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.

Region Worldwide Europe Northern Europe Western Europe Eastern Europe Southern Europe
Rank
City
Population
Living Index
91
130,800
115
92
129,572
123
93
124,011
85
94
123,160
115
95
121,700
112
96
120,700
96
97
120,000
110
98
120,000
144
99
119,000
111
100
117,488
133
101
117,262
110
102
117,213
123
103
115,682
81
104
115,300
112
105
114,300
101
106
114,194
103
107
113,777
147
108
113,137
119
109
112,448
139
110
111,973
137
111
111,266
119
112
111,261
111
113
110,877
88
114
110,718
95
115
109,328
57
116
107,355
118
117
105,000
98
118
105,000
116
119
104,625
124
120
103,800
96
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CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: August 25, 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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