Finding the best city as a nurse isn’t just about salary—it’s also about what’s left after taxes, mortgage payments, and living expenses. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 U.S. cities for nurses, ranked by the amount of money you’d have left over annually if you owned a home there. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious about your options, this list has you covered.
1. Vallejo, California
Vallejo offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the country, paired with a reasonable cost of living, making it an excellent choice for financial stability. Nurses in Vallejo benefit from a median annual salary of $164,960, resulting in a net annual salary of $109,594. While owning a home leaves $59,746 annually after mortgage payments, renting, at an average annual cost of $25,200, allows for a higher leftover of $84,394, offering financial flexibility. While the city has moderate safety concerns, especially in certain neighborhoods, it also offers a strong community environment and proximity to recreational areas, making it a viable option for families with thoughtful planning.
- Median Annual Salary: $164,960
- Net Annual Salary: $109,594
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $59,746
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,979
2. Flint, Michigan
Flint offers nurses the benefit of low housing costs paired with decent wages, resulting in significant savings for those who own homes, with $59,008 left annually after mortgage payments. Renting is also highly affordable, averaging $11,400 annually, which leaves nurses with $53,176—a slightly lower but still substantial amount. However, Flint faces significant safety challenges due to high crime rates, making it less ideal for families in certain areas. Despite this, affordable housing and supportive communities in safer neighborhoods provide opportunities for those willing to research their options carefully.
- Median Annual Salary: $86,210
- Net Annual Salary: $64,576
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $59,008
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,917
3. Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks offers competitive salaries and affordable housing, alongside Alaska’s stunning natural beauty. Nurses in this city benefit from a median annual salary of $107,880, which translates to a net annual salary of $83,855. Owning a home leaves $57,779 annually after mortgage payments, while renting, at an average annual cost of $20,400, provides a higher leftover of $63,455, offering more financial flexibility. The city is generally considered safe enough for families, with a supportive community and access to outdoor activities. However, the harsh winters and remote location can be drawbacks for some families considering a move.
- Median Annual Salary: $107,880
- Net Annual Salary: $83,855
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $57,779
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,815
4. Redding, California
Redding offers nurses high salaries and a relatively affordable cost of living amid the natural beauty of Northern California. With a median annual salary of $135,220, nurses have a net annual salary of $92,309. Owning a home leaves $56,273 annually, equating to a true net monthly salary of $4,689, while renting costs an average of $18,912 annually, leaving $73,397—a significant financial advantage. The city is generally safe for families, with access to outdoor activities and a slower pace of life. However, it’s worth noting that some neighborhoods may require careful research due to varying safety levels.
- Median Annual Salary: $135,220
- Net Annual Salary: $92,309
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $56,273
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,689
5. Reno, Nevada
Reno combines strong nursing wages with no state income tax, making it financially appealing. Owning a home leaves $55,105 annually, while renting costs an average of $22,800 per year, leaving nurses with $45,361—a significant reduction compared to owning. Reno’s community environment includes access to outdoor recreation and entertainment, but its moderate safety concerns may raise questions for families. Despite this, many neighborhoods offer safe and welcoming environments, making it a balanced option for those seeking affordability and lifestyle.
- Median Annual Salary: $85,290
- Net Annual Salary: $68,161
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $55,105
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,592
6. Detroit, Michigan
Affordable housing and decent pay make Detroit a solid option for nurses looking to save. Nurses in the city can expect to have $53,333 left over annually if owning a home, translating to a true net monthly salary of $4,444. Renting, on the other hand, costs an average of $14,400 annually, leaving nurses with $45,761—slightly less than owning but with more flexibility. While Detroit has a reputation for high crime rates, revitalized neighborhoods are emerging as safer options, creating opportunities for families who prioritize location.
- Median Annual Salary: $81,050
- Net Annual Salary: $60,161
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $53,333
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,444
7. Port Arthur, Texas
Port Arthur offers affordable living paired with competitive salaries in the Lone Star State. Nurses in this city benefit from a median annual salary of $78,630, translating to a net annual salary of $63,476. Owning a home leaves $53,012 annually, equating to a true net monthly salary of $4,418. Renting, on the other hand, costs an average of $13,548 annually, leaving nurses with $49,928—providing a slight edge in financial flexibility compared to owning. Port Arthur is considered safe enough for families, with a strong sense of community and access to quality schools, enhancing its appeal despite occasional challenges in specific areas.
- Median Annual Salary: $78,630
- Net Annual Salary: $63,476
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $53,012
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,418
8. Fairfield, California
Fairfield boasts high salaries and a central location, making it ideal for work-life balance. Nurses in Fairfield enjoy a median annual salary of $164,960, translating to a net annual salary of $109,594. However, the high cost of homeownership, with a monthly mortgage payment of $4,748, leaves $52,618 annually—one of the lower amounts on this list. Renting, at an average annual cost of $28,980, offers more flexibility and leaves nurses with $80,614 annually, significantly higher than owning. Fairfield is considered safe for raising a family, with excellent schools and access to parks and recreational activities, enhancing its appeal.
- Median Annual Salary: $164,960
- Net Annual Salary: $109,594
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $52,618
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,385
9. Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford offers strong salaries and moderate living costs in a vibrant New England setting. Nurses in Hartford benefit from a median annual salary of $92,690 and a net annual salary of $68,874. If owning, they have $51,846 left annually, translating to a true net monthly salary of $4,321. Renting costs average $18,000 annually, leaving $50,874, which is slightly less but provides flexibility without the commitment of homeownership. Hartford is considered family-friendly, with a strong educational system and a range of activities that make it a suitable environment for raising children.
- Median Annual Salary: $92,690
- Net Annual Salary: $68,874
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $51,846
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,321
10. Yuba City, California
Yuba City provides a balance of strong earnings and a low cost of living, making it an excellent choice for nurses. With a median annual salary of $134,930 and annual rent costs averaging $22,200, nurses in Yuba City can expect to have $69,941 left over annually if renting. This is notably higher than the $51,293 left over if owning, offering a compelling financial advantage for those who choose to rent. The city is widely regarded as family-friendly, with excellent schools and ample recreational spaces, further enhancing its attractiveness for those raising children.
- Median Annual Salary: $134,930
- Net Annual Salary: $92,141
- Left Over Annually (Owning): $51,293
- True Net Monthly Salary (Owning): $4,274
Conclusion
Choosing the right city as a nurse can significantly impact your financial health and overall quality of life. These top 10 cities offer a balance of competitive salaries and reasonable living costs, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally. If you’re considering a move, these cities deserve a closer look!