Recent college graduates bound by cash: These are the 10 most affordable US cities with low unemployment rates.

• Find affordable rentals But while it may be challenging for everyone, especially for recent college alumni, they usually step into their foot with a lower paycheck. However, Realtor.com has released a 2025 list of the best markets for recent college alumni based on average rental costs, unemployment rates, commute times and a few other factors.

It feels like almost everything is becoming more expensive thanks to tariffs and inflation. Meanwhile, housing costs have been steadily increasing since the pandemic. CoreLogic.

As of May 25th, The average monthly rent in the US is $2,100according to ZillowHowever, the average salary is just above $63,000. SOFI data show. That means that some Americans spend around 40% of their income on rent each month. Recommended 30%.

This can be particularly debilitating for recent college graduates who are more likely to earn below the average US salary. In fact, a Bank of America The report showed Gen Zers is the most narrow generation By higher rent. However, there are still many affordable cities for those who have just completed their degrees. plus, Affordable prices are beginning to improve Rents are declining in some markets.

on tuesday, Realtor.com We have released a list of cities. They instilled the “ultimate alumni-friendly rental market” based on factors such as rent-to-income ratio, rental vacancy rate, number of jobs suitable for recent university graduates, unemployment rates, and average commute hours. The cities that created the list reach almost all the way from coast to coast.

“These markets are filled with a sense of energy, opportunity and community, as well as affordable areas with relatively abundant rental options. Realtor.comHe said in a statement.

Austin, Texas claimed its number one spot with a rental-to-revenue ratio of 18.9%. Also, Austin would need to complete his bachelor’s degree, but no prior experience required. Realtor.com’s Ranking It also takes into account actual employment indexes that track job openings compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to Realtor.com rankings, the top 10 cities of recent university alumni are as follows, along with their median rent.

1. Austin, Texas ($1,504)
2. Raleigh, North Carolina ($1,524)
3. Overland Park, can. ($1,351)
4. Minneapolis, mines. ($1,528)
5. St. Louis, Missouri ($1,335)
6. Richmond, VA ($1,502)
7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ($1,461)
8. Scottsdale, Arizona ($1,530)
9. Richardson, Texas ($1,472)
10. Atlanta, Georgia. ($1,604)

! function() {“strict”; window.addeventlistener( “message”, (function(a) {if(void 0!== a.data(“datawrapper-height”)) {var e = document.queryselectorall(“iframe”); r, i = 0; r = e(i); i ++) if(r.contentwindow === a.source) {var d = a.data(“datawrapper-height”)

According to Realtor.com, renters can save 7% by renting in these markets.

Still, not all of these rental markets are perfect at any standard.

“Though these cities are ranked very well overall, many still have the advantages and disadvantages that renters need to consider the trade-off between rental availability and affordability, job market strength and lifestyle access,” according to Realtor.com,

At the other end of the spectrum, Moody’s Analytical CRE was compiled last list of Most rent-hit cities Naturally, in the US, the list included New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Boston. Renters can expect to spend more than 30% on rent in those cities each month.

Furthermore, a survey conducted by the personal financial technology company Self Financial in August 2024 A typical American renter can expect to pay more than $333,000 During your time as a tenant, including invoices and additional costs. The analysis uses Zillow data to provide median monthly rent and utility per state, RentCafe data for average utility costs, and Insure.com Regarding renter insurance estimates. The survey assumes that people will start renting at age 22 and buy their first home at age 35.

However, at this point, the younger generation is the tenant. Delaying major lifestyle milestones It’s like getting married and buying a house.

“Delays in family transfer keep people as tenants for longer periods of time.” Sotheby’s International Real Estate In New York, mentioned before luck.

This story was originally introduced Fortune.com