The Best U.S. Cities for Freelancing: New Study Finds
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A recent study by Hostinger ranked the top ten U.S. cities as the most attractive freelance hotspots, and Miami is a leader with zero self-employment income tax and a high proportion of freelance workers.
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San Francisco offers the highest average revenue per freelance worker, making it the top city for earning potential.
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Austin stands out with the highest number of co-working spaces, which shows its strong infrastructure for freelancers seeking collaborative work environments.
A recent study by Hostinger ranked the top ten U.S. cities for freelancers based on key indicators such as internet quality, freelance income potential, cost of living, and professional resources. Data for metrics like download speed, average revenue per freelance worker, self-employment tax rates, co-working spaces, and cost of living were collected from publicly available sources. In the end, the cities were ranked based on their freelance attractiveness score.
| City | Download Speed (Mbps) | Average Monthly Price for Internet Services | Freelance Workers | Freelance Workers Rate | Total Revenue ($M) | Average Revenue per Freelance Worker ($) | Self-employed Income Tax (Highest) | Co-working Spaces | Cost of Living (with Rent) | Freelance Attractiveness Score |
| Miami | 3,499 Mbps | $83.25 | 210.8K | 45.79% | $9,613M | $45,610 | 0% | 433 | $3,888 | 100 |
| Las Vegas | 1,674 Mbps | $75.00 | 44.2K | 6.64% | $2,213M | $50,056 | 0% | 77 | $3,133 | 87.1 |
| Nashville | 3,317 Mbps | $75.00 | 55.4K | 8.07% | $2,660M | $47,980 | 0% | 110 | $2,962 | 85.44 |
| San Francisco | 4,058 Mbps | $95.00 | 160.0K | 20.30% | $8,306M | $51,903 | 13.30% | 100 | $4,038 | 79.45 |
| Boston | 1,701 Mbps | $93.60 | 128.0K | 19.79% | $5,929M | $46,328 | 5% | 172 | $4,456 | 79.03 |
| Los Angeles | 3,171 Mbps | $95.00 | 431.6K | 11.37% | $20,175M | $46,742 | 13.30% | 805 | $3,698 | 77.27 |
| Austin | 3,705 Mbps | $92.00 | 68.0K | 6.90% | $2,837M | $41,734 | 0% | 569 | $2,630 | 76.11 |
| Philadelphia | 1,682 Mbps | $84.33 | 120.5K | 7.86% | $5,295M | $43,930 | 3.07% | 153 | $2,671 | 75.09 |
| Houston | 3,667 Mbps | $92.00 | 140.0K | 6.04% | $6,213M | $44,375 | 0% | 166 | $2,963 | 74.3 |
Miami ranks first with a composite score of 100. The city’s zero self-employment tax makes it a financially attractive choice for freelancers. With nearly half of its workforce engaged in freelance work (45.79%) and 433 co-working spaces to choose from, Miami offers the tools and flexibility that independent workers need to succeed.
Las Vegas takes second place with a score of 87.10. It offers one of the highest average revenues per freelance worker at $50,056 and benefits from a 0% state income tax. Its affordability and growing freelance community make it a strong option for freelancers seeking financial stability.
Nashville ranks third with a composite score of 85.44. Freelancers benefit from no self-employment tax, fast internet speeds (3,317 Mbps), and affordable housing. The city’s freelance population continues to grow, offering some of the cheapest living costs.
San Francisco comes in fourth with a score of 79.45. Freelancers here earn more on average than in any other city, with an impressive $51,903 per worker. While the cost of living and self-employment taxes are higher, the city’s opportunities in technology and innovation make it a key hub for high-earning independent professionals.
Boston takes fifth place with a composite score of 79.03. With nearly 20% of its workforce freelancing, Boston offers a well-established network of co-working spaces at 172. The city’s professional opportunities make it a strong choice for freelancers looking to build lasting careers.
Los Angeles ranks sixth with a composite score of 77.27. It has the largest freelance workforce on the list, with 431,614 workers, and generates the highest total revenue of more than $20 billion. Freelancers also have access to 805 co-working spaces, the most of any city, offering extensive opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
Austin ranks seventh with a score of 76.11. The city leads in co-working spaces, with 569 available. Its affordable cost of living (at only $2630) and resources for freelancers make it an increasingly popular destination for independent workers.
Philadelphia ranks eighth with a composite score of 75.09. The city stands out for its relatively low cost of living and a freelance workforce that continues to expand. With 153 co-working spaces and its location in a region rich with business opportunities, Philadelphia is affordable and offers freelancers access to industries like healthcare, education, and finance.
Houston takes ninth place with a score of 74.30. The city’s zero self-employment tax and affordable living costs of 2,963 make it a strong option for freelancers. Its expanding freelance community and opportunities in industries like healthcare and energy add to its benefits.
Denver rounds out the top ten with a composite score of 73.58. Freelancers are drawn to the city for its balance of work opportunities and quality of life. With an increasing freelance population and numerous co-working spaces, Denver has become a reliable option for independent professionals.
A spokesperson from Hostinger commented on the study: “Freelancers succeed in cities that are affordable, provide strong earning potential, and accessible resources. Low taxes and abundant co-working spaces directly support independent professionals, while diverse industries create consistent opportunities for work. Cities with high income potential and manageable living costs enable freelancers to grow their careers and maintain a better quality of life. These factors make certain cities top choices for the expanding freelance workforce.”
To access the complete research, please follow this link.
story credit: https://www.hostinger.com
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
