The United States is a large and diverse country with many great cities to call home. But what are the best places to live according to important quality of life factors? This article will cover the top 15 best cities in the U.S. to live in according to the Quality of Life Index by Numbeo. Rankings are based on quality of life statistics such as cost of living, climate, health care access, safety and more.
Table of contents
Understanding the Quality of Life Indexes
When ranking the top places to live in the United States, it’s important to understand what each quality of life index represents and whether a higher or lower score is more desirable.
Here is a brief overview of the various indexes from Numbeo that you will find in this article:
- Quality of Life Index: This overall score rates a city’s general liveability and opportunities. A higher number is better.
- Purchasing Power Index: This measures the relative income to cost of living ratio. A higher number means incomes go further in covering costs.
- Safety Index: This rates crime levels from 0-100. A higher score represents better public safety.
- Health Care Index: This assesses the availability and quality of health care. Higher is better.
- Climate Index: This quantifies climate comfort year-round, from 0-100. Higher is more favourable weather.
- Cost of Living Index: This compares goods and services costs to the national average. Lower scores are more affordable.
- Property Price to Income Ratio: This calculates property prices compared to income. Lower ratios are better.
- Traffic Commute Time Index: The average time spent commuting. Lower times are preferred.
- Pollution Index: This measures air and environmental quality from 0-100. Lower scores indicate less pollution.
To summarize, higher scores are better for Quality of Life, Purchasing Power, Safety, Healthcare and Climate Indexes.
Lower scores indicate advantages for Cost of Living, Property Price to Income Ratio, Traffic Commute Time and Pollution Indexes.
National Indexes
To provide context on how each city compares to the country overall, we will now look at the national indexes for the United States as a whole. Examining where each city stands versus these national benchmarks will reveal more clearly which metro areas excel or lag behind in certain categories.
For example, a city may score above the countrywide average for healthcare access but fall below average for cost of living. Comparing each city to these national figures will showcase where these destinations offer advantages or disadvantages relative to the US as a whole across the factors that contribute to the best quality of life.
Indexes for North America:
- Quality of Life Index: 172.62
- Purchasing Power Index: 117.32
- Safety Index: 50.82
- Health Care Index: 68.13
- Climate Index: 77.03
- Cost of Living Index: 74.10
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 4.21
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 33.35
- Pollution Index: 36.52
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best cities to live in and move to in the U.S. for overall quality of life.
1. Tampa, Florida
Taking the top spot as the best place to live in the United States according to Numbeo is Tampa, Florida. This sunny coastal city has superb weather and the highest Quality of Life Index score at 171.3. Tampa offers warm temperatures year-round, with an average high of 29°C in the summer. It also has relatively low living costs compared to other major metro areas. Tampa is ideal for beach lovers and boasts an active cultural scene.
Tampa – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,977,000 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,999.45 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,087.30 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $6,209.05 |
Tampa Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 171.3 (1st)
- Purchasing Power Index: 111.2 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 52.7 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 67.0 (below national index)
- Climate Index: 84.7 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 79.7 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 4.7 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 37.6 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 34.7 (below national index)
Tampa – Best for Overall Quality of Life
Tampa has the highest Quality of Life Index score at 171.3, making it the best city in the US for overall livability and opportunities.
2. Orlando, Florida
Orlando takes second place, with its own impressive Quality of Life Index of 170.8. This central Florida city is best known as the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks. Besides tourism, Orlando has a strong high-tech, defence, and health care industry economy. It features great weather similar to Tampa. Orlando’s cost of living is also affordable.
Orlando – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,673,376 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,487.89 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,926.53 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,947.26 |
Orlando Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 170.8 (2nd)
- Purchasing Power Index: 113.5 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 49.6 (below national index)
- Health Care Index: 62.4 (below national index)
- Climate Index: 87.2 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 74.3 (at national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 4.3 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 36.3 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 35.4 (below national index)
Orlando – Best for Climate
Orlando takes the top spot on this list for most favorable Climate Index at 87.2 thanks to its sunny, warm weather year-round.
3. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh ranks third, scoring 170.6 in Quality of Life. As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh enjoys a diverse economy and hosts several major universities. This educated city has the highest Safety Index score at 61.1, well above the national figure. Raleigh offers a great blend of urban amenities like museums and performing arts with outdoor recreation options. The climate stays relatively mild.
Raleigh – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 1,591,000 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,432.34 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,045.84 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $8,394.36 |
Raleigh Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 170.6 (3rd)
- Purchasing Power Index: 98.9 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 61.1 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 67.7 (at national index)
- Climate Index: 83.9 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 80.0 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 7.3 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 35.9 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 31.9 (below national index)
4. San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas takes fourth place for its excellent Quality of Life Index of 169.5. This culturally diverse city has a rich history and strong job market. San Antonio boasts the lowest Property Price to Income Ratio at just 5.2, well below the national ratio. While summers get hot, the winters stay relatively mild. It’s an affordable option in the American South.
