How to Choose a City to Move To: A Data-First Checklist
Lists of "best cities" rarely match your paycheck, your job or your tolerance for heat. Here's a checklist that uses real numbers so you can shortlist cities before you ever visit.
1. Compare real take-home pay
Start with what your salary buys, not the salary itself. State income tax and local prices together decide it. For example, $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is worth about the same as $84,000 in Phoenix, AZ, because prices there are 9.1% lower and state income tax is lower. Run your own pair in the city to city calculator.
2. Price housing where you'd actually live
Metro medians are a starting point. Look up rents or listings in two or three neighborhoods you'd consider, and check commute times at rush hour. Use the 30% rule for rent and the 28/36 rule for buying to see if the numbers work; our buy a house pages show the income lenders expect.
3. Check local taxes
Some cities add their own income tax on top of the state's, including New York City, Philadelphia and many Ohio cities. Property tax can also vary widely between counties in the same metro; see property tax by county.
4. Look at where people are really moving
IRS migration data shows which cities people are leaving and choosing. A city that's gaining movers often has a strong job market, but also rising rents. Every city page shows the top origins and destinations.
5. Weigh climate and disaster risk
Heat, hurricanes, wildfire and flooding affect comfort, safety and insurance. Compare FEMA's risk ratings for your shortlist on each city's page and the state risk rankings.
6. Match the job market
If you're not remote, the right city is the one where your field hires. Search job listings in your field in each city, and compare the salaries on offer with the "equal salary" from step 1.
7. Visit last
Once the numbers narrow the list to two or three cities, visit for a few days in the hardest season (August in Phoenix, February in Minneapolis) and try the commute you'd actually do.