Most and Least Affordable Cities by City Size

Explore how affordability varies by city size around the world. This ranking compares the most and least affordable cities within small, mid-sized, and large population categories, helping you understand how urban scale impacts cost of living. Use the interactive table and map to filter cities by size group and compare Cost of Living Index values. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly small city or evaluating affordability in major global hubs, this page provides a clear, data-driven comparison.

Lowest

Highest

Region Worldwide Asia Central Asia Eastern Asia Southern Asia South-Eastern Asia Western Asia

Rank	City	Population	Living Index
241	Zaqatala, Azerbaijan	21,800	18
242	Aradippou, Cyprus	20,000	87
243	Dilijan, Armenia	20,000	60
244	Izki, Oman	20,000	40
245	Aglantzia, Cyprus	20,000	91
246	Qusar, Azerbaijan	18,600	37
247	Adam, Oman	18,515	40
248	Ucar, Azerbaijan	18,300	30
249	Beit Shean, Israel	17,587	110
250	Kobuleti, Georgia	17,435	44
251	Paralimni, Cyprus	15,000	87
252	Al Hidd, Bahrain	12,797	89
253	Side, Turkey	12,500	54
254	Dukhan, Qatar	12,000	84
255	Borjomi, Georgia	11,194	45
256	Ypsonas, Cyprus	10,916	91
257	Dali, Cyprus	10,000	87
258	Tkibuli, Georgia	9,000	29
259	Gurjaani, Georgia	8,000	50
260	Khor, Qatar	7,000	42
261	Tseri, Cyprus	7,000	88
262	Sanad, Bahrain	7,000	64
263	Mitzpe Ramon, Israel	5,200	118
264	Athienou, Cyprus	5,000	87
265	Abasha, Georgia	4,900	33
266	Shuwaikh, Kuwait	3,000	69
267	Ayia Napa, Cyprus	3,000	89
268	Oni, Georgia	2,600	33
269	Bakuriani, Georgia	1,800	30
270	Adigeni, Georgia	1,000	29

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: February 24, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordability is based on the Cost of Living Index, which compares average expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and services. Cities are grouped by population size to allow fair comparisons within similar urban categories.

Larger cities often have higher housing demand, stronger job markets, and greater infrastructure costs, which can increase living expenses. Smaller cities may offer lower housing and daily costs but sometimes fewer economic opportunities.

Not always. While small cities are often more affordable, factors like salary levels, job availability, quality of life, and services should also be considered. This ranking helps you compare affordability within each city size category.