Report Ranks Top 10 Large U.S. Cities for Recent College Graduates in 2026

S. cities for recent college graduates. The rankings evaluate 13 indicators across three categories: housing affordability, career opportunities, and quality of life. The analysis uses Glassdoor's job postings, employer reviews, and salary data for early-career workers, combined with Redfin's property sales data from 2025.

Cities in the South and Midwest rank highly due to more affordable and available housing compared to coastal areas. New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are absent from the list because of their high costs of living. Each city on the list presents trade-offs for new graduates in terms of job prospects, housing costs, and lifestyle factors.

The report includes metrics for each city, such as average early-career earnings, starter home prices, years to save for a down payment, and housing costs as a percentage of income. These details help illustrate the balance between economic opportunities and living expenses. The findings aim to assist graduates in evaluating potential locations for starting their careers.

Top-Ranked Cities and Key Metrics Washington, D.

, tops the list with average early-career earnings of $79,857 and an average starter home price of $320,000. 6% of income and rent at 34%. The city shows strong job growth and high walkability. Omaha, Nebraska, ranks second with average earnings of $59,123 and starter homes at $195,000.

Saving for a down payment requires 3 years and 8 months, with mortgage at 26% of income and rent at 28%. The city features a diverse labor market, including health care and Fortune 500 companies. Boston, Massachusetts, comes in third with the highest average earnings on the list at $80,026, but starter homes cost $460,000.

3% of income and rent at 53%. The city offers strong job opportunities and quality of life, offset by higher housing expenses. Dallas, Texas, ranks fourth with earnings of $67,451 and starter homes at $240,000.

Down payment savings take 4 years and 1 month, with mortgage at 28% and rent at 26% of income. It provides balanced options in jobs, housing, and quality of life. Chicago, Illinois, is fifth with earnings of $72,786 and starter homes at $202,000.

9% and rent at 28% of income. Opportunities exist in technology and finance, supported by public transit for accessing farther homes.

Additional Cities on the List Houston, Texas, ranks sixth with earnings of $65,369 and starter homes at $215,000.

9% and rent at 18% of income. The city offers careers in aerospace, energy, and health care, though walkability scores lower. St. Louis, Missouri, is seventh with earnings of $61,834 and the lowest starter home price at $150,000.

1% and rent at 23% of income. It ranks high for housing affordability and has a lower overall cost of living. San Diego, California, places eighth with earnings of $74,053 but high starter home prices of $615,000.

4% and rent at 64% of income. The city provides a strong job market and quality of life despite housing challenges. Miami, Florida, ranks ninth with earnings of $62,748 and starter homes at $210,000.

4% and rent at 33% of income. Career options span financial services, tourism, health care, retail, and construction. Austin, Texas, rounds out the list at tenth with earnings of $72,025 and starter homes at $276,600.

3% and rent at 35% of income. It has the strongest labor market among the cities, with wage growth exceeding housing price increases.

Broader Context and Considerations The report highlights regional differences, with Southern and Midwestern cities benefiting from lower housing costs.

Graduates face varying challenges, such as longer savings periods in higher-earning cities like Boston and San Diego. The analysis encourages considering personal priorities when choosing a location.