13. Miami, Florida
Miami continues to rise on national expense rankings, recently landing as the fourth most expensive city in the country. With a median home price around $490,162 and an average local salary just under $55,000, affordability remains a widespread concern for longtime residents and newcomers alike.
The surrounding Miami metro area includes some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the nation. Star Island, one of Miami’s most exclusive enclaves, boasts average home prices exceeding $25 million, attracting international buyers, celebrities, and corporate leaders seeking waterfront luxury.
Beyond the city center, several upscale villages and suburbs across Miami-Dade County regularly appear on national lists of high-priced communities, offering lavish amenities and quiet residential settings far removed from Miami’s bustling nightlife.
Rising rental prices are also reshaping the city. The average rent now hovers around $2,930 per month, placing significant financial pressure on renters from all income levels.
Still, Miami’s sunshine, beaches, global culture, and booming nightlife continue drawing young professionals and affluent transplants. High demand — paired with limited land — keeps pushing housing costs upward, reinforcing Miami’s status as one of America’s luxury-priced metros.
