United States, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A recent analysis by Upgraded Points uncovers the most and least affordable U.S. cities for recent college graduates. Tucson, Arizona leads as the top affordable metro area, while cities like San Diego and New York present significant financial challenges for new graduates. This study highlights the financial struggles young professionals face amid a competitive job market and economic uncertainty.
U.S. Cities Ranked for Affordability for Recent Graduates
A new analysis by Upgraded Points has revealed the most and least affordable metropolitan areas in the United States for recent college graduates. The study is particularly relevant as it assesses the financial challenges faced by those entering a competitive job market. The analysis compares median incomes for individuals aged 22 to 27 with a bachelor’s degree or higher against living costs derived from the Economic Policy Institute, shedding light on where new graduates can find financial security and where they may struggle.
The current job market is especially challenging for the class of 2025, primarily due to economic uncertainty and a decline in white-collar hiring. Unemployment rates for college-educated young men have reportedly risen to levels comparable to those without degrees, raising concerns about job placements for newly graduated individuals. There is also a noticeable decrease in college enrollment among Gen Z, with many questioning the value of a substantial financial investment in a college education.
Top Affordable Cities
The analysis identified Tucson, Arizona, as the most affordable large metro area for recent graduates, boasting a median annual income of $61,770. This income exceeds basic living expenses by $19,260, providing graduates with a favorable financial outlook. Following Tucson is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the median income stands at $45,770, allowing graduates to surpass living costs by $18,590.
Houston, Texas, ranks third, with a median income of $46,760, resulting in a surplus of $15,760 over living expenses. Other cities making the top ten list include:
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Detroit, Michigan
- San Antonio, Texas
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Rochester, New York
- San Francisco, California
San Francisco, known for its high earnings, has a median income of $82,360, but the city’s high living costs still challenge many graduates financially.
Least Affordable Cities
On the contrary, some cities pose significant challenges for recent graduates, classified as the least affordable. San Diego, California, while offering a median salary of approximately $61,000, leaves graduates with a shortfall of $9,640 against essential living costs. New York City graduates, earning an average of $63,830, also face a near $5,000 deficit in meeting living expenses.
Other cities noted for their lack of affordability include Riverside, California and Orlando, Florida. This trend highlights the broader issue of high living costs in metropolitan areas, particularly in states such as California and New York.
State-Level Patterns
The report further outlines affordability trends at the state level. High-cost states like California and New York tend to rank low in affordability for recent graduates, while states in the Midwest, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain regions are generally more favorable. Wyoming, for instance, demonstrates an excess in income over expenses amounting to $15,000 while also showing favorable statistics for recent graduates in states like Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Nevada.
Analytical Data Sources
This analysis leverages data from the Economic Policy Institute’s 2025 Family Budget Calculator alongside U.S. Census Bureau statistics to gauge income and living expenses comprehensively. Only metropolitan areas that provided complete data, with a relative standard error below 10%, were included to ensure the quality of the results.
FAQ
What is the focus of the analysis by Upgraded Points?
The analysis focuses on determining the affordability of various U.S. metropolitan areas for recent college graduates, comparing their salaries against living costs.
Who are considered recent college graduates in this study?
Recent college graduates are defined as individuals aged 22 to 27 who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and are employed full-time.
Which cities are noted as the most affordable for recent graduates?
The most affordable cities include Tucson, Milwaukee, and Houston, with Tucson noted for having the highest surplus income over living costs.
Which cities are the least affordable according to the study?
San Diego, New York City, Riverside, and Orlando are cited as the least affordable metros for recent graduates.
| City | Median Income | Living Costs Surplus |
|---|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | $61,770 | $19,260 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $45,770 | $18,590 |
| Houston, TX | $46,760 | $15,760 |
| San Diego, CA | $61,000 | – $9,640 |
| New York City | $63,830 | – $5,000 |
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Additional Resources
- KGUN9: Monsoon Weekend Thunderstorms
- Wikipedia: Monsoon
- KVOA: Thunderstorm Cuts Power
- Google Search: Thunderstorm Tucson
- Tucson.com: Local News
- Google Scholar: Tucson Weather
- KOLD: First Alert Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Travel and Tour World: Arizona Travel Alert
- Google News: Arizona Weather
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