New York City is the most expensive city for prescription medications, according to an analysis GoodRx published July 6.
For the report, GoodRx analyzed a nationally representative sample of prescription drug claims from various data sources, including pharmacies and insurers. The GoodRx research team focused on the 500 most commonly prescribed drugs in 30 of the most populated U.S. cities for the last 12 months ending in April 2018.
The analysis revealed significant drug cost discrepancies, even among cities in the same geographic region. For example, drug prices in Cleveland were 2.50 percent above the national average, compared to Columbus, Ohio — just 150 miles away — where drug prices were 21.70 percent lower than the national average.
The discrepancies may be due to cost of living differences, along with an uneven distribution of big-box stores, which offer discounts on many brand-name and generic medications, according to GoodRx.
"These probably aren't the only factors at play, but one thing is for sure: drug pricing is complex," Tori Marsh, a member of GoodRx's research team, concluded.
10 most expensive cities for medications
1. New York City — 20.10 percent above national average
2. San Francisco — 12.60 percent
3. Los Angeles — 9.80 percent
4. Philadelphia — 7.90 percent
5. San Diego — 6.40 percent
6. Raleigh, N.C. — 4.30 percent
7. Birmingham, Ala. — 3.90 percent
8. Orlando — 2.80 percent
9. Cleveland — 2.50 percent
10. Sacramento, Calif. — 2.20 percent
10 least expensive cities for medications
1. Columbus, Ohio — 21.70 percent below national average
2. Atlanta — 18.60 percent
3. Houston — 17.40 percent
4. Dallas — 16.90 percent
5. Denver — 16.30 percent
6. Salt Lake City — 11.00 percent
7. Indianapolis — 10.60 percent
8. Washington, D.C. — 10.60 percent
9. Las Vegas — 9.40 percent
10. Tampa, Fla. — 7.30 percent
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