8. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is one of the costliest places to live in the country. Overall living expenses sit roughly 47% above the U.S. average.
Housing is the biggest financial hurdle, with prices sitting 140% above the national average. Both rentals and home purchases are significantly more expensive here than in most cities.
National rankings place D.C. in the top five most expensive U.S. metros, and internationally, it remains one of the priciest cities worldwide.
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Beyond housing, residents pay more for groceries, transportation, healthcare, and general services — all contributing to a steep everyday cost of living.
