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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 Europe Northern Europe Western Europe Eastern Europe Southern Europe
Rank
City
Population
Living Index
481
11,581
93
482
11,547
68
483
11,477
123
484
11,473
88
485
11,357
107
486
11,264
66
487
11,232
68
488
11,203
70
489
11,000
124
490
11,000
130
491
11,000
116
492
10,962
67
493
10,896
97
494
10,895
72
495
10,607
89
496
10,556
130
497
10,375
106
498
10,302
126
499
10,030
55
500
10,000
121
Page 17 of 17 • 500 entries total Page 1

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

Last update: February 24, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How is affordability determined in this ranking?
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.
Why does city size affect cost of living?
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.
Should I choose a smaller city to save money?
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.
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Cost of Living Index Most Popular Cities Affordable Cities by Size