North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in United States
The average cost of living in United States ranges from $1,502 per month in Columbia to $3,777 per month in New-York, with a median monthly basket of $2,032 for a single person. We track 75 cities in United States.
Prices in USD, refreshed regularly. Click any city for the full price breakdown.
On this page 3 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| United States at a glance | Headline numbers across 75 cities. |
| Cities in United States | Sort by cheapest, most expensive, A–Z, or cost index. |
| Frequently asked about United States | Common questions about prices, salaries, and relocating. |
Cities tracked
75
Median monthly · single
$2,032
Average cost index
49.6
NYC = 100
Most / least expensive
New-York /
Columbia
Browse cities
75 cities shown
About cost of living in United States
- How expensive is United States?
- United States has 75 cities tracked in our dataset. Costs vary considerably across the country: Columbia is among the most affordable, while New-York ranks among the most expensive.
- How much money do I need to live in United States?
- Budget anywhere from $1,502 per month in Columbia (the cheapest tracked city) to $3,777 per month in New-York (the most expensive). Pick the city that matches your work and lifestyle, then add 15–25% on top of the basket for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending.
- What is the cheapest city in United States?
- Columbia typically offers the lowest cost of living in United States, especially on rent and groceries. Salaries are usually lower too — compare both before relocating.
- Which city in United States has the best quality of life for expats?
- The best fit depends on your work and lifestyle. Capital cities offer the most amenities, English-speaking services, and international communities, while regional cities trade those for affordability and a slower pace.
- Is the cost-of-living data for United States up to date?
- Prices are normalized to USD and refreshed periodically. Currency fluctuations can shift dollar-denominated costs even when local prices are stable, so use the figures as a relative comparison rather than a precise quote.