At the end of a night shift in Boston, Elena Morales pulled off her mask and stepped into the April cold. Her phone buzzed. A friend in Houston had sent a photo of a new townhouse she bought on a nurse’s salary. Elena laughed out loud, half jealous, half incredulous. She earned more than her friend, well over $100,000 a year at Massachusetts General, but the idea of buying a home anywhere near Boston felt like science fiction. Nurses discuss patients and ratios, but behind the break-room doors, the conversation often shifts to the best cities for registered nurses and where life feels more manageable.

For some, it is the promise of bigger paychecks. For others, it is the hope of a secure future.

 

A Shortage That Shapes Choices

The United States faces a severe nursing shortage. By 2030, it is projected that the number of vacancies will reach one million, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA). Additionally, the Bureau of Labour Statistics lists the average RN salary as $89,010 (BLS).

This figure does not tell the whole story. In San Francisco, some nurses earn over $150,000 per year. By contrast, in many southern states, the exact role pays nearly half of the amount.

By contrast, in parts of the South, the same job pays nearly half that amount. In addition, housing prices, staffing ratios, and the fundamental question of a city feeling livable after twelve hours on your feet all reshape the map for nurses, which often looks nothing like the glossy travel spreads.

These realities explain why conversations increasingly turn to the best cities for registered nurses.

“Nurses want fair pay, supportive hospitals, and a city where life feels sustainable. Relocation strategy is what transforms those needs into a real future.” – Relo.AI

 

Related – How Relocation Packages for Nurses Support Long-Term Career Moves

 

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is tough, no question. Moreover, rents can chew through paychecks, winters can wear people down, and traffic can be maddening. Even so, its hospitals are legendary. Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s, both tied to Harvard, rank in the national top tier (U.S. News).

In fact, nurses here average above $105,000, but many stretch that salary by sharing rooms with roommates or enduring long commutes. Nevertheless, Boston attracts those who want to be at the academic heart of medicine.

Ultimately, for ambitious RNs eyeing leadership, research, or advanced practice roles, Boston is more a proving ground than a city.

Besides, you can read our guide on why Boston is a good city for young professionals. All of this explains why Boston is often considered one of the best cities for registered nurses.

 

2. Houston, Texas

Houston feels different the moment you step into the Texas Medical Center (TMC). With more than fifty institutions packed together, it is the largest medical complex in the world. Moreover, salaries in the mid-$80,000s are not headlines, but what nurses take home matters more.

In addition, Texas has no state income tax, housing stays relatively affordable, and many RNs buy homes before their peers elsewhere. Furthermore, the work is steady, diverse, and constant, fueled by a growing population.

Therefore, Houston may not offer postcard views, but for nurses craving both stability and financial breathing room, it delivers. In turn, Houston firmly belongs on the list of the best cities for registered nurses.

 

3. San Francisco, California

The paychecks in San Francisco make headlines. In fact, experienced nurses can earn $150,000 or more (BLS San Francisco data). However, ask any RN here and you will hear the same caveat about housing. Studios rent for the price of mortgages elsewhere, and many nurses commute an hour or more from the East Bay or beyond.

On the other hand, the hospitals are advanced, union protections are strong, and career options remain endless. Moreover, nurses come here for the money, but also for the chance to work in systems at the cutting edge.

Nevertheless, the trade-off is clear. First, many nurses in San Francisco face long drives. Next, steep bills cut into their pay. As a result, income often feels stretched too thin. Altogether, San Francisco remains highly regarded in discussions of the best cities for registered nurses.

 

4. Seattle, Washington

Seattle pays around $97,000 on average, and the University of Washington Medical Centre, a key anchor of its reputation, contributes strongly to this figure (UW Medicine). Moreover, what sets it apart is the city’s close connection to technology and biotech.

As a result, nurses often find themselves involved in research projects or pilot programs in digital health. Meanwhile, the city is expensive but not impossible, and its surroundings offer relief with ferries, mountains, and green spaces.

Besides, union protections improve the appeal. Progressive staffing policies add further strength. For RNs seeking more than bedside care, Seattle has become a laboratory for the future of healthcare.

It creates opportunities in research and digital health. Seattle ranks among the best cities for registered nurses.

 

5. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis may not dazzle with skyscraper salaries, but its solidity is a notable strength. Moreover, nurses here earn approximately $88,000, and housing is affordable. In addition, just down the road sits the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, consistently ranked the world’s top hospital (Mayo Clinic).

Admittedly, winters test endurance, but nurses often mention something else, like community. Teams feel close-knit, turnover is lower, and support is stronger. Therefore, in a profession where burnout is epidemic, such an environment matters.

Overall, Minneapolis feels livable. Sometimes that becomes the most valuable currency.

 

6. New York City, New York

No city offers as many hospitals or as much variety. For example, NewYork-Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, and Bellevue are names that alone attract talent. In addition, salaries push past $100,000 (BLS NYC data), but costs quickly bite back.

As a result, nurses rent apartments the size of closets or share with colleagues well into their 30s. The pace is punishing, yet the career horizons remain vast. Moreover, specialization in trauma, pediatrics, and oncology is available. Research is too.

Ultimately, New York demands resilience. It repays with experience that can carry a nurse anywhere in the country. These conditions protect New York’s reputation as one of the best cities for registered nurses.

 

7. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago sits comfortably in the middle. Nurses earn an average of $89,000, housing is affordable compared to the coasts, and institutions like Northwestern Memorial anchor a broad network (Northwestern Medicine).

Moreover, winters are bitter and crime rates grab headlines, yet many nurses say the city works. In addition, the right neighborhoods offer community, cultural depth provides escape from stress, and professional opportunities are steady.

