Discover the top US cities for freelancers and digital nomads

Freelancing is booming, and cities across the U.S. are stepping up to meet the needs of independent workers. The pursuit of traditional remote jobs is slowing down, and more people are ditching the 9-to-5 grind in favor of flexibility and freedom. However, not all cities are created equal when it comes to supporting freelancers.

From fast Wi-Fi and thriving co-working spaces to low taxes and strong earning potential, some places make freelancing a whole lot more favorable. So, where should you set up shop? 

Our latest study ranks the best cities in the U.S. for freelancers based on key factors like income potential, cost of living, and community support.

Methodology

Our analysis draws on data collected from trusted public sources. We examined metrics such as download speeds, average revenue per freelance worker, self-employment tax rates, the number of co-working spaces, and overall living costs.

Each city was then assigned a freelance attractiveness score based on its performance across these criteria. This scoring system allowed us to rank the cities and provide clear recommendations.

Key Findings

City	Highlight	Score
Miami	Zero self-employment tax, nearly half its workforce freelances, and 433 co-working spaces	100
Las Vegas	High average freelance revenue at $50,056 combined with 0% income tax	87
Nashville	Super-fast internet speeds (3,317 Mbps), affordable living, and no self-employment tax	85
San Francisco	Highest average revenue per freelance worker at $51,903 in a tech-centric hub	79
Boston	Solid freelance network with nearly 20% of its workforce freelancing and 172 co-working spaces	79
Los Angeles	Largest freelance workforce paired with 805 co-working spaces	77
Austin	Top-notch co-working infrastructure with 569 spaces and affordable living costs	76
Philadelphia	Expanding freelance community, low cost of living, and 153 co-working spaces	75
Houston	Attractive for its 0% self-employment tax and low cost of living ($2,963/month)	74
Denver	A balanced mix of professional opportunities and a high quality of life	74

Miami takes the top spot with a perfect score of 100. The city’s zero self-employment tax makes it a financially perfect choice for freelancers. With 45.79% of its workforce engaged in freelance work and 433 co-working spaces to choose from, Miami offers the tools and flexibility that help independent workers 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 of 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 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, more than $20 billion. Freelancers can choose from 805 co-working spaces, more than any other city on this list, creating great opportunities for networking and growth.

Austin ranks seventh with a score of 76.11. The city leads in co-working spaces, with 569 available. With a low cost of living at $2,630 and great freelancer resources, it’s becoming a favored spot 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. Philadelphia has 153 co-working spaces and is located in a region full of business opportunities. It’s an affordable city that gives 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.

Aurimas Gudavičius from Hostinger commented on these findings: “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.”

Key Takeaways

The findings from our study demonstrate that while no single city is universally ideal for every professional, each offers distinct advantages that can enhance your lifestyle as a freelancer.

Miami leads with its favorable tax policies and a large freelance community, making it an excellent choice for those who value cost efficiency and networking opportunities.

In contrast, cities like San Francisco and Las Vegas stand out with their high revenue potential and economic opportunities, even if they come with higher living costs.

Ultimately, the right city for you will depend on your unique needs – whether you’re earning higher income, keeping living costs low, or building a strong network. By getting to know the distinct perks each city offers, freelancers can choose a place that fits both their professional goals and personal lifestyles.