Starting out after college is harder than it looks. Unemployment among new grads sits at 5.6%, housing costs are brutal, and the competition for entry-level jobs is stiffer than it's been in years.
But location changes the math significantly.
A new report from Glassdoor and Redfin finds that Washington D.C., Omaha, and Boston offer the best combination of entry-level job openings, pay, and housing costs among large cities. For midsize metros, New Orleans, Palm Bay (FL), and Wichita top the list. Among smaller cities, Springfield (IL), Santa Fe, and Panama City (FL) lead the way.
The rankings weighed early-career salaries, starter home prices, time needed to save for a down payment, and what rent or a mortgage actually costs as a share of take-home pay. No city is cheap — most still push past the recommended 30% income threshold for housing — but the gaps between markets are significant.
New York scores well on quality of life but poorly on job opportunity and affordability. Los Angeles finishes last on housing affordability outright.
The practical takeaway: be willing to go where the work is, at least early on. A data analytics role at a hospital system in a midsize city isn't glamorous, but it builds a resume. From there, cast wider than your degree's obvious lane — tech skills are needed in healthcare, finance, and logistics, not just at software companies.
When applying to unfamiliar cities, lean on alumni networks, faculty contacts, and even cold outreach. A tailored application with concrete examples of your skills will outperform 50 generic ones every time.
Your first job doesn't have to be the dream. It just has to be the next step.