San Antonio – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,601,788 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,493.64 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,781.40 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,080.84 |
San Antonio Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 169.5 (4th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 124.9 (above national index)
- Safety Index: 50.7 (at national index)
- Health Care Index: 67.4 (at national index)
- Climate Index: 80.6 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 68.2 (below national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 5.2 (below national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 34.2 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 45.7 (above national index)
San Antonio – Best for Cost of Living
With a Cost of Living Index of just 68.2, San Antonio is the most affordable major city on this list for day-to-day expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing.
5. Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte ranks fifth with an overall Quality of Life score of 168.1. Charlotte stands out for its fast-growing economy, banking sector, and NASCAR popularity. It features moderately priced real estate like San Antonio. Charlotte enjoys four distinct seasons without extreme cold or heat. Healthcare is also above average.
Charlotte – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,601,788 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,789.51 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,118.18 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,342.91 |
Charlotte Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 168.1 (5th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 99.7 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 52.9 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 69.5 (above national index)
- Climate Index: 84.0 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 81.6 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 4.4 (at national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 36.8 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 34.6 (below national index)
6. Austin, Texas
In sixth place is Austin, scoring 167.7 in Quality of Life assessments. Austin is revered as a hip, artsy, and tech-forward city. Home prices are higher than other Texas cities, but Austin offers higher wages to balance it out. Austin claims the motto “Keep Austin Weird” and is perfect for young professionals. The University of Texas campus also adds to the vibrant atmosphere.
Austin – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,421,115 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,159.16 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,431.50 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $10,044.77 |
Austin Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 167.7 (6th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 110.8 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 59.2 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 67.6 (at national index)
- Climate Index: 82.1 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 77.1 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 6.5 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 36.3 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 42.3 (above national index)
7. Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas takes the number seven spot with a Quality of Life Index of 167.0. This sprawling metropolis features extremely affordable housing costs and home prices. Houston has the best Purchasing Power Index at 147.0, well above the national average. Job growth has also been robust in recent years, especially in sectors like energy and aeronautics. Houston does suffer from high levels of traffic congestion and pollution though.
Houston – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 7,122,240 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,411.48 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,581.65 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,343.66 |
Houston Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 167.0 (7th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 147.0 (above national index)
- Safety Index: 36.2 (below national index)
- Health Care Index: 72.0 (above national index)
- Climate Index: 85.5 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 69.4 (below national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 2.1 (below national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 41.7 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 56.0 (above national index)
Houston – Best for Purchasing Power and Property Price to Income Ratio
Houston boasts the top Purchasing Power Index at 147.0 of the 15 top cities listed, meaning incomes go furthest there in covering living costs. Houston also has the best Property Price to Income Ratio at just 2.1, so real estate is very affordable compared to salaries.
8. Columbus, Ohio
In eighth place is Columbus, Ohio which scores 165.7 for overall quality of life. As the state capital and home to Ohio State University, Columbus offers plenty of amenities, entertainment, and school spirit. The cost of living index is just 72.1, so it is an attractive midwestern bargain. Winters are cold but not extreme, and spring through fall brings nice weather.
Columbus – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,138,926 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,045.46 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,579.38 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $8,680.32 |
Columbus Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 165.7 (8th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 105.7 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 50.4 (at national index)
- Health Care Index: 68.4 (at national index)
- Climate Index: 71.3 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 72.1 (below national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 7.8 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 31.5 (below national index)
- Pollution Index: 33.2 (below national index)
9. Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado ranks ninth with a Quality of Life score of 165.2. This Mile High City offers access to the Rocky Mountains for hiking and skiing paired with a vibrant downtown. The job market is strong in Denver across fields like energy, telecom, and aerospace. While home prices are rising, the salaries are as well compared to other western metro areas. Denver sees all four seasons.
Denver – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,963,821 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,633.25 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $2,128.74 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,376.02 |
Denver Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 165.2 (9th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 126.6 (above national index)
- Safety Index: 54.1 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 69.7 (above national index)
- Climate Index: 56.3 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 80.8 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 3.8 (below national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 36.0 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 43.9 (above national index)
10. Tucson, Arizona
Tenth place goes to Tucson, Arizona which receives a Quality of Life rating of 165.1. Tucson provides incredible access to outdoor activities with year-round nice weather and mountainous landscapes just outside the city. Home prices are also quite affordable compared to the national average. Winters are mild though summers can get hot. Healthcare options catering to retirees are abundant as well.
Tuscon – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 1,043,433 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,126.12 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,400.00 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,355.05 |
Tucson Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 165.1 (10th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 106.5 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 46.6 (below national index)
- Health Care Index: 60.9 (below national index)
- Climate Index: 72.7 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 79.3 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 6.5 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 30.0 (below national index)
- Pollution Index: 30.0 (below national index)
Tucson – Best for Traffic Commute and Pollution
Tucson leads the list with the lowest Traffic Commute Time Index of 30.0 among the top 15 U.S. cities for Quality of Life, as well as the best Pollution Index score of 30.0, making it ideal for short travel times and clean air quality.
11. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico takes the number 11 slot with its 164.8 Quality of Life score. This high desert city enjoys a sunny climate and moderate cost of living. Albuquerque has a charming mix of cultural traditions, unique architecture, an eclectic arts scene, and outdoor recreation. The winters do get cold, but the rest of the year is mild. Crime rates are higher than other top cities though.
Albuquerque – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 915,927 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,995.69 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,755.00 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,047.08 |
Albuquerque Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 164.8 (11th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 136.6 (above national index)
- Safety Index: 28.5 (below national index)
- Health Care Index: 62.6 (below national index)
- Climate Index: 67.1 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 71.8 (below national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 4.2 (at national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 31.4 (below national index)
- Pollution Index: 36.5 (at national average)
12. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, ranking 12th, earns a Quality of Life rating of 164.5. This historic city on the East Coast hosts numerous world-class universities like Harvard and MIT. Boston features excellent health care and education infrastructure. There are abundant job opportunities especially in fields like biotech, finance, and technology. One downside is the high cost of living index which hits 88.7, well above the national figure. The climate also brings cold, snowy winters.
Boston – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 4,941,632 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,873.17 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $3,042.00 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $12,412.75 |
Boston Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 164.5 (12th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 106.6 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 60.1 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 73.5 (above national index)
- Climate Index: 71.7 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 88.7 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 8.2 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 45.8 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 32.3 (below national index)
13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In 13th place is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with an overall Quality of Life score of 164.4. Pittsburgh has transformed into a modern city after its industrial past. The city has rising opportunities in fields like computer science, medicine, and green energy. Cost of living remains affordable compared to other Northeastern cities. While winters are cold, Pittsburgh has all four seasons.
Pittsburgh – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,370,930 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $6,350.71 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,841.43 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,486.12 |
Pittsburgh Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 164.4 (13th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 114.5 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 62.2 (above national index)
- Health Care Index: 74.1 (above national index)
- Climate Index: 72.1 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 78.1 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 8.5 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 38.1 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 46.3 (above national index)
Pittsburgh – Best for Safety and Healthcare
Pittsburgh enjoys the highest Safety Index out of the countries on this list at 62.2 and the top Health Care Index score of 74.1, making it the safest big city and offering excellent medical care access.
14. Dallas, Texas
Coming in at number 14 is Dallas, Texas which receives a 164.3 Quality of Life rating. Dallas features a strong commercial economy and business-friendly tax incentives. Unemployment rates have been at record lows. Dallas offers lots of amenities as part of a major metropolitan area while maintaining affordable housing prices. Summers do get hot. The winter cold varies from mild to icy.
Dallas – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 7,637,387 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $5,136.69 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,914.82 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $5,247.41 |
Dallas Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 164.3 (14th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 111.5 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 48.3 (below national index)
- Health Care Index: 66.2 (below national index)
- Climate Index: 81.9 (above national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 77.8 (above national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 4.2 (at national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 35.5 (above national index)
- Pollution Index: 42.6 (above national index)
15. Kansas City, Missouri
Rounding out the top 15 best places to live in the USA is Kansas City, Missouri. This heartland city on the border of Kansas and Missouri earns a Quality of Life score of 164.2. Kansas City provides Midwestern hospitality, barbecue, and plenty of jazz music venues. The cost of living index is only 69.2, well below the national figure. Kansas City does have lower than average safety and health care scores though. But it makes for an overall solid, affordable Midwestern city.
Kansas – Key Statistics
| Population (Metro area) | 2,392,035 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,793.21 |
| Rent per Month for an Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | $1,366.56 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $4,908.34 |
Kansas City Indexes:
- Quality of Life Index: 164.2 (15th)
- Purchasing Power Index: 108.1 (below national index)
- Safety Index: 41.4 (below national index)
- Health Care Index: 71.1 (above national index)
- Climate Index: 75.1 (below national index)
- Cost of Living Index: 69.2 (below national index)
- Property Price to Income Ratio: 6.0 (above national index)
- Traffic Commute Time Index: 33.2 (at national index)
- Pollution Index: 35.5 (below national index)
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Disclaimer: The quality of life rankings and index scores for cities in this article are based on data collected and analyzed by Numbeo. Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index is calculated from user surveys that capture visitor perceptions and experiences regarding aspects of city life like cost of living, safety, pollution, climate, and more. The indexes and city rankings on this list reflect the scores reported by Numbeo at the time of writing, but are subject to change over time as new data is gathered. While Numbeo aims to provide accurate up-to-date information by filtering out potential spam and ensuring sufficient data sources, the rankings should be interpreted as a snapshot of the cities’ reputations rather than as definitive claims. This list is intended for informational purposes only – readers should not rely on this list and should conduct their own research to determine where best fits their needs and preferences.
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