What it means
Housing looks at rent or local housing cost signals. It is one of the biggest reasons two cities with similar daily costs can feel very different.
How we calculate it
We start with rent and housing records where available, then compare them with local and regional housing signals so unusually low or high numbers do not stand alone.
Sources and freshness
HUD, Census, public rent records, local housing data, and vetted city records.
Source periods vary by place. City pages show dated source context for the applicable measure when it is available.
Limitations
Housing sources and coverage vary by place, and a citywide estimate may not reflect a specific neighborhood, home, or lease.