Top 10 Cities for College Graduates in 2025: Discover Affordable Opportunities

Top Cities for College Graduates: Overview

The quest for affordable housing and job opportunities drives many graduates to seek the ideal city to launch their careers. Austin, Texas has claimed the top spot for the second consecutive year, offering a compelling combination of affordability and job prospects.

Methodology of Selection

Realtor.com evaluated over 300 cities based on housing affordability, rental availability, and job opportunities specifically geared towards recent college graduates. The findings reflect a promising outlook for newcomers entering the workforce in 2025.

Top 10 Cities in Detail

• 1. Austin, Texas - Median Rent: $1,504; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 18.9%; Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
• 2. Raleigh, N.C. - Median Rent: $1,524; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.0%; Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
• 3. Overland Park, Kan. - Median Rent: $1,351; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.6%; Unemployment Rate: 4.2%
• 4. Minneapolis - Median Rent: $1,528; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 19.7%; Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• 5. St. Louis - Median Rent: $1,335; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 20.8%; Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
• 6. Richmond, Va. - Median Rent: $1,502; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 23.2%; Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
• 7. Pittsburgh - Median Rent: $1,461; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.3%; Unemployment Rate: 4.1%
• 8. Scottsdale, Ariz. - Median Rent: $1,530; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.5%; Unemployment Rate: 3.7%
• 9. Richardson, Texas - Median Rent: $1,472; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 22.4%; Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
• 10. Atlanta - Median Rent: $1,604; Rent-to-Income Ratio: 24.1%; Unemployment Rate: 4.1%

Future Employment Landscape

As the Class of 2025 approaches graduation, the job market remains challenging yet offers diverse opportunities across these cities. On average, graduates can expect to spend only 21.5% of their income on rent, presenting a financially feasible transition into the job force.