13. Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is Alaska’s most populous city with just over 301,000 residents. That’s 40% of the state’s population. The median income of a family in Anchorage is $85,829 but the cost of living is 28.4% higher than the national average. The median value of a home in the Alaskan city is $299,000 and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,049 per month. Not surprisingly, groceries cost 34.4% more in Anchorage due to the expense of shipping everything up north. On a positive note, Anchorage has been named the most “tax-friendly city” in the US.
12. San Diego, CA
San Diego is the second largest city in California with a population of about 1.3 million. It is located approximately 120 miles south of Los Angeles and sprawls towards the Mexican border. The cost of living in San Diego is 32.3% above the national average. The median price of homes in the city is $519,500 and the average household income is $63,990. However, groceries cost only 5% more than the national average and the sunshine is free.
