Here are the 10 best cities to live for recent college graduates, based on cost of living, unemployment rate, and overall appeal

Minneapolis is on Insurify’s list of best cities for recent graduates.

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• The insurance agency Insurify compiled a list of the 10 best US cities for recent grads.
• The ratings are based on unemployment rate, cost of living, and overall appeal, among other factors.
• A city’s affordability and public transportation are key determiners of its appeal, the report says.

Young graduates searching for the best place to start their careers have several factors to consider when choosing a city.

In recent years, major US cities like New York and San Francisco that have long been magnets for recent grads are starting to lose their luster, thanks in part to skyrocketing rent and shifts in the way Americans work during the pandemic. 

As more companies offering hybrid and remote work models, many graduates are trying to determine if they want to stay where they are or venture into new territory to find opportunities.

With so many emerging hubs for young professionals around the country, the process can feel daunting. To assist with the search, the insurance agency Insurify published a list of the best cities for new graduates in each state based on the cost of living index, unemployment rate, overall appeal, and more.

For young professionals starting out on an entry-level salary, a city’s affordability, public transportation, and entertainment are important factors, Insurify says. 

Here are the top 10 cities in the US for recent college graduates, according to Insurify.

10. Tampa, FL

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Overall appeal score: 73.0 (48% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 101.4 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 2.9%

9. Denver, CO

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Overall appeal score: 73.3 (76% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 112.1 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 3.2%

8. Fort Wayne, IN

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Overall appeal score: 73.7 (23% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 86.8 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 3.0%

7. Fargo, ND

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Overall appeal score: 75.8 (13% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 91.4 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 2.1%

6. Portland, ORPortland, Oregon from the Willamette River.

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Overall appeal score: 78.9 (54% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 116.5 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 3.6%

5. Lincoln, NE

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Overall appeal score: 84.9 (12% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 94.7 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 2.4%

4. Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh, Pennsylvania skyline with bridge.

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Overall appeal score: 85.5 (58% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 93.1 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 4.6%

3. Rapid City, SDRapid City, South Dakota

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Overall appeal score: 88.8 (23% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 94.2 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 2.5%

2. Minneapolis, MNMinneapolis.

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Overall appeal score: 98.3 (30% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 105.4 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 2.2%

1. St. Louis, MO

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Overall appeal score: 100.0 (25% greater than state average)

Cost of living index: 89.6 (vs. national average of 100)

Unemployment rate: 2.8%

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