Smart city initiatives have often focused on technological complexity and data-driven governance, yet their success in enhancing resident well-being remains limited. This paper argues for a paradigm shift towards inclusive and sustainable smart societies. Focusing on the role of technology and cost-of-living implications, the study critically examines how “smartness” may correlate with affordability and quality of life. Drawing on public perception data and existing literature, the findings highlight that higher smartness rankings are frequently associated with increased living costs, raising equity concerns. A human-centered, affordable approach to smart city development is proposed as essential for resilient inclusive smart places and societies.