When Americans go searching for the best place to call home, livability — defined by a combination of economic, social and civic green factors — is among one of their top priorities. Livability is subjective but cities do tend to come out on top again and again when measured objectively. In this blog, we will discuss the 50 Best Places to Live in America and what makes you want to live there. The entries will include median income of households, livability scores average monthly expenditures, mortgage price, and a description of each city.
Top 50 Most Livable Cities in United States
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Austin, Texas
- What became Austin is synonymous with energy and vibrant culture. Famous for its live music and tech industry, it is home to many professions but a large portion are drawn by the nightlife as well.
- Household Medium Income $75,000
- Livability Score: 7.3
- COSTS Monthly Average Spending: $2,800
- Average monthly mortgage expense: In dollars: $1,600
- All Monthly Living expenses: $4,400
- Best Known For: Live music; technology startups; outdoorsy stuff.
- Ideal For: Young professionals and families who want to be in a lively place.
Denver, Colorado
- Denver is a vibrant city where urban life meets the great outdoors. Located alongside the Rocky Mountains, a mecca for active individuals and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Median Income of a Household: $80,000
- Livability Score: 7.5
- Monthly Cost for Expenditure: $3,000
- Average Monthly Mortgage Payment: $1,800
- Monthly Nomad Budget: $4,800 (cost of living)
- Famous For: Craft breweries, outdoor activities, cultural events.
- Who This is Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and young working professionals.
See this also: 15 Florida Cities Where You Can Buy a Home Under $250,000
Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Famous for its views and close proximity to Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a great city choice for those wanting a more laid back lifestyle and plenty of hiking among other nature-based attractions.
- Median Income Per Household: $75,000
- Livability Score: 7.4
- Cost: Monthly average expenditure of $2,700
- Mortgage Monthly Average Amount: 1,500
- Cost of Living Monthly Total: $4,200
- Best Known for: Scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.
- Ideal For: Families and retirees looking for peace and quiet.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
- A Southern town with a bit of edge, Fayetteville has plenty of university influence (thanks to the University of Arkansas). It has a lively arts society and plenty of outdoor recreation.
- Median Household Income: $60,000
- Livability Score: 7.1
- Net Monthly Cost of Expenses: $2,200
- Return to SOI Home Mortgage Monthly Average Cost $1,200
- Monthly Living Expenses Total: $3,400
- What It’s Famous For: Arts festivals, outdoor sports
- Ideal For: Students and young families!
Des Moines, Iowa
- Des Moines is frequently lauded for its affordability and job market. The area has a friendly community feel with plenty of parks and recreational opportunities.
- Median Household Income: $70,000
- Livability Score: 7.2
- Monthly Cost for Expenditure: $2,400
- Average Monthly Mortgage Payment: $1,300
- Monthly Cost of Living (Total): $3,700
- What It Is Known For – State fairs and cultural events.
- Ideal For: Families seeking a safe community
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
- As an example, arguably, the Twin Cities provide both urban and rural experiences. The city offers access to numerous lakes and parks with lifestyles in season.
- Median Income (Household): $85,000
- Livability Score: 7.6
- Average Monthly Expense: $3,100
- Average Monthly Mortgage: $1,900
- Monthly Living Expenses: $5,000
- Why it’s famous: Artistic vibe and the different areas it contains.
- Who This Is Ideal for: Young working professionals, creatives
San Francisco, California
- Famous for its iconic landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge and involvement in the cultural scene, San Francisco is a popular destination. It may be expensive to live there, but this certainly still leads many others to consider it as number one due to the chance of a tech job.
- Household Median income: $112,000
- Livability Score: 7.8
- Expense Monthly Average Price: $4500
- Monthly Average of Mortgage: $3,200
- Monthly Cost of Living Full Breakdown: $7,700
- Why We Know It: Center of tech and multiculturalism
- Who It’s Perfect For: Tech professionals looking to shake things up.
Portland, Maine
- Portland is home to coastal vibes, a vibrant arts scene and delicious cuisine. With its walkable neighborhoods, it is an appealing location for anyone interested in small-city living with big-city amenities.
