Best cities for international workers
Ranked across 6 dimensions · Employment, income, green card, transit, community, weather
How rankings work: Each city is scored 1-5 across 6 dimensions based on H1B/PERM data, cost of living, Walk Score, and community size. Rankings reflect the perspective of international job seekers, not general livability.
💼 Jobs💰 Income🟢 Green Card🚇 Transit🏘️ Community☀️ Weather
#1
SeattleWA
IT / Cloud25/30A
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#2
AustinTX
IT / Semiconductor / EV20/30A-
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#3
SF / Bay AreaCA
Big Tech / AI / Startup25/30A-
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#4
BostonMA
Biotech / Consulting20/30A-
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#5
Washington DCDC
Gov IT / Consulting22/30B+
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#6
DallasTX
Finance / Telecom20/30B+
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#7
Raleigh-DurhamNC
IT Research / Gaming19/30B+
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#8
ChicagoIL
Consulting / Finance20/30B+
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#9
New York CityNY
Finance / IB / Consulting22/30B+
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#10
Los AngelesCA
Entertainment / Gaming21/30B+
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#11
AtlantaGA
Fortune 500 HQs20/30B+
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#12
HoustonTX
Energy / Healthcare18/30B
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#13
PhoenixAZ
Semiconductor / Finance15/30B-
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#14
CharlotteNC
Finance / Banking16/30B
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#15
DetroitMI
Automotive / EV16/30B
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#16
MinneapolisMN
Medical Devices / Retail15/30B
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#17
DenverCO
Outdoor + Tech15/30B
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#18
MiamiFL
Finance / Accounting17/30B
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#19
PortlandOR
Nike / Intel15/30B-
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Scores based on H1B LCA FY2024-2025, PERM FY2021-2024, Walk Score 2024, U.S. Census ACS 2023. Rankings reflect international worker perspective — not general livability rankings.