You’ve probably heard about single adults being doomed to overpriced studio apartments and perpetual financial stress. Thankfully, some U.S. cities still accommodate solo flyers with ease. Based on WalletHub’s 2025 analysis, we’ve gathered data on cities that offer a strong balance of affordability, quality of life, and career prospects. So, here are the top ten cities that actually work for solo living.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis tops the list as America’s most budget-friendly major city. With median home prices at just $255,200 and plenty of affordable rentals, it’s a financial win. Despite having over 100,000 residents, Indianapolis has the lowest income requirement for comfortable living among all major cities.
Tulsa, OK
Looking for a city that won’t drain your wallet? Tulsa delivers. One-bedroom apartments average $900, leaving room for fun. This city surprises with the Philbrook Museum of Art, a former oil baron’s Italian Renaissance villa turned museum with lush gardens and world-class collections. Affordable living and cultural richness go hand in hand here.
Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City strikes a perfect balance between income and housing. The median home price of $218,500 and a $67,000 median income mean that small rentals around $1,000 are manageable. Plus, the 3.3 price-to-income ratio shows that homeownership here is within reach for many singles.
San Antonio, TX
Your dollar stretches beautifully in San Antonio, where a $63,500 median income feels comfortable for singles. You’ll live near the historic UNESCO World Heritage Alamo while enjoying modern fun along the River Walk. Additionally, with home prices of about $295,000, buying a place won’t completely break the budget.
Albuquerque, NM
Singles find Albuquerque refreshingly affordable without sacrificing quality of life. At $284,000 for homes and $1,100 for apartments, your budget breathes easy. The dramatic mountain backdrop and world-famous balloon festival prove you don’t need expensive cities for rich experiences.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson nails the desert living formula perfectly. One-bedroom apartments cost $1,065 monthly, which works with local median incomes. You get stunning desert scenery, reasonable housing costs, and incredible, authentic Mexican-American cuisine. It’s desert life done right.
Winston-Salem, NC
In Winston-Salem, cost and culture walk hand in hand. Singles can rent apartments for about $1,065 or aim for homeownership with $285,700 listings. But what makes it special is Old Salem—an 18th-century village located inside a modern city that still calls itself the “City of Arts and Innovation.”
Des Moines, IA
Single adults thrive in Des Moines thanks to the reasonable $1,065 average rent for one-bedroom apartments. Beyond that, the city features a median household income of $80,060, plus a favorable 3.6 price-to-income ratio. Home prices remain steady at $285,700.
Boise, ID
For western living, Boise’s $410,000 median home prices actually represent solid value. That $74,000 household income goes surprisingly far in Boise—nicknamed the “City of Trees” for its tree-lined streets and green spaces. Outdoor adventures are endless, and living costs stay reasonable. It’s a magnet for singles prioritizing financial stability over flashy city life.
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville delivers serious value with $282,953 median home prices and $1,051 monthly rent. Unlike other tech cities, housing costs haven’t skyrocketed here. Plus, Alabama’s ultra-low property taxes mean more money stays in your pocket—perfect for singles building wealth.
