Cost of Living by US City (2026)

Which US city has the lowest cost of living?

Among major US cities, Wichita has one of the lowest 1-bedroom rents at $900/month with a median home price of $180K. Other affordable options include Memphis, Cleveland, and Detroit — all with 1BR rent under $1,000/month.

Which US cities have no state income tax?

Austin, Nashville, Seattle, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Tampa, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Memphis, Fort Worth, Jacksonville, Reno, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Fort Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Spokane, Anchorage, Plano, Henderson, Cape Coral, El Paso, Sioux Falls, Pensacola — all have no state income tax. This can save a $90K earner $3,000–$7,000/year compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

What is the average cost of living in a US city?

Across the 49 cities we track, the average 1-bedroom rent is $1,450/month. Add typical utilities ($150–200/mo) and groceries ($350–450/mo per person) and a solo budget starts around $2,000–2,500/month before transportation. Cities range from under $900/mo to over $3,000/mo for a 1BR.

What is the most expensive US city to live in?

Among the cities we track, New York has the highest 1-bedroom rent at $3,200/month with a median home price of $750K. San Francisco and New York are the priciest for both rent and home prices.

Which US city has the best value for remote workers?

Remote workers get the best value in no-income-tax cities with below-average rent: Austin TX ($1,650/mo, 0% state tax), Nashville TN ($1,450/mo, 0%), Tampa FL ($1,500/mo, 0%), and Raleigh NC ($1,450/mo, 0%). Pair a coastal salary with Sun Belt rents and no state income tax and you can save $1,500–3,000/month more than living in NYC or SF.