US Media Group
A recent study by Rocket Moving has placed Sacramento, California, among the top ten cities in the U.S. for workers looking to start fresh. The analysis evaluated the 50 largest cities based on various key factors, including job growth rate, personal income, cost of living index, average house prices, monthly rent, safety index, air quality, and the availability of open job positions. Sacramento stands out with a compelling combination of opportunities, despite the challenges of high living costs, making it an attractive option for those embarking on a new journey.
The study provides a comprehensive view of each city’s economic health, affordability, safety, and overall quality of life by scaling scores from 0 to 100. This approach allows for a clearer interpretation of suitability based on job prospects, income potential, living expenses, and environmental quality. Below are the top ten cities if you’re considering a fresh start:
#1 Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, tops the list with the highest composite score of 99.43, driven by a robust job growth rate of 4.6% and a staggering 13.8 million open positions. “With an annual personal income exceeding $2 million, Austin presents the strongest earning potential among the top cities. Although the cost of living index registers at 93.0, the city’s affordable housing options and solid safety index of 58.75 create a perfect blend for financial and lifestyle stability.”
#2 Orlando, Florida
Following closely, Orlando, Florida, occupies the second spot with a composite score of 96.86. “Orlando excels in job opportunities, boasting 9.7 million openings—the second highest after Austin. Even with a higher cost of living index at 102.3, manageable housing costs and a personal income level of $1.59 million make Orlando a compelling choice for those seeking a vibrant and growing job market.”
#3 Reno, Nevada
In third place is Reno, Nevada, with a composite score of 92.57. The city leads in job growth rate with an impressive 5.1%. “Reno offers a favorable air quality index of 42.1 and maintains a relatively low cost of living index at 101.3. Despite moderate personal income figures at $216,888, Reno’s affordable rent of $1,571 and strong job market make it a desirable option for newcomers.”
#4 Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California, comes in fourth with a composite score of 89.42. The study highlights Sacramento’s highest personal income level at $3.2 million and its cost of living index at 134.5. “Sacramento boasts the most open job positions at 17.9 million, underlining its robust job market despite higher living costs. However, the average housing price of $806,674—the highest on the list—poses a challenge for those seeking affordable living options.”
#5 Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park, Kansas, secures fifth place with a composite score of 88.00, featuring the lowest cost of living index at 87.7 and the most affordable average home price at $232,507. “With a strong safety index of 75.27—the highest among the top ten—and a job growth rate of 2.9%, Overland Park is an excellent choice for individuals prioritizing safety and affordability.”
#6 Albany, New York
In sixth position is Albany, New York, with a composite score of 85.97. “With a striking number of job opportunities matching Orlando’s at 9.7 million, Albany’s average housing price of $452,823 and rent of $1,408 make it a more affordable option on the East Coast, although a higher cost of living index of 125.1 somewhat lessens its overall appeal.”
#7 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, takes the seventh spot, receiving a composite score of 83.11. “Pittsburgh strikes a balance with a moderate cost of living index at 99.0 and an average personal income of $903,980. With a strong safety index of 61.65—second only to Overland Park—Pittsburgh is appealing to those who value safety without compromising affordability.”
#8 Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas, earns the eighth position with a score of 82.92. “Among the top cities, Fayetteville features one of the lowest housing prices at $209,299 and the most affordable rent at $1,250. Its safety index of 69.15 positions it as a secure and economical option for individuals wanting to start anew in a smaller but lively community.”
#9 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, ranks ninth, with a composite score of 81.79. “Offering a low cost of living index at 86.0 and affordable housing priced at $210,097, the city presents a good mix of job opportunities with 1.7 million openings and a job growth rate at 2.7%. While the safety index comes in lower at 50.73, Oklahoma City remains a strong contender for those focused on cost-effective living.”
#10 Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota, rounds out the top ten with a composite score of 80.73. “Despite the lowest personal income at $57,873, Fargo shines with the best air quality index at 37.0, which points to a healthier living environment,” the report indicates. “With a cost of living index of 94.6 and the most affordable rent at $1,015, Fargo attracts individuals looking for a clean and budget-friendly city to call home.”
“Starting fresh in a new city involves balancing a range of factors, from job opportunities and income potential to affordability and safety,” explains Christopher Vardanyan, CEO at Rocket Moving. “While high incomes and flourishing job markets are appealing, they often come with increased living costs, particularly in housing. On the other hand, cities with lower living expenses may have fewer jobs or lower salaries. Therefore, finding the right mix that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle aspirations is vital,” he concludes.