If you're trying to get ahead financially, you're probably trying to lower your monthly expenses. That's why a homeowners association (HOA) might sound unappealing. These communities charge association fees for the amenities and services the HOA offers, ranging from yard maintenance to a community pool to occasional neighborhood events.
As you start looking through everything you gain from living there, you might reconsider — could an HOA actually be a savvy financial move?
Not if you live in one of these ten cities where the typical HOA costs exceed the nationwide average of $293.26.
In these metro areas, you'll face some of the highest HOA fees in the country.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Honolulu, Hawaii
/images/2025/03/13/diamond_head_lookout_waikiki.jpg)
There's a price to pay for living in paradise, particularly when paradise includes a major metropolitan area. The average HOA fee in Honolulu, a bustling urban center in Hawaii, is $730.75.
Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.
New York City, New York
/images/2025/03/13/statue_of_liberty_new_york.jpg)
Want to live in the Big Apple? Get ready for a tiny apartment, a galley kitchen, sending out your laundry, and paying skyscraper-high HOA fees.
The average HOA fee for a New York City building is $679.40.
Miami, Florida
/images/2025/03/13/downtown_miami_people_walking.jpg)
Head to sunny Miami, where retirees and beautiful people alike flock to retro condo buildings, sunny beaches, and trendy restaurants.
Here, you'll have all the benefits of a South Florida urban city mixed with culture and walkability — and you'll pay for it. The average HOA fee in this city charges $647.77.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
/images/2025/03/13/minneapolis_downtown_skyline_in_minnesota.jpg)
Was Minneapolis at the top of the list for cities you assumed would have a high HOA? Probably not. But at $636.48, they're right behind New York and Miami.
This surprising statistic is due to the city's extreme weather. The cold and snow causes significant wear and tear on buildings.
San Francisco, California
/images/2025/03/13/the_golden_gate_bridge.jpg)
San Francisco has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities when it comes to cost of living, so it could be expected their average HOA would also top the lists.
To move to the Golden Gate City, you could face an average HOA fee of $626.16.
Trending Stories
Detroit, Michigan
/images/2025/03/13/detroit_michigan.jpg)
If you move to Motor City, you might be surprised to find that, while the city is often thought of as affordable, HOAs in the urban areas can compete with HOAs in much more expensive major cities. The average HOA cost here is $536.57.
Chicago, Illinois
/images/2025/03/13/cloud_gate_chicago_bean.jpg)
Move to Chi-town, and you might get a fancy doorman building in a bustling downtown neighborhood where you can scoot out for a trendy dinner or an architectural tour.
But these beautiful and trendy buildings require upkeep, and unfortunately for Chicagians, that comes to the tune of $532.63 in HOA fees.
Hartford, Connecticut
/images/2025/03/13/hartford_connecticut_usa.jpg)
The capital of Connecticut is known for its history and diversity, as well as its high cost of living. If you want to live within an HOA community in the city, you could end up paying an average HOA fee of $523.08.
Los Angeles, California
/images/2025/03/13/los_angeles_skyline.jpg)
Hollywood is full of glitz and glamor, and that comes at a price.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is 50% higher than the national average, and you're going to pay a premium even for condos and homes that are less than luxury. The average HOA is $510.39.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.
Buffalo, New York
/images/2025/03/13/buffalo_ny.jpg)
Given that Buffalo's cost of living is actually 5% below the national average, it's surprising that their HOAs are anything but cheap.
But this Northern city likely suffers from the same issues as Minneapolis — winter weather causes expensive repairs and expensive removal.
Bottom line
/images/2025/03/13/single_family_homes_in_wenatchee_washington.jpg)
An HOA isn't necessarily a reason to get scared away from a property. It's always worth running the numbers because, in some cases, the HOA could make sense as a savvy money move for homeowners. That's particularly if you're trying to leave behind yard work, maintenance, and the other hassles of single-family homeownership.
A big decision, like buying a house or condo, can't be made based on one number, and it's always worth looking at the full picture, fees included.
But don't forget to check your HOA's rules, especially if you have plans to make cash on the side from home — running a business isn't always allowed in HOA communities.
Choice Home Warranty Benefits
- First month free
- Protection for unexpected expense
- 24/7 claims hotline
- Network of over 15,000 technicians
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.