Are you a recent graduate trying to figure out where you should live after college? Finding the best city to live in postgrad means considering your budget, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. To help narrow your search, here’s a list of the 12 best cities for new grads in 2026—based on factors like job opportunities, cost of living, and things to do!
Atlanta, GA
- Population: 497,642
- Cost of Living: 4% below the national average
- Home Price: $430,619 average purchase price; $1,458 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $64,179
- Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
- Median Age: 33
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 48%
Atlanta certainly makes the list of the best places to live after college. As the capital of Georgia—one of the most affordable states to live in—Atlanta offers budget-friendly living for recent grads. Plus, the city’s median household income is more than 15% higher than the national average, which helps keep more money in your pocket. As an emerging tech hub, Atlanta has earned the title of “Silicon Valley of the South,” attracting engineers, investors, and employers to the area—and new grads will appreciate access to the Atlanta Tech Village, a startup hub where you can work alongside fellow entrepreneurs, find jobs, attend events, and more. Other major industries include aerospace, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Atlanta is also home to several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, including The Home Depot, The Coca-Cola Company, and Floor & Decor. After you clock out from a long work day, there are plenty of fun things to do in Atlanta for young adults! Visit fantastic attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and world-class art museums like the High Museum of Art. Go out for a night of dancing and drinks at Utopia Lounge ATL. Or make your way to the SkyLounge, a rooftop bar in Downtown Atlanta!
Austin, TX
- Population: 965,872
- Cost of Living: 3% below the national average
- Home Price: $501,645 average purchase price; $1,829 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $75,752
- Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
- Median Age: 34
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 48%
Not only is Austin, TX one of the best cities for education, it’s also a great place to consider when looking for the best places to move after college! Austin frequently ranks among the best cities for jobs thanks to its strong presence in technology, aerospace, digital media, and more. Companies like Dell Technologies, Oracle, and Whole Foods Market have chosen the capital of Texas as their headquarters, with other large employers in Austin including Apple, Amazon, and Samsung. In addition to overall living expenses that are 3% below the national average and no state income tax, Austin boasts some of the highest entry-level wage growth in the country—which means additional money in your wallet. Austin residents enjoy a great quality of life, too—time off the clock in the “Live Music Capital of the World” can be spent at major musical events like South by Southwest (SXSW) or Austin City Limits, cooling off at Barton Springs Pool, relaxing at Zilker Metropolitan Park, or perusing the Blanton Museum of Art.
Boston, MA
- Population: 689,326
- Cost of Living: 46% above the national average
- Home Price: $1,041,312 average purchase price; $4,011 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $76,298
- Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
- Median Age: 32
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 46%
With its concentration of global employers and world-renowned institutions, it’s no wonder why Boston makes the list of the best cities for recent grads. While the high cost of living in Boston might seem a bit intimidating, there are still plenty of safe, affordable neighborhoods with housing prices that won’t break the bank. Living costs are also balanced by Boston’s median household income of $76,298, which is approximately $20,000 more than the national average. Plus, with organizations like Boston Business Women and Boston Young Black Professionals providing support and resources—as well as dozens of networking opportunities put on by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce each year—Boston is a great place to launch your career. Industries like finance, technology, and tourism fuel the local job market, supported by major employers like General Electric, LEGO Group, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and Fidelity Investments. As one of the best places to live on the East Coast and best U.S. cities for singles, there are also plenty of entertainment options geared toward younger adults. And outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Boston is among the top cities for outdoor recreation, thanks to popular green spaces like the Boston Public Garden, the 114-acre Spectacle Island, and more!