- Median Income for a Household: $65,000
- Livability Score: 7.9
- Monthly Cost of Spending: $2,800
- Average Monthly Mortgage Payment: $1,500
- Total Monthly Living Expenses: $4300
- Famous For: Seafood and arts festivals
- Who It’s Ideal For: Food lovers and creatives
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston is also an amalgamation of history while being on the cutting edges of education and innovation. From students to professionals, there is something for everyone among its diverse neighborhoods.
- Median Household Income: $90,000
- Livability Score: 7.5
- Monthly Expenditure Average Expense: $3,600
- Cost of Mortgage Monthly Average: $2,200
- Total Living expenses per month: $5800
- Famous For: Landmarks & Prestigious universities
- Who It’s Ideal For: Students and academics
North Carolina|Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area
- This area is known more for it’s research institutions and tech industry, but in the part of North Carolina I’m in you have 3 major unversities close together known collectively as the Research Triangle (Duke University included).
- Median Household Income: $82,000
- Livability Score: 7.4
- Monthly Average Total Monthly Expenses: $2,800
- Average Monthly Mortgage Payment: 1500
- Monthly Total Living: $4,300
- What It’s Famous For: Industry and universities related to high technology
- Ideal for whom: Tech and academia professionals
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Newsweek’s No. 1 college town — Ann Arbor, Mich.: Home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor provides the energy a major university brings with plenty in terms of arts and culture. It has lovely parks and an active downtown bursting with shops and restaurants.
- Household Median Income: $70000
- Livability Score: 7.9
- Monthly Average Cost of Expenditure : $3,100
- Average Monthly Cost for Mortgage: $1,600
- Monthly Cost of Living — Total: $4,700
- What’s It Famous For:Cultural events & education
- Ideal For:Students & families
Boise City-Nampa (Idaho)
- With its affordable housing marke t and prirodne ljepote close to hand—Boise has been on the rise, especially amongst outdoor lovers!
- Median Income for a Household:$65,000
- Livability Score:7.6
- Monthly cost of Expenses:$2,500
- Average Monthly Cost For A Mortgage:$1,300
- Monthly Cost Of Living: $3800
- Why Its Special: Outdoor activities and small-town hospitality
- Ideal For: (low-salt), families & retirees
San Jose (California)
- Located next to the tech hub of Silicon Valley—San Jose has countless job opportunities along with cultural diversity!
- Median House Income: $110,000
- Livability Score:7.5
- Cost per Month (Total Monthly Expenditure):$4,200
- Mortgage Monthly Average Payment: Third row — $3,100
- Total Cost Of Living Per Month:$7,300
- Its Signature: Tech and multi-cultural attraction
- Who It’s Ideal For:Tech professionals & entrepreneurs
Seattle (Washington)
- Seattle seamlessly mixes cosmopolitan charm and all the beauty of nature, giving residents city life as well as access to nature!
- Median Income Per Household:$90,000
- Livability Score:7.8
- Monthly Average out of pocket for Expenditure: $3,900.
- Pyment 2024 $2,400 per month on average
- Monthly cost of Full Living: $6300
- Famous For:Coffee culture & tech industry
- Ideal Audience:Young professionals & creatives
Minneapolis (Minnesota)
- Minneapolis has a nice arts scene and a ton of parks, ideal for art & nature lovers alike!
- Approximate Household Median Income: $80,000
- Livability Score:7.6
- Average monthly cost of spending: $3200
- Mortgage Average Monthly Cost:$1,800
- Expenses per month: $5,000 (num. of people living in the house)
- What This City is Famous For:Arts venues & lakes
- Who Its Great For:Families & artist
Chicago (Illinois)
- Chicago: The Windy City, boasts a unique mix of history and modern conveniences—each with something special to offer around every corner!
- Median Household Income: 70,000
- Livability Score: 7.0
- Monthly average cost of expenses: $3500
- Average monthly cost for a mortgage: $2,100
- COST OF LIVING MONEY MONTHLY: 5600
- Famous for: Deep-dish pizza & architecture
- Who Is This Ideal For: Foodies & urban explorers
Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)
- Pittsburgh reinvented itself from a dusty industrial town to an up-and-coming artsy place.
