New York City ranks among the nation’s most stressful places to live and work, driven largely by high workplace pressure and the country’s least affordable housing market, according to a new WalletHub study.
As employers nationwide lose an estimated $250 billion annually because of financial stress, WalletHub analyzed 182 U.S. cities to see where residents experience the highest and lowest levels of stress.
The study compared cities across four categories — work, financial, family, and health and safety stress — using 39 metrics, including average work hours, job security, housing affordability, poverty rates, commute times and access to health care.
“Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends or employers. However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said.
How New York cities ranked
New York City ranked No. 41 overall among the nation’s most stressed cities, earning a score of 48.34.
Although it did not rank among the 10 most stressed cities overall, it stood out in two categories:
The city performed considerably better in the health and safety category, ranking 123rd, indicating lower stress levels in that area compared with many other cities.
Among other New York cities:
The report also noted that New York City’s housing market remains especially challenging. WalletHub found housing in New York City is roughly 17 times less affordable than in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which ranked No. 1 for housing affordability.
Meanwhile, Ontario, California, ranked as the nation’s least work-stressed city, even though it placed 118th overall because of higher stress in other categories.
Most and least stressed cities
The nation’s 10 most stressed cities are:
The 10 least stressed cities are:
WalletHub found that many of the nation’s most stressed cities are concentrated in the Midwest and South, while Western cities generally reported lower stress levels.
How WalletHub calculated the rankings
WalletHub compared 182 cities across four categories:
The rankings were based on 39 metrics, including work hours, unemployment, income growth, housing affordability, poverty, child care costs, mental and physical health, crime and commute times. Cities received scores on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating higher overall stress.
The data were compiled June 8, 2026, from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, INRIX and Chmura Economics & Analytics.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New York City ranks among America’s most stressful cities
Reporting by Beyonce Thomas-Reynoso, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Beyonce Thomas-Reynoso, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
