughout Los Angeles County’s suburbs.
Oakland, California – $97,369
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Once considered San Francisco’s affordable neighbor, Oakland now commands nearly identical costs. Homebuyers need $176,119 annually. Mortgage bills near $5,000 a month leave little room for saving, even for those with higher-than-average salaries.
Washington, D.C. – $106,287
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Washington renters need $118,491 annually. Homeowners require over $168,000, with mortgages averaging $4,632. Despite substantial incomes, the capital’s demand for housing—and the high costs attached—leaves little flexibility for most working professionals.
Jersey City, New Jersey – $94,813
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A mortgage payment can reach $3,982 a month, and renters need about $136,000 a year to live comfortably. Jersey City’s proximity to Manhattan makes it a prime target for buyers and renters priced out of New York. Development projects have only accelerated housing demand.
Miami, Florida – $59,390
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Miami renters must earn $130,580 a year to live comfortably, while buyers need $151,340. With mortgage payments around $3,976 monthly, housing eats up a considerable portion of income. Miami’s popularity with retirees, tourists, and investors keeps demand high.
Riverside, California – $88,575
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The inland shift from Los Angeles and Orange County has packed Riverside with demand. However, new developments are lagging. As more workers accept long commutes or remote jobs, prices are climbing. Families moving here for affordability now find themselves paying nearly the same as coastal Californians once did.
Denver, Colorado – $91,681
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Homeowners must earn $137,113 to live comfortably in Denver, since mortgage payments are now averaging $3,615 a month. Rapid growth continues to strain housing. Renters face a $96,448 income requirement. The once affordable alternative to San Francisco or Seattle has become just as competitive, without the salaries to match.
Gilbert, Arizona – $121,351
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This hidden gem in the Phoenix metro, the city of Gilbert, is now booming. Tech expansion, low housing inventory, and steady in-migration from pricier states have turned this suburb into a hotspot. Locals are finding it harder to stay where they grew up or started families.
Portland, Oregon – $88,792
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To afford a home in Portland, you’d need $132,502 annually. Renting requires $93,730 a year. With housing demand outpacing construction and many buyers arriving from higher-income cities, Portland residents are now priced out of neighborhoods they’ve lived in for generations.
Reno, Nevada – $78,448
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Reno buyers need $130,771 a year, while renters should earn $94,008—mortgages average $3,459 per month. Overflow from Northern California and limited land for new builds have created fierce competition. Casino tourism and a growing tech presence add to housing pressure.
Newark, New Jersey – $48,416
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Real estate developers and investors are reshaping Newark while raising costs across the board. Families here struggle to afford what used to be stable, working-class housing. Even rent has become a burden.
Austin, Texas – $91,461
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Austin residents need $128,812 annually to own a home. Mortgage payments hover at $3,341, and renters need just under $89,000. Austin’s popularity with remote workers and tech talent has driven up demand so quickly that longtime locals are being priced out entirely. The influx has strained the infrastructure and housing supply.
Chandler, Arizona – $103,691
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As Phoenix spreads outward, Chandler has transformed from suburb to destination. Schools and master-planned communities drive demand higher. Rapid job growth in healthcare and tech, limited rental stock, and escalating home values have made housing harder to access, even for families earning above the median income.
Henderson, Nevada – $88,654
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Henderson homeowners must earn $125,550 a year. Monthly mortgages hit $3,066, and renters are expected to earn $96,462. The city’s proximity to Las Vegas has made it a prime target for Californians and retirees while crowding out locals and first-time buyers. The limited land supply further drives up costs.
Sacramento, California – $83,753
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Bay Area escapees have flooded Sacramento’s housing market. While demand has pushed up prices, local wages haven’t kept pace. Families who previously saw this city as a refuge from coastal costs now face similarly high rent and mortgage bills. Housing stock has struggled to keep up with demand.
Plano, Texas – $108,649
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A homeowner in Plano needs $124,171 annually, with mortgage costs reaching $3,168 per month. High-quality schools continue to attract families despite costs. Renters need just over $90,000. Corporate relocations and the booming Dallas-Fort Worth region have made this formerly modest suburb one of the priciest in Texas.
Aurora, Colorado – $84,320
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More than just a Denver spillover town, Aurora has become a metro in its own right. Growth in healthcare and logistics has added jobs, but not enough homes. The gap between housing supply and rising demand is pushing prices ever higher.
Anchorage, Alaska – $98,152
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Buyers need $119,409 annually, and renters must make $95,527 to live comfortably in Anchorage. The lack of competition in grocery, utility, and fuel providers drives up basic living costs. Even though Alaska has no sales tax, every other expense hits hard. Harsh winters increase heating and maintenance costs significantly.
