Top 10 Overpriced Places In The U.S.

Sure, housing is expensive in these top 10 cities, but what's driving the cost of living in many of these places through the roof is a lack of job growth and competitive salaries.

2 minute read

July 15, 2006, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


Forbes Magazine recently released this list of the most overpriced places in America, and while there are some expected top-place finishers like New York, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles, the title of the "most overpriced place in America" goes to a seemingly unlikely source.

Much to blame for making these places so overpriced is a serious lack of job growth and an ever-increasing cost-of-living. However, salaries remain high in some of the list's top-ranked cities. But with even higher cost-of-living expenses, many in the middle- and lower-classes can't keep up.

"San Jose, San Francisco and New York are all repeat offenders, having landed on our list for four consecutive years. Because we've improved our methodology this year, it's difficult to make a direct comparison with prior lists."

"But we do know that the three metros rank poorly in everything except the average salary ranking, where they place first, second and third, respectively. Many would argue that such places offer tremendous lifestyle benefits -- among them, high culture and active nightlife. But such things are hard to afford -- much less enjoy -- when basic living costs are so high. While there is no dearth of wealth in those areas, ordinary folk may be squeezed."

Also, for those tired of hearing about places they can't afford to live, check out the picture slideshow, "150 Cheap Places to Live Rich."

Thursday, July 13, 2006 in Forbes Magazine via MSN

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Geese flock to a frozen pond in Aurora, Colorado. There are houses in the background.

Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing

The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.

September 17, 2026 - Capital & Main

The Hoover Dam blocking the Colorado River. The river's water level is noticeably low. The cliffs surrounding the blue water are brown and jagged.

US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico

A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.

September 11, 2026 - The Arizona Republic

A busy highway in Richmond, with construction and the city visible in the background.

'This is going to be painful:’ Virginia stares down $1.7 billion funding gap for highway maintenance

The state may address the deficit by shifting $290 million from its construction budget to maintenance projects.

45 minutes ago - The Virginia Mercury

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18 - Inside Climate News

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18 - Mass Transit