The Consumer Sentiment Index in the United States stood at 51 in November 2025. This reflected a drop of 2.6 point from the previous survey. Furthermore, this was its lowest level measured since June 2022. The index is normalized to a value of 100 in December 1964 and based on a monthly survey of consumers, conducted in the continental United States. It consists of about 50 core questions which cover consumers' assessments of their personal financial situation, their buying attitudes and overall economic conditions.

Cost of living index for 578 cities - 2022

• Rank
• City
• Cost of living index
• Rent index
• Cost of living index plus rent index
• Groceries index
• Restaurant price index
• Local purchasing power index

Of the most populous cities in the U.S., San Jose, California had the highest annual income requirement at ******* U.S. dollars annually for homeowners to have an affordable and comfortable life in 2024. This can be compared to Houston, Texas, where homeowners needed an annual income of ****** U.S. dollars in 2024.

We adjust SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each Federal fiscal year. The changes are based on changes in the cost of living. COLAs take effect on October 1 each year. Maximum allotments are calculated from the cost of a market basket based on the Thrifty Food Plan for a family of four, priced in June that year. The maximum allotments for households larger and smaller than four persons are determined using formulas that account for economies of scale. Smaller households get slightly more per person than the four-person household. Larger households get slightly less. Income eligibility standards are set by law. Gross monthly income limits are set at 130 percent of the poverty level for the household size. Net monthly income limits are set at 100 percent of poverty.

Living Cost: Labour Force: Average per Month: NW: City of St Petersburg data was reported at 13,074.000 RUB in Dec 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,826.000 RUB for Sep 2020. Living Cost: Labour Force: Average per Month: NW: City of St Petersburg data is updated quarterly, averaging 6,800.000 RUB from Mar 2002 (Median) to Dec 2020, with 76 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,074.000 RUB in Dec 2020 and a record low of 2,403.000 RUB in Mar 2002. Living Cost: Labour Force: Average per Month: NW: City of St Petersburg data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HF002: Living Cost: Labour Force.

Cost of living data based on food, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and consumer discretionary spending in the United States.

Graph and download economic data for Estimated Mean Real Household Wages Adjusted by Cost of Living for St. Louis city, MO (MWACL29510) from 2009 to 2023 about St. Louis City, MO; St. Louis; adjusted; MO; average; wages; real; and USA.

South Korea's capital Seoul had the highest cost of living among megacities in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024, with an index score of ****. Japan's capital Tokyo followed with a cost of living index score of ****. AffordabilityIn terms of housing affordability, Chinese megacity Shanghai had the highest rent index score in 2024. Affordability has become an issue in certain megacities across the Asia-Pacific region, with accommodation proving expensive. Next to Shanghai, Japanese capital Tokyo and South Korean capital Seoul boast some of the highest rent indices in the region. Increased opportunities in megacitiesAs the biggest region in the world, it is not surprising that the Asia-Pacific region is home to 28 megacities as of January 2024, with expectations that this number will dramatically increase by 2030. The growing number of megacities in the Asia-Pacific region can be attributed to raised levels of employment and living conditions. Cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing have become economic and industrial hubs. Subsequently, these cities have forged a reputation as being the in-trend places to live among the younger generations. This reputation has also pushed them to become enticing to tourists, with Tokyo displaying increased numbers of tourists throughout recent years, which in turn has created more job opportunities for inhabitants. As well as Tokyo, Shanghai has benefitted from the increased tourism, and has demonstrated an increasing population. A big factor in this population increase could be due to the migration of citizens to the city, seeking better employment possibilities.

Living Cost: Average per Month: CF: City of Moscow data was reported at 17,740.000 RUB in Dec 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 18,029.000 RUB for Sep 2020. Living Cost: Average per Month: CF: City of Moscow data is updated quarterly, averaging 9,158.000 RUB from Sep 2001 (Median) to Dec 2020, with 78 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18,029.000 RUB in Sep 2020 and a record low of 2,295.000 RUB in Sep 2001. Living Cost: Average per Month: CF: City of Moscow data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HF001: Living Cost.

Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost: % of Total: NW: City of St Petersburg data was reported at 3.500 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.400 % for 2023. Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost: % of Total: NW: City of St Petersburg data is updated yearly, averaging 9.250 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2024, with 30 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 33.100 % in 1999 and a record low of 3.500 % in 2024. Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost: % of Total: NW: City of St Petersburg data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Demographic and Labour Market – Table RU.GA015: Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost.

Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, ranked as the most expensive city to live in Africa as of 2024, considering consumer goods prices. The Ethiopian capital obtained an index score of ****, followed by Harare, in Zimbabwe, with ****. Morocco and South Africa were the countries with the most representatives among the ** cities with the highest cost of living in Africa.

In 2024, Singapore's cost of living index was at ****, compared to that of New York City as a base of 100. This meant that Singapore was about ** percent more affordable than New York City. With a local purchasing power index of ***, residents with an average salary in Singapore are able to afford more goods and services compared to the base city of New York City. In that year, Singapore had the highest cost of living index in Asia.

Living Cost: Pensioners: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data was reported at 9,360.000 RUB in Dec 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 9,346.000 RUB for Sep 2020. Living Cost: Pensioners: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data is updated quarterly, averaging 8,253.000 RUB from Sep 2014 (Median) to Dec 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9,514.000 RUB in Jun 2019 and a record low of 4,841.000 RUB in Sep 2014. Living Cost: Pensioners: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HF003: Living Cost: Pensioner.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost: % of Total: CF: City of Moscow data was reported at 4.100 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.500 % for 2023. Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost: % of Total: CF: City of Moscow data is updated yearly, averaging 10.150 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2024, with 30 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.600 % in 2000 and a record low of 4.100 % in 2024. Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost: % of Total: CF: City of Moscow data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Demographic and Labour Market – Table RU.GA015: Population with Income per Capita below Living Cost.

Geneva stands out as Europe's most expensive city for apartment purchases in early 2025, with prices reaching a staggering 15,720 euros per square meter. This Swiss city's real estate market dwarfs even high-cost locations like Zurich and London, highlighting the extreme disparities in housing affordability across the continent. The stark contrast between Geneva and more affordable cities like Nantes, France, where the price was 3,700 euros per square meter, underscores the complex factors influencing urban property markets in Europe. Rental market dynamics and affordability challenges While purchase prices vary widely, rental markets across Europe also show significant differences. London maintained its position as the continent's priciest city for apartment rentals in 2023, with the average monthly costs for a rental apartment amounting to 36.1 euros per square meter. This figure is double the rent in Lisbon, Portugal or Madrid, Spain, and substantially higher than in other major capitals like Paris and Berlin. The disparity in rental costs reflects broader economic trends, housing policies, and the intricate balance of supply and demand in urban centers. Economic factors influencing housing costs The European housing market is influenced by various economic factors, including inflation and energy costs. As of April 2025, the European Union's inflation rate stood at 2.4 percent, with significant variations among member states. Romania experienced the highest inflation at 4.9 percent, while France and Cyprus maintained lower rates. These economic pressures, coupled with rising energy costs, contribute to the overall cost of living and housing affordability across Europe. The volatility in electricity prices, particularly in countries like Italy where rates are projected to reach 153.83 euros per megawatt hour by February 2025, further impacts housing-related expenses for both homeowners and renters.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location

Living Cost: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data was reported at 11,396.000 RUB in Dec 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11,494.000 RUB for Sep 2020. Living Cost: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data is updated quarterly, averaging 10,052.000 RUB from Sep 2014 (Median) to Dec 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,538.000 RUB in Jun 2019 and a record low of 5,728.000 RUB in Sep 2014. Living Cost: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HF001: Living Cost.

Living Cost: Pensioners: Average per Month: CR: City of Sevastopol data was reported at 13,555.000 RUB in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,486.000 RUB for 2023. Living Cost: Pensioners: Average per Month: CR: City of Sevastopol data is updated yearly, averaging 12,228.000 RUB from Dec 2021 (Median) to 2024, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,555.000 RUB in 2024 and a record low of 9,862.000 RUB in 2021. Living Cost: Pensioners: Average per Month: CR: City of Sevastopol data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HF003: Living Cost: Pensioner.

Living Cost: Children: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data was reported at 12,113.000 RUB in Dec 2020. This records a decrease from the previous number of 12,551.000 RUB for Sep 2020. Living Cost: Children: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data is updated quarterly, averaging 10,631.500 RUB from Sep 2014 (Median) to Dec 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12,551.000 RUB in Sep 2020 and a record low of 6,034.000 RUB in Sep 2014. Living Cost: Children: Average per Month: SF: City of Sevastopol data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table RU.HF004: Living Cost: Children.