Las Vegas, Nevada – $70,723
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A wave of out-of-state buyers and investors has made Las Vegas far less accessible. People who moved here to escape higher costs now face rising rents, bidding wars, and shrinking availability, especially for single-family homes. Tourism remains strong, but locals struggle with increased housing competition.
Boise, Idaho – $81,308
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Renters need $88,743, while homeowners must make $117,543, and mortgage payments hover near $3,009. Construction hasn’t kept pace with population growth, though. Boise’s charm and lower cost attracted remote workers during the pandemic, but the boom has made housing unaffordable for many longtime residents and young professionals.
Atlanta, Georgia – $81,938
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Job growth has brought prosperity, but not affordability. In many Atlanta neighborhoods, property values have doubled in the past decade. Renters are now forced into the suburbs, and buyers face fierce competition and escalating home prices that don’t match regional salaries. Transit options remain limited despite growth.
Stockton, California – $76,851
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Homebuyers need $117,041 annually, while renters require $102,180. Mortgage costs average $2,677 a month. Once considered a budget-friendly city in California’s Central Valley, Stockton is now facing the same pressures as the Bay Area without the economic safety net.
Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee – $75,197
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The influx of tech, healthcare, and entertainment companies has made Nashville a magnet. Unfortunately, housing construction hasn’t kept up. This has resulted in inflated home prices, limited rental inventory, and rising costs that make even dual-income households feel squeezed. The city’s rapid growth has strained infrastructure as well.
Mesa, Arizona – $78,779
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Owning a house in Mesa, you’d need $114,719 annually. Renters need $89,150. Mortgage bills sit around $2,704. This Phoenix suburb has become a go-to for homebuyers priced out elsewhere, but that demand has pushed the city to new highs in cost of living. New builds aren’t easing demand enough.
Colorado Springs, Colorado – $83,198
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Military families, remote workers, and retirees are all drawn to the Springs. But despite the diversity in demand, housing availability hasn’t caught up. Prices continue to rise, and local wages are falling behind the curve. Outdoor recreation keeps demand strong among newcomers despite increasing costs.
Madison, Wisconsin – $76,983
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Homeowners need $113,051 a year to live comfortably. Monthly mortgages average $2,727, and renters must make $84,995. Madison’s university and government sectors create steady demand, but the housing stock hasn’t grown at the same rate. Seasonal demand swings also influence pricing.
North Las Vegas, Nevada – $76,772
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Originally a lower-cost alternative to Vegas, North Las Vegas has seen its prices skyrocket over the years. Families moving from pricier metros have pushed up demand, and infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the city’s rapid growth.
Raleigh, North Carolina – $82,424
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To live comfortably in Raleigh, buyers must make $111,817 annually, renters need $87,242, and mortgage payments hover around $2,692. Formerly famed for affordability, Raleigh’s booming tech and healthcare sectors have brought new money but also rising prices.
Phoenix, Arizona – $77,041
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Phoenix’s housing market is hotter than its summer sun. A flood of newcomers, investor interest, and limited affordable housing have pushed prices out of reach. Many locals now face longer commutes or are priced out altogether. Water scarcity concerns have also begun affecting housing trends.
Virginia Beach, Virginia – $90,685
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Residents must earn $110,636 annually to own a home here. Renters need $96,478, while mortgage bills run around $2,517 per month. With heavy military demand and limited new construction, the housing market remains tight and expensive. Flood insurance costs also add pressure to affordability in coastal neighborhoods.
Chesapeake, Virginia – $94,189
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Chesapeake residents have been finding themselves caught in the regional price surge. The city’s traditionally modest real estate scene has shifted quickly, which has left both buyers and renters facing sticker shock and a dwindling inventory. Schools and quality of life keep demand steady despite rising prices.
Orlando, Florida – $69,268
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Homeowners require $109,396 a year, and renters need $98,885. Mortgage costs average $2,420. Orlando’s economy may be built on tourism, but local wages haven’t kept up with the housing market. High HOA fees are also standard.
Glendale, Arizona – $70,139
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Glendale has become a surprising hotspot. Located just west of Phoenix, this city has seen sharp home value increases driven by demand, limited land, and major sporting venues. Renters and buyers alike now struggle to keep up. The area’s schools and entertainment venues boost demand.
Tampa, Florida – $71,302
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Homebuyers need $107,297 annually, and renters require $104,234. Monthly rents have climbed to $2,213. Florida’s population boom, fueled by tax migration and lifestyle appeal, has driven housing prices beyond the reach of many working-class families in the Tampa Bay region. Flood zones also impact insurance rates.