One-income housing
Test rent and utilities against one take-home income.
← All Top 5 listsTOP 5 · SINGLE HOUSEHOLDS · UPDATED JULY 2026
5 states and cities to research for singles
Compare jobs, one-income rent pressure, transportation, social scale and activities—not only cost of living. This focused Top 5 edition narrows the research to five practical starting points and keeps the eligibility, cost and location tradeoffs visible.
YOUR CHECKLIST
What’s worth comparing first?
Your family, budget, and daily life come first. One great statewide number can’t make the whole decision for you.
Job depth
Several employers reduce relocation risk.
Car dependence
Add payment, insurance, parking and fuel.
Community fit
Clubs, arts, sports and professional networks matter.
A GOOD PLACE TO START
States and cities worth a closer look.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all ranking. We’ll show you what looks promising—and what you should double-check.
01IL
BEST FOR · big-city amenities
Illinois
Chicago
Why investigate
Large job market, neighborhoods and transit.
Verify first
State cost profile →Taxes, winter and rent variation.
02PA
BEST FOR · urban choice at two scales
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia · Pittsburgh
Why investigate
Universities, health care and culture.
Verify first
State cost profile →Local wage tax and housing condition.
03NC
BEST FOR · career-focused movers
North Carolina
Raleigh · Charlotte · Durham
Why investigate
Growing job corridors and lower state price level.
Verify first
State cost profile →Car dependence and changing rents.
04TX
BEST FOR · large job markets
Texas
Austin · Dallas · Houston
Why investigate
Several large employment centers.
Verify first
State cost profile →Car costs, heat, insurance and rent.
05CO
BEST FOR · outdoor lifestyle
Colorado
Denver · Fort Collins
Why investigate
Activity networks and Front Range employment.
Verify first
State cost profile →Housing and altitude/climate fit.
MAKE IT YOURS
Now turn the shortlist into your decision.
- Pick three exact cities.State averages are too broad.
- Build an after-tax budget.Add housing, care, transport, utilities and health.
- Verify eligibility and boundaries.Confirm directly with the agency or school.
- Visit like a resident.Test ordinary commutes and errands.
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING
Let’s answer the big moving questions.
Best affordable big city?
Chicago, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are useful starting points; salary and exact rent decide.
Are college towns good after graduation?
Yes if jobs extend beyond the university.
Avoid car-dependent cities?
Not automatically—compare the complete vehicle cost.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Check the current data yourself.
Programs, laws and costs change. Follow the source before a financial or enrollment decision.