11 Most Expensive Cities Gen Z Should Think Twice About Living In

11 Cities Gen Z Should Avoid Living In (Unless You're Secretly a Billionaire)

Let me just say it: living in a cool city doesn't automatically equal living a good life. I’ve bounced between budget hostels and overpriced shoebox apartments across 40+ countries, and I can confidently tell you, some cities just aren’t it for Gen Z trying to survive, let alone thrive.

Sure, they’re iconic. Sure, they’re buzzing with energy. But unless you’ve got rich parents or a six-figure remote job (in which case, go off), the day-to-day in these places can straight-up wreck your mental health and your savings. I’ve met too many digital nomads, freelancers, and fresh grads who moved to these “dream cities” only to leave with debt, burnout, and existential dread.

So here’s my lovingly chaotic list of the 11 most expensive cities Gen Z should probably avoid, unless you like eating instant noodles in a closet-sized apartment. IYKYK.

1. New York City, USA

Ah, the Big Apple. It’ll chew you up, spit you out, and charge you $3,000 a month for the privilege.

• Why It’s a Nope: Median rent in Manhattan is over $4,000. Want to grab brunch? That’s $25+ with tip. Subway’s chaotic, and don’t even think about owning a car.
• Personal Chaos: I once paid $1,200 for a shared room with a curtain in Brooklyn. My roommate had a pet iguana. It smelled like regret.

2. London, UK

Tea, theatre, and terrifying rent.

• Why It’s a Nope: Rent is sky-high, groceries are overpriced, and public transport drains your soul and your bank account.
• Travel Hack Fail: Thought I could save by living in Zone 4? Joke’s on me. I spent more on trains than I would’ve just living central.

3. San Francisco, USA

The tech mecca where the dream is free, but the Wi-Fi isn’t.

• Why It’s a Nope: Average one-bedroom rent? Over $3,200. Coffee shop jobs don’t cut it here unless you’re side-hustling as a crypto bro.
• TMI Moment: My friend lived in a literal closet. It was listed as a “micro-studio.” Capitalism really said innovation.

4. Zurich, Switzerland

Stunning lakes. Precision watches. Bank-draining costs.

• Why It’s a Nope: Even a fast-food meal can cost $20+. Want an apartment? Prepare to spend over $2,500 monthly for a small one.
• Culture Shock: I tried to live frugally here for 2 months. Left with three postcards and a broken spirit.

5. Tokyo, Japan

We love you, Tokyo, but your hidden costs sneak up fast.

• Why It’s a Nope: Rent can seem affordable, but utilities, transit, and even “cheap” restaurants add up quick. Tiny apartments are normal.
• Backpack Fail: I stayed in a capsule hotel to save money and somehow spent $800 in a week, mostly on kombini snacks and train transfers.

6. Paris, France

Romantic, yes. Affordable for Gen Z? Not even a little.

• Why It’s a Nope: Rents are brutal, and eating out is expensive unless you survive on baguettes. Also, bureaucracy is an Olympic sport.
• Croissant Crisis: I once blew an entire week’s budget trying to “live like a local.” Two glasses of wine and a charcuterie board = chaos.

7. Hong Kong

High-rise dreams come with nosebleed-level rent.

• Why It’s a Nope: You’ll pay $2,000+ for a studio the size of a dorm room. Eating out is pricey, and groceries? Imported means expensive.
• Real Talk: I shared a bunk bed with a stranger who worked night shifts. We never met. Peak dystopia.

8. Oslo, Norway

Norway’s stunning, but your wallet won't survive it.

• Why It’s a Nope: Beer is $10+, and rent is among Europe’s highest. Everything from transportation to toothpaste is taxed.
• Travel L: Thought I'd save money cooking. One grocery run cost me $87. I cried in the cheese aisle.

9. Singapore

Futuristic city, futuristic prices.

• Why It’s a Nope: While safe and clean, it’s also one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in. Rent, utilities, and food stack fast.
• Digital Nomad Regret: My co-working space cost more than my entire Vietnam trip. And I couldn’t even bring snacks inside.

10. Sydney, Australia

Beaches, brunches, and budgets getting obliterated.

• Why It’s a Nope: Rent is wild, public transport isn’t cheap, and café culture will ruin you financially and emotionally.
• Relatable Moment: I worked two jobs to stay afloat and still had to split rent with three roommates and one curious possum.

11. Los Angeles, USA

Hollywood dreams. Budget nightmares.

• Why It’s a Nope: LA rent is ridiculous. A basic studio in a semi-decent neighborhood can cost over $2,500 a month. Gas is always sky-high, traffic eats your soul, and everyone’s trying to be an influencer. The hustle is real, and so is the burnout.
• Been There, Hated That: I once spent two hours commuting four miles and paid $15 for a smoothie that tasted like grass and guilt. LA is for those already rich or extremely patient.

Cities With the Same Vibe (But Cheaper)

If you're chasing a certain energy, try the bootleg-but-still-vibey versions of these cities:

• Instead of NYC? Try Philadelphia or Montreal
• Instead of London? Look into Manchester or Lisbon
• Instead of Tokyo? Base yourself in Osaka or Seoul
• Instead of Paris? Go for Lyon or Budapest
• Instead of SF? Try Portland or Austin
• Instead of LA? Check out San Diego or Tulum (minus the hype, still sunny)
• ‍

Trust me. Life's too short to spend it stressed out about rent. You can still chase your dreams without living paycheck to paycheck in a glorified shoebox.

Final Thoughts from a Traveler Who’s Slept on Airport Floors

Gen Z, I know the aesthetic of living in these cities is strong. There’s a reason TikTok glamorizes them. But the truth? Burnout hits hard when you're constantly broke. I’ve met too many people who gave up their creative goals just trying to survive in places that didn’t care.

Choose places that hype you up, not grind you down. There’s freedom in living somewhere you can actually afford.

Stay wild, stay smart, and maybe skip that $16 oat milk latte.

Stay connected with more honest travel truths and Gen Z survival hacks at Woke Waves Magazine.

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