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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
91
130,800
118
92
129,572
126
93
124,011
86
94
123,160
115
95
121,700
108
96
120,700
98
97
120,000
157
98
120,000
107
99
119,000
118
100
117,488
137
101
117,262
116
102
117,213
118
103
115,682
91
104
115,300
107
105
114,300
106
106
114,194
114
107
113,777
166
108
113,137
126
109
112,448
139
110
111,973
118
111
111,266
126
112
111,261
108
113
110,877
87
114
110,718
104
115
109,328
66
116
107,355
126
117
105,000
105
118
105,000
130
119
104,625
109
120
103,800
114
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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