“Chicago gives me both a paycheck and a neighborhood I can call home,” said Maria Lopez. “It feels livable in a way some other big cities do not.”

Overall, Chicago may not boast California pay. Moreover, it does not match New York’s prestige. However, it offers a livable balance that sustains careers.

 

8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s medical story is long. Moreover, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania remains a pillar (Penn Medicine). Besides, the average RN salary is approximately $88,000, with housing costs being more affordable than in New York, yet still competitive.

Furthermore, nurses here mention the city’s scale, which is big enough for opportunity and small enough to navigate without losing hours to commutes.

Finally, its location is within reach of New York and Washington. Philadelphia becomes a strategic choice. Philadelphia offers RNs a balance between growth and affordability. It provides considerable strength. It adds strength.

 

9. Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix expands fast, and nurse demand continues to rise. Furthermore, the average RN salary is approximately $86,000 (BLS Phoenix data). In addition, retirees continue to flood the region, new hospitals expand, and nurses remain in high demand. The climate, however, splits opinions.

Moreover, housing is still more affordable than in California. However, prices are steadily rising because of population pressure. In addition, young RNs continue to find opportunities here. As a result, Phoenix offers both security and growth.

Phoenix lacks the prestige of Boston and the reputation of New York. However, its growth curve is undeniable. Therefore, Phoenix is increasingly recognized among the best cities for registered nurses.

Also read – The Valley of the Sun: Relocating to Phoenix – A City Guide

 

10. Denver, Colorado

Denver’s appeal lies in balance. Moreover, nurses earn close to $90,000, with UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital recognized nationally (UCHealth).

In addition, housing prices are climbing but still trail those of coastal peers. Moreover, nurses here discuss life outside the hospital. They mention weekend skiing, hiking trails, and mountain air. This lifestyle makes Denver one of the best cities for registered nurses.

Although work is demanding, the city’s rhythm feels sustainable. Therefore, for RNs who want a professional base without sacrificing personal life, Denver delivers. Read the complete city guide about relocating to Denver.

 

11. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles sprawls endlessly. Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health sit at its heart (Cedars-Sinai). Moreover, the average nurses pay exceeds $112,000. This is strong by national standards.

However, the city tests patience as traffic clogs the streets and housing costs are brutal, yet it remains one of the best cities for registered nurses.

Even so, for nurses chasing breadth, Los Angeles is unmatched. In fact, every specialty is here, every type of case, and opportunities to move between them. As a result, it is a place where careers grow fast.

 

12. Dallas, Texas

Dallas mirrors Houston in affordability and opportunity. Moreover, nurses typically earn around $85,000, and institutions like Baylor University Medical Centre offer a depth of expertise (Baylor Scott & White).

In addition, housing costs remain affordable. It allows nurses to build equity early. Furthermore, the city is expanding. Its healthcare sector is also growing. The demand for RNs shows no signs of slowing.

Dallas lacks the brand power of Boston. It does not match San Francisco either. Yet its growth is steady.

 

13. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta expands rapidly while its hospitals rise with the city. Moreover, Emory University Hospital leads the way (Emory Healthcare). In addition, nurses earn about $83,000 on average. The pay is modest. It is lower than in many coastal cities. However, housing remains affordable.

It adds energy and diversity. Its role as a southern hub also pulls patients from across the region.

Ultimately, nurses must balance financial realities with career opportunities. Atlanta offers both. 

It is also more livable than many larger metropolitan areas. It is more livable than larger cities and ranks among the best cities for registered nurses.

 

14. San Diego, California

San Diego pays nurses around $110,000 (BLS San Diego data), and moreover, UC San Diego Health ranks among the best (UC San Diego Health).

In addition, housing costs mirror California’s usual story, steep and challenging. Yet the city’s coastal lifestyle helps temper the grind. Furthermore, nurses mention the slower pace compared to Los Angeles and the ability to recharge with ocean air.

The work is demanding. However, San Diego manages to make it feel a little lighter. As a result, for many RNs, that balance is enough to stay. This is why San Diego remains one of the best cities for registered nurses.

Recommended read – Relocating as a Traveling Nurse

 

15. Portland, Oregon

Portland offers RNs salaries near $95,000 (BLS Portland data). Moreover, the city emphasises community-driven healthcare. Nurses frequently mention the close ties between staff. They also value the stronger connection with patients.

Further, housing costs are increasing. They remain below those in San Francisco and Seattle. Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as walkable neighbourhoods add appeal. Access to outdoor spaces also strengthens the equation.

Ultimately, Portland appeals to many nurses. It offers room for professional growth. The city provides this without the high expense of California. This is also why Portland is often included among the best cities for registered nurses.

 

Find Your Next Nursing Home Base with Relo.AI

If a city on your radar offers better pay, balance, or career growth, we help you make the move with ease.

From housing searches and licensing support to neighborhood guidance and local setup, we manage the details so you can focus on your patients.

If you are advancing your career, seeking stability, or starting fresh in one of the best cities for registered nurses. Relo.AI makes relocation seamless.

We also connect you with resources tailored for healthcare professionals so every step feels supported.

Book your FREE consultation now and take the next step toward a city that suits both your work and life.

At Relo.AI, every relocation is built on careful planning and healthcare insight.

 

In a Nutshell

The best cities for registered nurses go beyond what a salary chart can show. Boston brings prestige, San Francisco high pay, Houston stability, Denver balance, and New York opportunity. Each asks for trade-offs. Some nurses prioritize paychecks, others homeownership, and others simply the chance to finish a shift and feel they live in a city that makes sense. What is clear is that the shortage tilts the scales in favour of.

Nurses now hold leverage to choose cities that respect their work and lives.