San Diego recognized as a top city for college graduates in 2026

Best Cities for Recent Graduates: San Diego Ranks 8th

In a recent ranking, California’s two biggest cities missed out on a list of ideal locations for new graduates to kickstart their careers. However, San Diego, a city in Southern California, made a noteworthy appearance in the rankings.

San Diego secured the 8th position in the Annual Glassdoor and Redfin Listings, which evaluated various cities based on 13 factors such as housing affordability, job prospects, and overall quality of life.

Interestingly, Los Angeles and San Francisco were not included in the rankings.

The analysis pointed out that this omission stems from the “rising cost of living” in these areas. This financial strain is a barrier for young professionals in the priciest metro regions, including New York City, which also received a low evaluation and was taken off the list.

Yet, San Diego isn’t without its challenges; the city is known for its high housing costs. Starter homes average around $615,000, making it tough for young people to settle down. Many are projected to spend about 65% of their earnings on mortgage payments alone.

Last week, a report highlighted that some San Diego residents have been forced to rent in Tijuana—a significantly cheaper option—while commuting to work back in the U.S.

Despite these hurdles, San Diego boasts a starting median income of $74,053, a thriving job market, and appealing living conditions, which the report suggests “has much more to offer.”

The top spot in the ranking went to Washington, D.C., where recent graduates can expect average earnings nearing $80,000 and starter homes priced around $320,000. Boston followed closely in third, with the highest starting salary reported at $80,026, although renters there still end up spending over 53% of their income on housing.

Texas cities dominated the top 10, with Dallas (4th), Houston (6th), and Austin (10th) benefiting from affordable housing and strong job growth. In fact, Austin has the most robust labor market among the listed cities, with wages currently outpacing home prices.

This ranking was based on a survey conducted from February 9 to February 11, 2026, gathering insights from over 1,800 U.S. professionals.

The report encourages new graduates to “cast a wide net” and consider their priorities before settling down, especially when faced with a $615,000 starter home and the prospect of living on instant noodles for a decade.