Gary Dolch
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The Best Big Cities to Live in 2025
Ever wondered what the most popular destinations are in the U.S. for people interested in relocating to a new city? U.S. News examined the top city-to-city migration paths to uncover where people are moving from—and where they’re going. Using internet search data for moves from origin to destination in the first half of 2025, the analysis identified the top 50 migration paths for Americans seeking a new home base.
This report explores the factors driving relocation to different cities and regions across the country- weighing factors like housing affordability, income, commute times, and overall quality of life- as well as the appeal behind today’s most sought-after destinations.
Oklahoma City, OK claimed the #1 spot with an overall score of 6.2, thanks to a median home value under $231,000, a quick 21-minute commute, and a growing economy that blends affordability with opportunity.
Close behind is El Paso, TX (#2), celebrated for its low housing costs and welcoming community, and Austin, TX (#3), where a booming job market and vibrant cultural scene continue to draw newcomers despite higher real estate prices.
Fort Worth, TX (#4) and Nashville, TN (#5) round out the top five, each combining strong economies, rich cultural amenities, and home prices that remain competitive compared to many coastal markets.
The top ten also include San Antonio, TX (#6), Jacksonville, FL (#7), Charlotte, NC (#8), Mesa, AZ (#9), and Houston, TX (#10)—cities offering a balance of economic opportunity, lifestyle appeal, and reasonable housing costs.
Beyond the top ten, notable mentions include Columbus, OH (#11) and Indianapolis, IN (#14), both offering affordability and growing job markets; Seattle, WA (#12) and San Diego, CA (#15), known for their high quality of life despite steep housing costs; and San Francisco, CA (#20), which pairs unmatched cultural energy with one of the nation’s highest median incomes.
Finally, Boston, MA earns the #25 spot with an overall score of 4.9. While the city has a higher median home value ($694,238) and longer average commute (29 minutes), it offers exceptional career opportunities, world-class education, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a perennial favorite for those seeking big-city living in the Northeast.
Whether you’re looking for low-cost living, booming job markets, or access to world-class amenities, the 2025 list highlights big cities across the country that deliver on both lifestyle and opportunity.
Best Big Cities to Live in 2025
| Rank | City, State | Population | Median Home Value | Median Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City, OK | 713,207 | $230,952 | $825 |
| 2 | El Paso, TX | 666,841 | $175,800 | $833 |
| 3 | Austin, TX | 997,670 | $584,446 | $1,466 |
| 4 | Fort Worth, TX | 982,203 | $297,803 | $1,199 |
| 5 | Nashville, TN | 690,085 | $435,628 | $1,316 |
| 6 | San Antonio, TX | 1,467,811 | $241,733 | $1,058 |
| 7 | Jacksonville, FL | 990,505 | $302,616 | $1,241 |
| 8 | Charlotte, NC | 920,072 | $397,862 | $1,339 |
| 9 | Mesa, AZ | 530,240 | $427,074 | $1,389 |
| 10 | Houston, TX | 2,417,482 | $276,828 | $1,106 |
| 11 | Columbus, OH | 914,262 | $255,115 | $999 |
| 12 | Seattle, WA | 770,828 | $923,623 | $1,800 |
| 13 | Dallas, TX | 1,329,426 | $337,445 | $1,257 |
| 14 | Indianapolis, IN | 886,156 | $222,268 | $856 |
| 15 | San Diego, CA | 1,396,734 | $885,517 | $1,943 |
| 16 | Phoenix, AZ | 1,643,301 | $456,730 | $1,392 |
| 17 | Portland, OR | 642,884 | $565,836 | $1,371 |
| 18 | Atlanta, GA | 519,887 | $456,009 | $1,492 |
| 19 | Sacramento, CA | 533,952 | $525,833 | $1,499 |
| 20 | San Francisco, CA | 813,200 | $1,389,227 | $2,223 |
| 21 | Kansas City, MO | 521,120 | $250,887 | $936 |
| 22 | Tucson, AZ | 548,153 | $275,701 | $932 |
| 23 | Albuquerque, NM | 561,541 | $285,258 | $896 |
| 24 | San Jose, CA | 968,732 | $1,294,556 | $2,338 |
| 25 | Boston, MA | 654,603 | $694,238 | $1,810 |