When choosing the best city to move to, expats analyze many factors: cost of living, employment prospects, crime rate, development of education and health care systems, extensive transport network, weather conditions and much more. However, the most significant factor is the quality of life and the general level of happiness of the residents.

In which cities in the USA will an expat be as comfortable as possible? Top 10 best cities for quality of life in 2024 and beyond.

10th place - Trenton, New Jersey

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.3

- Average annual salary: $71,600

- Average home value: $344,842

Trenton is known as one of the most affordable cities in the list of the best places to live in the USA. The average cost of buying a house here is lower than in the whole country. The advantages of the city include the presence of the large park Mercer Meadows with an area of 650 hectares, numerous wineries, vineyards and breweries. Trenton scores highly for economic well-being, quality of education, and health care.

9th place - Rochester, New York

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.3

- Average annual salary: $56,830

- Median home value: $195,508

Rochester is famous for its history, in particular, many important figures lived here - public figure Susan B. Anthony and writer Frederick Douglass.

Today's Rochester residents take an active part in the city's many recreational activities, including water sports on Lake Ontario, skiing at nearby Bristol Mountain, and fun at the local Seabreeze Park.

Because of its low cost of living and top-notch schools, Rochester is a great place to move a family. About a quarter of the population here is under 20 years old.

8th place - Hartford, Connecticut

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.3

- Average annual salary: $67,140

- Average home value: $347,842

Many companies work in the capital of Connecticut, which promotes the employment of expats. In your free time, you can relax in one of the bustling restaurants of the city, visit the Bushnell Theater, which regularly brings Broadway shows to the city, as well as the Mark Twain House Museum - a favorite city of literature lovers.

Also, Hartford has an established public transport system, which consists of buses and trains. There are several good budget schools in the city.

7th place - Green Bay, Wisconsin

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.3

- Average annual salary: $51,510

- Median home value: $278,558

Football is an important part of life for the residents of Green Bay. When the season ends, people enjoy art, entertainment and walks in the local park.

The city has a low level of crime and natural disasters, as well as relatively high air quality.

In terms of employment, Green Bay is home to many large employers in the healthcare and insurance industries, as well as transportation and logistics businesses.

6th place - Boston

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.3

- Average annual salary: $76,850

- Average home value: $716,746

Located in the northeastern United States of America, Boston is the capital and largest city of the state of Massachusetts. It is quite compact for a big city, despite the fact that Boston has 23 districts. An excellent public transport system serves each of them and contributes to the comfortable life of residents.

Boston is one of the historic cities of the USA, which combines many fascinating cultural events. Performances by the Boston Pop Orchestra and walks along the Freedom Trail are especially popular with expats. In 2024, two Boston chefs were nominated for a James Beard Award, so the city is also the culinary center of the United States.

5th place - Portland, Maine

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.4

- Average annual salary: $57,060

- Median home value: $501,164

Portland is a great place to move to because of its many jobs, high quality of life and fantastic nature.

Entertainment in Portland is represented by exciting music events and nightlife. Also, Portland is often called "The Greenest City in America" and is even mentioned as one of the greenest cities in the world. For this reason, Portlanders spend most of their free time outdoors.

Disadvantages include the high cost of living, which is steadily rising, leaving the city at a crossroads as to how to create more affordable housing while maintaining Portland's small-town feel.

4th place - San Jose, California

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.4

- Average annual salary: $99,430

- Median home value: $1,524,907

San Jose, known as the capital of Silicon Valley, is the best city for those who want to break into the world of technology and innovation. The cost of living here is high, but the close proximity to the ocean and the Sierra Nevada mountain range improves its quality. The climate here is mild. Many shops and high-class restaurants, historical monuments and isolated forest areas are located both within the city and near it.

3rd place - Madison, Wisconsin

- Assessment of quality of life: 7.4

- Average annual salary: $59,510

- Average home value: $398,096

World-class technology businesses, a thriving healthcare system, and restaurants are what make Madison a great place to live.

It also has its own special cuisine based on local cheeseries and breweries. The city's lakes and bike paths also make Madison a great place to live during the warmer months.

However, the cost of living here is higher than the US average. The average monthly rent for an apartment in the capital of Wisconsin is $1,143.

2nd place - Boulder, Colorado

- Quality of life rating: 7.7

- Average annual salary: $73,360

- Median home value: $881,147

Boulder boasts more than 60 parks and 250 kilometers of hiking trails, a must for nature lovers. Downtown is also full of restaurants, cafes and bars, and the open-air Pearl Street Mall is a popular shopping destination.

Boulder regularly tops the rankings of the most educated cities in the United States of America. According to the Boulder Economic Council, more than 75% of adults 25 and older living in Boulder have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Although Boulder is an affluent city with a higher than average cost of living, residents earn about 26% above the US median wage, which allows them to afford these higher costs.

1st place - Ann Arbor, Michigan

- Quality of life rating: 7.9

- Average annual salary: $61,010

- Median home value: $405,142

The city of Ann Arbory combines the atmosphere of a small town with the advantages of a big city. It is also known for the fact that the University of Michigan is located here.

According to US News & World Report, more than 90% of Ann Arbor residents live less than a 10-minute walk from a public park, giving them access to hiking and kayaking. The city center is full of shops and restaurants, as well as craft breweries and distilleries.

Ann Arbor is also known for its excellent education system in public schools and a high level of development of the health care system.

Changing your place of residence is not an easy step, however, if you choose a good city, you can not only get career prospects, but also improve the quality of your own life.