The Best Places to Live in the US
The best places to live in the US each have their own distinct personality. From low-key cities on the California coast and friendly Midwestern metropolises to glamorous beach enclaves in Florida and cultural hubs on the East Coast, the possibilities are seemingly endless.
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But with hundreds of cities and towns stretching from sea to shining sea, how can US travelers and residents begin to narrow them down? If you’re considering your next move, The Economist Group’s research division has calculated the best places to live in the US as part of its Global Liveability Index, an annual ranking that quantifies some of the metrics that contribute to a place’s overall quality of life.
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Methodology
The new study from the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks 173 cities across 30 indicators in five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Each city is then given a weighted score out of 100.
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Although no US cities made it onto the global top 10 list of best places to live, American cities made a strong showing within the top 50 around the world. In fact, all of the top 10 US cities are ranked among the worldwide 50 best places to live.
Top 10 US Cities
“Smaller American cities continue to be the best places to live in the US,” says EIU’s report. Every US city in the index had a score above 80 points, “placing them in the highest livebility tier and in the top half of the global rankings overall,” the report says.
Despite receiving high marks for infrastructure, culture, and environment, US cities on the whole have categories where they could see improvement, according to EIU. “Structural challenges persist across US cities, including weak gun-control laws and the high cost of healthcare, which continue to weigh on overall scores,” the report says.
Ranking the Best Places to Live in the US
Here are the 10 best places to live in the US in 2026, according to the Global Liveability Index:
10. Minneapolis
Minneapolis earned a stability score of 90, despite recent waves of unrest and violence due to ICE’s presence. Solid marks for infrastructure and culture and environment helped the city secure a place in the top 10.
With its diverse and exciting dining scene, residents are a stone’s throw from authentic Nepalese, top-notch birria, and Hmong specialties. Then there are the world-class cultural institutions that range from Prince’s Paisley Park to the Frank Gehry-designed Weisman Art Museum and the American Swedish Institute, home to Swedish bakery Fika Café.
9. San Francisco
San Francisco slightly edges out Minneapolis for the ninth best place to live in the US. Although it’s one of the most expensive US cities, San Francisco draws thousands of new residents every year for its bustling tech scene, experimental dining, outstanding cultural institutions, and spectacular Northern California nature just outside the city.
The city’s original eclectic spirit is alive and well in the creative Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, where colorful Victorian architecture houses independent bookstores, record shops, cafes, and cocktail bars.
8. Miami
Miami is a dream destination for many Americans, and with its sunny climate, powder-soft urban beaches, and energetic nightlife, who could blame them? EIU’s rankings reflect Magic City’s wide appeal, giving it eighth on the US list and 44th on the global index.
Over the decades, Miami’s allure has only grown as new neighborhoods like Wynwood, Brickell, and the city’s Design District have been revitalized, expanding the vibrant dining and arts scenes outside of South Beach.
7. Boston
Boston might have a reputation for being just a college town, but residents know that the city has much more to offer. With a stability score of 85, Boston earns its place as the seventh best place to live in the US.
Its diverse cultural institutions, world-class education, and exceptional healthcare make Boston a top destination for those seeking a high quality of life.
Infrastructure-wise, Boston is a model city, with a score of 96.4, making it one of the best places to live in the US.
• Minneapolis: 90.2
• San Francisco: 90.3
• Miami: 90.4
• Boston: 90.5
And the rest of the top 10 list includes:
• Seattle: 90.6
• Denver: 90.7
• Portland: 90.8
• Austin: 90.9
• Washington, D.C.: 91.0
These cities have proven themselves to be among the most livable in the US, with high scores in stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure.
