10 Large Cities Where $100K Will Get You the Least — 4 Are in California

A $100,000 salary in the U.S. varies significantly in purchasing power depending on the city. Research by SmartAsset highlights the 10 cities where this salary is least effective in 2025. The list includes Oakland, Washington, D.C., Boston, San Diego, Los Angeles, Queens, Brooklyn, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Manhattan, with Manhattan having the lowest value at $30,362. California cities dominate the list, reflecting the high cost of living in these areas.