Chicago, IL
- Population: 2,699,347
- Cost of Living: 16% above the national average
- Home Price: $588,157 average purchase price; $3,230 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,097
- Unemployment Rate: 5.4%
- Median Age: 35
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 37%
If you’re searching for big-city opportunities without coastal housing prices, Chicago should be on your radar as one of the best postgrad cities. Transportation, manufacturing, life sciences, and finance drive the local job market, with employers like Conagra Brands, CNA Financial, and Groupon headquartered in the Windy City. While Chicago’s cost of living is above the national average, home prices and rent remain more attainable than in other major cities like New York or San Francisco. The median household income in Chicago is also higher than average, and residents can save when it comes to the cost of utilities, as well. Areas like The Loop and River North are considered some of the best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals. After work, you can enjoy views of Lake Michigan, explore the Navy Pier, or attend fun events like the annual Lollapalooza festival. Plus, as a hub for nightlife, there are all kinds of ways to have fun after sunset—from drinks and dancing at ROOF on theWit to comedy shows at The Second City!
Madison, WI
- Population: 258,366
- Cost of Living: 4% above the national average
- Home Price: $638,960 average purchase price; $1,291 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $67,565
- Unemployment Rate: 2.0%
- Median Age: 31
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 56%
Madison is not only one of the best college towns in the U.S., it’s also one of the best cities to move to as a postgraduate. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, this Wisconsin city provides strong job opportunities, placing it among the top Midwest cities. When you move to Madison, you can benefit from the city’s high median household income—and settling down in one of the Madison’s many affordable neighborhoods with lower-than-average rent prices allows you to retain more of that income. Top industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and government fuel the local economy, with major employers headquartered in Madison including American Family Insurance, Dean Health System, and TruStage. When it’s time to unwind, gather with friends to enjoy scenic views along Lake Mendota, visit the Henry Vilas Zoo, or browse local vendors at the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square in Downtown Madison.
Omaha, NE
- Population: 479,529
- Cost of Living: 10% below the national average
- Home Price: $383,664 average purchase price; $1,578 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $62,213
- Unemployment Rate: 3.1%
- Median Age: 35
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 35%
For those with affordability as a top priority, Omaha is one of the best places to move after college. Sitting among the most affordable places to live in the U.S., Omaha offers a cost of living 10% below the U.S. average and a median household income that’s 12% above average, helping recent grads stretch their paychecks further. Part of the Silicon Prairie, Omaha’s growing economy is supported by key industries like technology, healthcare, financial services, transportation, and agriculture. You’ll find a variety of large employers headquartered here, including Mutual of Omaha, Oriental Trading Company, Union Pacific Railroad, and HDR. Additionally, Omaha is a great place to live for those seeking remote work opportunities. For after-work fun, check out the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, explore Lauritzen Gardens, or stroll through the historic Old Market—where you can find boutiques, nightlife, and local cuisine!
Raleigh, NC
- Population: 469,698
- Cost of Living: 5% below the national average
- Home Price: $453,944 average purchase price; $1,492 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $69,720
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
- Median Age: 34
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 49%
Wondering where to live postgrad? Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Raleigh offers booming job opportunities and Southern charm, making it one of the top cities in the South. Raleigh’s lower-than-average cost of living and strong job growth provide a solid environment for recent grads looking to kickstart their careers—and with a median household income more than 25% higher than the national average, residents are well-positioned to live comfortably here. The city’s major industries include technology, financial services, automotive, and manufacturing, with large companies like Advance Auto Parts and Martin Marietta Materials being headquartered in the City of Oaks. On the weekends, you can explore the North Carolina Museum of Art, make your way to the Watts & Ward speakeasy, or grab drinks at Boxcar Bar + Arcade.
Salt Lake City, UT
- Population: 200,133
- Cost of Living: 5% above the national average
- Home Price: $676,022 average purchase price; $1,769 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $63,156
- Unemployment Rate: 2.7%
- Median Age: 33
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 44%
A standout mid-size city, Salt Lake City is among the best places to move postgrad. Unemployment rates are low, the median household income is high, and residents will find opportunities to save on everyday costs like utilities and healthcare. Located in a great state for jobs, SLC provides an entry point for new graduates who are interested in top industries like healthcare, finance, life sciences, and manufacturing—with O.C. Tanner and Intermountain Healthcare among the best employers in Salt Lake City. After work, you can explore the Natural History Museum of Utah, visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo, or relax at the Red Butte Garden & Arboretum. And Grid City is considered one of the best places to live near the mountains, meaning locals also have access to lots of skiing spots, trails for hiking or mountain biking, and much more!
