12. San Diego, California
the cost of living: 41.4% higher than US average
Several California cities are on this list, and San Diego ranks first. While the West Coast’s sunny weather and gorgeous beaches make the city a hugely popular choice, it also comes with a slew of extra expenses. The media house cost over $650,000, which would have cost a large portion of the working class.
On the other hand, San Diego’s biggest employers are the US Navy, tech giant Qualcomm, and the University of California. So obviously there are some high-paying jobs out there to help you support the expensive cost of living. Overall, though, there’s a reason many of California’s cities are included on this list. It has a highly desirable climate and is close to major US industries such as the entertainment and technology sectors. Oh, and it has one of the highest tax rates out of all 50 states.
11. Bethesda, Maryland
the cost of living: 45.5% higher than US average
Remember everything we wrote about Alexandria? Well, most of the same factors apply to Bethesda, Maryland as well. Located a short distance from the US capital, the city is home to many well-paid government employees. In addition to federal jobs, Bethesda is also home to the National Institutes of Health and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In short, there are plenty of jobs for well-educated doctors, lawyers, medical scientists, and policy makers.
Like most other cities on this list, the cost of housing is what really drives up the cost of living in Bethesda. You’ll pay an average of 133% more to own a home or rent there. With one major exception, other expenses are also higher than the national average. Citizens actually pay 13% less than the national average when it comes to health care costs, due to the excess supply of medical professionals in the area.
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