If you are planning to move to another city in US, owing to job change, business, lifestyle or studying, it is a good reason to take note of the expensive cities, before you chalk out your plan.
Other reasons can be traveling, recreation, one-day trips, short vacation, moving temporarily (short project).
Interestingly, CA tops the list when it comes to expensive states in the US.
Expensive Cities are: New York City San Francisco Boston Washington DC
San Diego Miami
New York City Quick Facts: Most Expensive in US. Home Prices exceed US$ 1 million. High density of top industries resulting in high cost of living.
There is an acute demand-supply gap in housing and the Government has imposed a 'zoning tax' on housing resulting in high prices.
From groceries to dining out, child care to health care, Manhattan is almost 3 times costlier compared to the other US cities.
San Francisco, California Quick Facts: Most expensive residential living. Reason: Close to Silicon Valley, booming tech industry. Top city for entrepreneurs and venture capital.
San Francisco is also an expensive place to rent a storefront which leads to escalating restaurant costs.
It is also a city of contrasts. Labor is expensive, as there is extreme shortage.
On the other hand, there are large number of affluent people earning six figure salary resulting in higher prices.
Boston, Massachusetts Quick Facts: A renowned college city, home to top universities. It in turn drives the demand for apartments (students) making it costly.
It is also a major sports city and home to many major professional leagues. It is also a hub of biotechnology and innovation.
Boston is an expensive city to live as it is the gateway to financial and industrial hotpots along with it being a tourism city.
On the Global Financial Index, Boston ranks the most competitive in the world (13th) and second most in the US. Boston is also an important center for Venture Capital firms.
Washington DC Quick facts: The capital of US, the city is defined by imposing neoclassical monuments and buildings. People here are handsomely paid.
There are numerous federal agencies, think tanks, important lobby firms and a strong tourism sector.
Due to this, there are various private and government sector jobs abound in the city, raising the standard of living.
All these factors contribute to the high-cost. Government also has commendable but expensive regulations such as green building standards.
San Diego, California Quick Facts: The southernmost city of California, it is a top metro area and a popular tourist destination owing to its sunny weather.
San Diego has a robust defense department presence, several important military contracting firms, and Science Application Intl. Corporation (HQ), making it a pricey place to live.
The Beaches are located in the heart of the city, it drives the demand for homes, and in turn makes way for high-end eateries, luxury yacht clubs and other forms of 'expensive' entertainment'.
Miami, Florida Top Facts: A mesmerizing beach place, it is the only southern city in US to rank as expensive. It has a top reputation as an international city.
Miami attracts all kinds of people, tourists, natives from other cities, wealthy businessmen, and also retirees from other parts of the country.
This is the reason for the rising residential cost. Adding to that, the warm weather, lifestyle and an active nightlife leads to a high cost of living.
It is also one of the most busiest cruise ship port in the world, giving it an expensive price tag!
Oakland, CA (across the Bay) San Jose, CA (capital of Silicon Valley) Honolulu, Hawaii (location) Los Angeles,CA (high demand to live) Seattle (concentration of Tech companies)