- Median Family Income: $60,000
- Livability Score: 7.5
- Average monthly cost of expenses: $2,900
- Average cost of a mortgage monthly: $1,400
- Monthly cost of living total: 4300
- Why It’s Famous: History of steel industry & arts scene
- Who It’s Best For: History buffs & families
Atlanta (Georgia)
- Atlanta really is Georgia – both its cultural capital and seat of several corporations, making it perfect for those whose career comes first!
- Median Income in New York: $75,000 per year
- Livability Score: 7.0
- Monthly average profitability loss: $3,200
- Average weekly wage: $694 Mortgage monthly cost: $1,700
- Overall cost Of living monthly: 4,900
- Famous For: Civil Rights History & Southern Hospitality
- Who It Is Ideal For: Career-oriented individuals
Fort Collins (Colorado)
- If you like mountains as well as craft breweries, Fort Collins is the place for you!
- Median Income Per Household: $70,000
- Livability Score: 7.8
- Monthly average cost of expenditure: $2,600
- Average Monthly Cost of a Mortgage: $1,500
- Cost Of living per month in total = 4,100
- Nickname: City of the Pines What It’s Famous For: Outdoor recreation & craft beer scene
Honolulu, Hawaii
- Honolulu is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, a unique history and culture. Hawaii’s capital is a mix of urban and nature regarding living life here.
- Median Income: $83,000 House Hold
- Livability Score: 7.7
- Expense Monthly Cost: $3,800
- Montreal Monthly Average Mortgage: $2500
- Monthly Cost of Living Total: $6,300
- What Is It Famous For: Pretty beaches, surf and cultural festivals.
- Ideal for: People looking for a more relaxed lifestyle near nature
Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Long sandy beaches and a lively boardwalk make Virginia Beach famous. This city located on the coast provides chill vibes with endless adventures.
- CENSUS-CLASSIFIED AS:Household Median Income $73,000
- Livability Score: 7.2
- Monthly Average Cost → $2, 900 Total
- Monthly payment on mortgage, $1600
- Cost Of Living Monthly = $4,500
- What Is It Famous For: Beaches, water sports, and family-friendly attractions.
- BEST FOR: Families and retirees wanting a beach lifestyle.
Nashville, Tennessee
- As the “Music City,” artists and musicians all over the world converge to Nashville. The music scene is alive and well along with various other pieces of its economy and culture.
- Median Income Per Household Level: $70,000
- Livability Score: 7.5
- Monthly Cost on average: $3,200
- Average mortgage payment per month: $1,800
- Monthly Living Expenses, Totals: $5,000
- Areas of Focus: Country music and nightlife
- Ideal For: Young professionals and music lovers.
Salt Lake City, Utah
- An incredible backdrop of mountains and a mixture between city and nature, Salt Lake City has it all. As more and more families are resettling in the city, it also has a reputation for having a robust economy.
- Median Household Income: 75 k US dollars
- Livability Score: 7.4
- Monthly Average Cost Expended: $2,900
- Monthly Average Cost of Mortgage – $1,600
- Monthly Expenses Total: $4,500
- What You Should Know About It: Outdoor recreation and diverse culture.
- Who it’s ideal for: The outdoor crew and families.
Madison, Wisconsin
- Madison is the state capital and has the University of Wisconsin, as well as good arts and lakes. With lots of parks and recreational activities, this city boasts a high quality of life.
- Median Income per Household: $68000
- Livability Score: 7.8
- Average Monthly Expense: $2800/month
- Average Monthly Mortgage Cost: $1,500
- Cumulative Monthly Living Expenses: $4,300
- Best Known For: Educational and cultural events.
- Who This Is Great For: Students and family weights.
Omaha, Nebraska
- Omaha is a friendly place to live with an growing job market. With neighborhoods that have a variety of parks and some attractions.
