As families across the U.S. juggle work, childcare, and daily life, finding a city that offers the right mix of affordable living, career opportunities, and family-friendly amenities isn’t an easy task. The NAHB reports that U.S. families now spend an average of 38% of their income on house payments. Meanwhile, childcare costs have surged, with the average family spending anywhere up to $15,000 annually on care for a single infant, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. These rising expenses, combined with long work hours and challenging commutes, make it difficult for families to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What if there were cities offering affordable housing, lower childcare costs, and more, helping families balance careers and home life? To answer this, we at Elevate Leadership took a data-driven approach to rank which U.S. cities can provide a better work-life balance for families.
We analyzed thousands of data points across multiple key metrics, including median family income, housing costs, commute times, transit scores, and childcare expenses, for the 100 most populous cities in America. The findings led to our 2025 Best Cities for Working Families ranking. Read on to learn which cities offer the best environments for families to thrive both at home and at work.
Top 10 Best Cities for Working Families
1. Boise, ID
Boise scores the first spot on our list as the best city for working families. With two-bedroom rentals averaging $1,490 and a median family income of $101,585, Boise offers affordable living. Commuting is a breeze, with an average work commute time of just 19 minutes, leaving more time for outdoor activities in the city’s stunning parks. Add in a strong work-life balance, low crime rate, and high walkability and bike scores, and it’s clear why Boise is an ideal spot for families.
2. Lincoln, NE
Lincoln is the second best city for working families. Commutes are short, with an average time of only 18.9 minutes, giving busy parents more flexibility and time to spend at home. And with childcare costs taking up 12.4% of household income, Lincoln makes it easier for families to stay on budget. Additionally, the city ranks highly in work-life balance, with a strong score that reflects its family-friendly atmosphere.
3. Madison, WI
Madison ranks as the third best city for working families, offering a strong economy and excellent schools. With a median family income of $114,714 and two-bedroom rentals averaging $1,880, it strikes a great balance between financial stability and quality housing. Madison also earned the highest marks in our Best Cities for Work-Life Balance study. Known for its #8 ranking in Pre-K-12 schools (by state) and low annual crime rate, Madison provides a safe, supportive environment for young families.
4. Nashville, TN
Music lovers and working families alike will find Nashville to be a city that hits the right notes. Ranked fourth on our list, the city offers a median rental price of $1,800 for a two-bedroom apartment, and average toddler daycare costs of just $8,439 per year—well below the national average. Childcare accounts for just 8.3% of household income, compared to the 12.4% average across the top 100 U.S. cities.
5. Louisville, KY
Looking for a place that offers affordable living with a touch of southern charm? Louisville is the city to consider, ranking fifth place on our list. With two-bedroom rental prices averaging $1,250, it offers excellent value for families. The city also has an average work commute time of 22.7 minutes, along with high walkability and bikeability scores of 95 and 79, respectively. Toddler daycare costs an average of $6,508 per year, the lowest of any city in our ranking.
6. St. Petersburg, FL
Ranking sixth on our list, St. Petersburg has become a favorite for families seeking a balance of career and leisure. With a median family income of $94,152 and two-bedroom rents averaging $2,070, the city offers solid financial stability. It also boasts a high park score, with 78% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of green space. Florida Pre-K-12 schools also rank in the top 10 nationally by state.
7. Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh ranks as the seventh best city for working families; and with its strong community, the city is a practical choice for working families to settle down. The city’s median family income is $98,109 and two-bedroom rental prices average $1,570. Parents also benefit from shorter work commute times (averaging 23.9) and a work-life balance score of 72.3.
8. Lexington, KY
Wondering what it’s like to move with your family to Lexington? With average rental prices of $1,320, it's a budget-friendly option for families. The city also offers short commutes, averaging just 20.7 minutes, and affordable childcare costs which account for just 8.9% of household income. This being said, Lexington’s walkability, bikeability, and transit scores are on the lower end, so a family car will be essential for getting around.
9. St. Louis, MO
St. Louis ranks as the ninth best city for working families. Two-bedroom rental prices average at $1,320 and median family incomes sit at $90,120. 17.6% of residents work from home, higher than the 17% average for the top 100 U.S. cities. 97% of residents also live within a 10-minute walk of a park, making it easy to enjoy outdoor spaces.
10. Austin, TX
Capping off our top 10 cities for working families is Austin. Known for its thriving job market and high quality of life, Austin remains a top destination for both professionals and families. With a median family income of $124,627 and affordable two-bedroom rental prices averaging $1,880, it offers financial stability alongside a vibrant community. 30.7% of residents work from home, and childcare costs make up 9.3% of household income, making it a great city for balancing work and family life.
Methodology
To calculate our rankings, we created indices for a number of metrics relevant for working families. The metrics were grouped into three categories, each with its own weighting:
Category 1: Work & Home (40%)
Housing Cost Index (10%)
This is based on the median cost for a two-bedroom rental, with data gathered from Zumper in January 2025.
Median Family Income Index (10%), Work From Home Index (5%)
The median family income index is calculated from the median income a U.S. family (ie. two or more related individuals living together) earns. Work from home index is calculated by the number of people who work from their residence. Both metrics were sourced from the latest American Community Survey (1 year estimates) via the U.S. Census Bureau.
Work Life Balance Index (10%)
This index was calculated from a previous Elevate Leadership data study, The Best Cities for Work-Life Balance in 2024, we conducted in April 2024.
Commute Travel Time Index (5%)
This is based on the average number of minutes it takes for a worker to commute to work in each city. Data comes from the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey dataset (5 year estimates).
Category 2: Childcare (35%)
Toddler Daycare Cost Index (10%), Childcare cost as % of Income Index (10%)
The toddler daycare cost index is calculated by the median yearly price in 2024 of toddler center-based daycares. The childcare cost as a percentage of income index is the childcare price as a share of median family income. Both metrics were sourced from the Women’s Bureau - Department of Labor.
Pre-K-12 Ranking Index (10%)
U.S. News & World Report’s Pre-K-12 rankings measure state performance in education from early childhood through high school.
Nanny Salary Index (5%)
This index was derived from the average annual salary of a full-time nanny in 2024, with data sourced from Ziprecruiter.
Category 3: Environment (25%)
Walk Index (5%), Transit Index (5%), Bike Index (5%)
To gauge both the walkability, ease of transit, and bike friendliness of each city, Walkscore data was gathered in January 2025.
Park Score Index (5%)
Trust for Public Land’s city ParkScore ratings were measured across 5 categories: acreage, investment, amenities, access, and equity.
Crime Rate Index (5%)
This is based on the number of violent and property crimes committed per 1,000 residents by city. Data was sourced from Neighborhood Scout, reflecting the 2023 calendar year.