San Francisco, CA
- Population: 874,784
- Cost of Living: 65% above the national average
- Home Price: $1,381,625 average purchase price; $3,752 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $119,136
- Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
- Median Age: 38
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 55%
Among the best cities to live on the West Coast, San Francisco is rich with opportunity, so it’s easy to see why it’s also one of the best cities to live in postgrad. SF is a top startup city in the U.S. and home to global companies like Salesforce, Uber, Airbnb, and Wells Fargo. Though the City by the Bay has a cost of living that’s 65% higher than the national average, highly competitive salaries in key sectors like IT, international business, biotechnology, and more result in a median household income more than double the national average. San Franciscans also save money when it comes to getting around the city due to its great walkability, bikeability, and public transit. When you need a break from the office, relax at Mission Dolores Park, see your favorite musicians at events like the Outside Lands Music Festival or Portola Music Festival, explore the Martini Trail, or admire art in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Seattle, WA
- Population: 741,251
- Cost of Living: 45% above the national average
- Home Price: $1,080,684 average purchase price; $3,200 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $97,185
- Unemployment Rate: 3.0%
- Median Age: 35
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 60%
Seattle is among the best places to live postgrad, consistently ranking as a top city for young professionals—especially those looking to grow in dominant industries like technology, life sciences, clean energy, and creative fields. Although the cost of living in Seattle is approximately 45% higher than the national average, the median household income is 76% higher—helping to offset costs. Well-known employers headquartered in Seattle include Starbucks, Costco Wholesale, and Nordstrom. But those aren’t the only reasons Seattle is considered an excellent place to live in the Pacific Northwest—there’s also a robust arts community with events and festivals such as the Seattle Art Fair and Art + Culture Week, as well as top attractions like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, Discovery Park, and the Pacific Science Center. Not to mention, Seattle residents can take advantage of the city’s wide range of public transportation options or explore this highly walkable city on foot!
Tampa, FL
- Population: 395,912
- Cost of Living: 3% below the national average
- Home Price: $451,609 average purchase price; $1,761 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $55,634
- Unemployment Rate: 3.8%
- Median Age: 36
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 36%
If warm weather and affordability are high on your list of priorities, Tampa is a great postgrad city to consider. Not only can new college grads find affordable housing in trendy Tampa neighborhoods, but there are also opportunities to save on expenses like healthcare and other goods and services with the city’s low cost of living. Additionally, Cigar City has one of the fastest-growing job markets in the state of Florida, with top local industries including healthcare, defense, financial services, and manufacturing. Young professionals can consider working for top employers in the Tampa area like Jabil, The Mosaic Company, or Bloomin’ Brands. Ranked as one of the best places to live in the Southeast, Tampa also has tons of fun things to do when you’re ready for some excitement—whether it’s spending the day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, attending fun events at Sparkman Wharf, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) at Raymond James Stadium, or exploring the Florida Aquarium. Plus, you’ll always be able to soak up the sun on the beach by visiting popular spots like Ben T Davis Beach, Cypress Point Park, and Picnic Island Park!
Washington, DC
- Population: 701,974
- Cost of Living: 38% above the national average
- Home Price: $1,085,511 average purchase price; $3,361 average monthly rent
- Median Household Income: $90,842
- Unemployment Rate: 5.0%
- Median Age: 34
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree: 55%
Washington, DC is the perfect city to live in after graduation for driven young professionals who want to build influential careers in the nation’s capital! The primary industries driving The District’s economy include government, hospitality, technology, and international business. Major employers headquartered in the DC metro area include Marriott International, Fannie Mae, American Red Cross, Amtrak, and of course, the many branches of the U.S. government. Although the cost of living in DC is relatively steep, the city’s median household income is significantly higher than the national average, which helps offset costs. As a top big city to live in the U.S., Washington, DC is also much more affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas like New York City. In your free time, explore the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, learn how to kayak on the Potomac River with Potomac Paddlesports, or attend the Fort Reno Concert Series.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understand that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
City statistics from AreaVibes and Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
