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

U.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.

, 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.