- MHI per Household: $70,000
- Livability Score: 7.3
- Spending Average Monthly Cost: $2,600
- Mortgage Monthly Average Cost: $1,300
- Monthly Cost of Living Total: $3,900
- Why You Know It: Historic sites and local cuisine.
- Who Is It Perfect For: Budget-conscious Families
Albuquerque, New Mexico
- With beautiful desert scenery, and a full cultural history, you have Albuquerque. Famous for its annual Balloon Fiesta, and a robust arts scene.
- Median Household Income: $60,000
- Livability Score: 7.0
- Cost of Spending: $2,500 / Month
- Monthly Average Mortgage Price: $1,200
- Combine Expenses Monthly: $3700
- Why Everyone Is Talking About It: The hot air balloons and Southwest food.
- Who It Will Be Perfect For: The artist and those who love to be outside.
Tucson, Arizona
- Famous for its summer heat and wonderful desert outdoors, Tucson is a great place to visit. The city combines outdoor adventure with western culture and a Mexican heritage.
- Annual Household Median income: $58K
- Livability Score:7.1
- Average monthly cost of expenditure per dollar:$2,400
- Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,150
- Loosely, the breakdown on to cost Of living per month:3,550
- Reasons to Go:Sonoran Desert & cultural festivals
- Who It’s Good For:Outdoorsy types & retirees
Richmond, Virginia
- Richmond serves up history and modern convenience in a vibrant urban package. There are many museums, as well as scenic parks along the James River in this city.
- Typical Family Income:$67,000
- Livability Score:7.4
- Monthly average cost of spending: $2,800
- MortgageAverage Monthly Cost $1,500
- Cost Of living (Monthly)4,300
- Famous For: Arts scene & Civil War history
- Who it is Best For:Hobby historians & families
Charleston, South Carolina
- Charleston is known for its time-honored architecture among the historic homes and streets. The city brings together a delicious culinary scene along with some stunning coastal sights.
- Median Household Income: $70,000
- Livability Score:7.6
- Monthly Average Cost: Monthly expenditure on$\3,100
- Monthly average cost for mortgage: $1,800
- Monthly cost of living in total: 4,900
- What It’s Famous For:Hospitality & History
- Ideal for: Foodies & history buffs
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- The better-known Grand Rapids known for its craft breweries and art scene. It’s affordable yet a close-knit community within the city.
- Median Income per Household: $65,000
- Livability Score:7.5
- Cost: $2,700 per month on average for expenses
- Monthly average cost of accounting mortgage:1,400.
- Monthly total cost Of living: 4,100
- Things to Do:ArtPrize festival & hubs of breweries
- Ideal For:Families & Young Professionals
Boise City (Idaho)
- Thanks to its affordable housing market alongside breathtaking mountainous views (perfect for outdoorsy types!), Boise has been gaining quite a bit of popularity!
- Median Income Per Household: $65,000
- Livability Score: 7.6
- Monthly Cost Expenditure: $2,500
- Cost Per Month: $1,300 mortgage national average monthly payment
- Monthly Total Cost Of Living: 3,800
- Famous For: Outdoor activities and hospitable people
- Who Its Ideal For: Retired and Family
Spokane (Washington)
- Spokane has lovely parks and is close enough to hiking so it could be a great spot for people who love the outdoors!
- Median Income for a Household: $62,000
- Livability Score: 7.3
- Expenditures Average Monthly Cost: $2,600
- Mortgage Avg. Monthly Payment: $1,350
- An Average Monthly Cost Of Living: $4,000
- Things It Is Famous For: Riverfront Park & nearby wineres
- Ideal For: Families If you love being outside
Little Rock (Arkansas)
- A quaint spot dripping with southern charm, Little Rock is the ideal place for slower-paced folks to call home! Its cost of living isn’t too shabby either!
- Median Household Income: $55,000
- Livability Score: 7.0
- Average monthly expense: $2,200
- Monthly Average Mortgage Payment: $1,100
- Cost of living monthly: Total 3,300
- Notable for: Landmarks & parks
- Who It’s Ideal For: Families & retirees
Wilmington (North Carolina)
- Wilmington has gorgeous, coastal beaches and a historic downtown area—perfect if you prefer that coastal lifestyle!
