Manhattan, the nation’s most costly place to live, became even more expensive in the past three months. The cost of living in the heart of New York City edged up slightly in the third quarter, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index, published quarterly by C2ER - The Council for Community and Economic Research.

The cost of living in Manhattan is about 125 percent higher than the national average, up from about 120 percent more expensive in the second quarter 2008. Just like before, the whole metro New York area rates expensive. Queens, another of NYC’s five boroughs, Nassau County on Long Island and nearby Stamford, CT all maintained their ranks in the top 10 most expensive urban areas.

San Francisco, Honolulu and San Jose, CA rank second, third and fourth on the list, respectively. But none has a cost of living close to Manhattan.

The quarterly survey evaluates the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living in 318 urban areas nationwide. The composite index is based on six components - housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services.

Looking for something less expensive? Put Douglas, GA; Joplin, MO; Clarksville TN; and Pryor Creek, OK on your list. The cost of living there is more than 15 percent lower than the national average.

Related story: Top 10 Most Expensive–and Least Expensive–Cities

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