Top 10 U.S. Cities for Young Professionals to Rent In

Phoenix is our number one pick

Updated August 28, 2024

Reviewed By Ross Martin

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Cities 1 - 3
Cities 4 - 6
Cities 7 - 10
Methodology

The U.S. Census Bureau defines young professionals as workers between 18 and 34 years old.^[1] During this stage of life, you may be wrapping up school and heading into the world of full-time employment. And where you live could impact your quality of life, both financially and socially.

The Zebra set out to find the best cities for young professionals to rent in by analyzing the 50 most populous MSAs in the U.S. using five data points:

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: The average American doesn't purchase a first home until 36 years old, so affordable rent is important for young professionals.^[2]
Number of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments: It's important to have a fulfilling social life with places to hang out and meet new people.
Percent of population between 20 and 34 years old: This data point shows how easy it may be to meet people in your age group.
Median income of non-family households: Higher earning power helps you save for your future while enjoying your life today.
Unemployment rate: Job stability is important as you begin your career and move up the ranks at work. For comparison, the national average is 4.3%.

Here are the best cities for young professionals to rent in across the United States. Because of some ties, there are actually 11.

#1: Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix ranks all-around as a top spot for young professional renters. Income is strong, with the median just under $55,000 in non-family households. While the average rent price of $1,300 is barely within the top 20 most affordable on our list, a higher income level can support the pricing. Plus, Phoenix has a relatively large population of young adults and over 1,600 entertainment spots.

Phoenix by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 1,617
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 21.4%
Median income of non-family households: $54,527
Unemployment rate: 3.5%

#2: Austin, Texas

If you're looking for an area to rent that has plenty of adults under 35, Austin is the place to be. At 24.1%, it has the largest concentration of young adults relative to the entire population. Unemployment is below the national average at 3.8%. And while rent prices are on the higher side at $1,480 per month, young professionals tend to earn more in Austin with a median non-family income of $62,000.

Austin by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,480
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 1,207
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 24.1%
Median income of non-family households: $62,002
Unemployment rate: 3.8%

#3: Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville has one of the higher rent prices in the U.S., averaging just over $1,700 for a one-bedroom. But that price tag comes with a lot of perks, including a huge population of 20 to 34 year olds and nearly 1,600 entertainment spots. Plus, unemployment is well below the national average at 3% and the median income is over $50,000 for non-family households.

Nashville by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,710
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 1,577
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 22.2%
Median income of non-family households: $51,596
Unemployment rate: 3.0%

#4: Denver, Colorado (tied)

Young adults in Denver enjoy one of the highest median incomes in all of the cities we analyzed, which comes in at just under $65,000 per year. That extra cash will come in handy, since rent prices are on the more expensive side. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,850. Unemployment is just below the national average and you'll find plenty of fun ways to spend your free time at over 1,500 arts and entertainment venues.

Denver by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,850
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 1,506
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 23.1%
Median income of non-family households: $64,984
Unemployment rate: 4%

#4: Washington, DC (tied)

Don't let apartment sticker shock deter you from Washington, DC. Although a one-bedroom apartment averages $2,330, non-family household incomes average just under $80,000. Plus, unemployment is a full 1% lower than the national average, indicating a strong jobs economy. DC also has one of the highest amounts of entertainment establishments.

Washington, DC by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,320
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 2,378
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 20.4%
Median income of non-family households: $79,582
Unemployment rate: 3.3%

#6: Boston, Massachusetts

Like DC, Boston has a high average rental rate of $2,800 per month — that's one of the highest in the U.S. But the price is tempered by a higher median income of around $64,000. So it's a little more expensive, but the good news is you'll be surrounded with plenty of people your age and nearly 2,600 fun establishments to explore. Plus, Boston's 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average.

Boston by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,800
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 2,567
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 21.6%
Median income of non-family households: $63,897
Unemployment rate: 3.8%

#7: Dallas, Texas

If you're looking for a lower rent price, Dallas has fairly average prices compared to the rest of the country, at $1,370 per month. There is also one of the largest amounts of arts and entertainment venues at your fingertips and a median income of over $52,000. The downside is that Dallas's unemployment rate is right on target with the national average: 4.3%.

Dallas by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,370
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 2,557
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 21.7%
Median income of non-family households: $52,216
Unemployment rate: 4.3%

#8: Atlanta, Georgia (tied)

Atlanta's population of 20 to 34 year olds hovers just under 21%. One-bedroom apartments are on the pricier side, averaging $1,640 per month. The good news is that incomes are high in Atlanta, as are the number of recreation venues — which ranks in the top 5 on our list. So Atlanta is a strong pick for young professionals who want to prioritize going out and having fun.

Atlanta by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,640
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 2.874
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 20.8%
Median income of non-family households: $55,233
Unemployment rate: 3.9%

#8: Salt Lake City, Utah (tied)

Salt Lake City doesn't necessarily have a booming social scene, with just over 500 arts and entertainment. But it does have one of the highest concentrations of young professionals, with 23.5% of the population fitting into this age group. Unemployment is low and a one-bedroom apartment will cost around $1,400 per month.

Salt Lake City by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,400
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 508
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 23.5%
Median income of non-family households: $55,499
Unemployment rate: 3.6%

#10: Minneapolis, Minnesota (tied)

Minneapolis balances more affordable rent with a slightly smaller population of young professionals. Expect to pay around $1,340 for a one-bedroom apartment and a median income of $54,499. Employment numbers are strong in Minneapolis, and you'll enjoy nearly 2,000 arts and recreation spots.

Minneapolis by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,340
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 1,923
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 20.1%
Median income of non-family households: $54,499
Unemployment rate: 3.7%

#10: Portland, Oregon (tied)

Portland ties with Minneapolis as one of the best cities for young professionals to rent in thanks to a decent average rental price of $1,480 per month and a relatively high median income that's just shy of $60,000. The number of entertainment venues is fairly average compared to other cities, totaling just over 1,200. And over 21% of the population is between 20 and 34 years old, offering plenty of company for young professionals.

Portland by the numbers

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,480
Number of arts, entertainment, and recreation establishments: 1,223
Population between 20 and 34 years old: 21.1%
Median income of non-family households: $59,290
Unemployment rate: 3.9%

Methodology

The Zebra pulled five data points to analyze the top 50 MSAs (by population) in the U.S. related to lifestyle and financial factors that impact young professionals.

Average rent price for a one-bedroom apartment^[3]
Number of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments^[4]
Percent of population between 20 and 34 years old^[5]
Median income of non-family households^[6]
Unemployment rate^[7]

MSA data was used where applicable, and we sometimes substituted county data as necessary.

Sources

Social Characteristics of Young Adults in 2019 and 2021. [U.S. Census Bureau]
First-Time Home Buyers: NAR 2022 Profile of Buyers and Sellers. [Virginia Realtors]
National Rent Report. [Zumper]
2017 NAICS Sector 71- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation. [U.S. Census Bureau]
City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023. [U.S. Census Bureau]
Income in the United States: 2022. [U.S Census Bureau]
Unemployment rates of metropolitan areas. [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]