- Household Median Income: $63,000 ( Image via )
- Livability Score: 7.5
- Cost per Month Monthly Spending: $2,800
- Mortgage 1-Month Moving Average Cost: $1,400
- Overall Monthly Cost Of Living : 4 200
- Famous for: Historical landmarks & coast
- Best For: Beach goers & families
Nashville (Tennessee)
- The capital city of Tennessee is known as “Music City” for a reason, everyone from around the world visits to perform and get discovered while Nashville has plenty more jobs on offer!
- Median Income per Household: 70,000
- Livability Score: 7.5
- Monthly average spending: 3,200
- Mortgage average monthly bill — 1,800
- Cost of living per month Total: 5,000
- Reputation: Country music scene & nightlife!
- Whom It’s Perfect For! Group: Classy Type Young professionals & music lovers!
Kansas City (Missouri)
- KC gives you the world’s best BBQ, and matching arts scene on the side – foodies: look no further!
- Median Household Income: 65,000
- Livability Score: 7.0
- Spending average monthly cost: 2700
- Mortgage monthly average price = 1,400
- Total cost Of living monthly! :4,100
- What It’s Known For! : Jazz music & barbecue!
- Whom It’s Perfect For! : Food lovers!
Fort Worth (Texas)
- Fort Worth mixes a Western heritage with the flair of anything you need to live!
- Median Household Income :$68,000
- Livability Score :$7.4
- Monthly average cost :$2,900 Monthly average payback period : A along.tracks m4a450906038 Royal$ I andmind wood!
- Good exacdeo of$Music hateers!
45.Macon(Georgia)
- Macon is a Southern charmer with affordable housing—a fine place to call home!
- Household median income:$50,000
- Livibility score :$6.$8
- Monthly cost of expenditure: $0, $200
- Cost:$950Mortgage monthy averages
- Monthly total costs of living: $3,150$
- What Its famous fore: $Southern hospitality!
- Who It Is Perfect For: $Families!
46.Cedar Rapids(Iowa)
- Cedar Rapids has inexpensive housing along with a good sense of community—good place to live!
- Household median income :$60,$000
- Livibility score :$6.$9
- Cost monthly:$2,$400
- Cost a month mortgage: $950
- Monthly cost of livings: $3,350
- Known for that:$Art scene!
- Who Its perfect fore:$Artists!
47.Savannah(Georgia)
- With parks like this surrounding the historic architecture, Savannah is a beautiful place to live!
- Census median household income :$60,$000
- Livibility score :$7.$0
- Spending averages of monthly payments: $2,600
- Average Monthly Mortgage Cost: $950
- Total monthly cost Of living:$3,$550
- WhatIts known fore:$substance of Allure!
- Who Its perfect fore: $History buffs!
48.Burlington(Vermont)
- Burlington We have great arts, lots of natural beauty – good place to live!
- Median household income :$70,$000
- Livibility score :$8.$0
- Average expenditures — $3,200
- Average costs per month for a mortgage: A $1,5 00
- Monthly costs Of living:$4,$700
- What Its earned for itself:$This natural glory!
- Who Its ideal for: Nature lovers!
49.Honolulu(Hawaii)
- Along with beautiful beaches, Honolulu offers a strong culture—definitely a solid lifestyle!
- Household median income :$83,$000 a year
- Livibility score :8.$0
- Monthly expenditure: average costs $4,200
- Cost$2,$500mortgage monthly_averages
- Monthly Cost of Living: $6,700
- What Its known fore$:Beutiful bitches!
- The Ideal audience for Who Its Perfect : Beach Lovers!
50.Tampa(Florida)
- Tampa is definitely between beautiful beaches and a nightlife— I to live!
- Household median income: $75,000
- Livibility score: 6.9
- Monthly averages of costs incurred for expenditure: $3,200
- Cost of Mortgage Monthy Averages: $1,800
- Total costs Of livings monthy:$5,00
- What Its knowns fore: Cultural diversity!
- Who Its perfect fore: Young professionals!