There are many factors that go into determining the best place for accountants to live. So, we looked at the national average salary, cost of living, job opportunities, number of accounting jobs, job market, and more to compile some of the most compelling reasons for accountants to live in different cities.
1. New York
Are you shocked? Well, you shouldn’t be, seeing as the Big Apple is the big leagues for financial services firms and is home for the big four accounting firms. It’s also the big leagues for brunch, hipsters, and indie bands you’ve probably never heard of.
Number of Accountants: 71,070
Average Annual Salary: $93,480
2. Los Angeles
It’s no strange thing that the second-largest U.S. city has the second-most accountants. Make sure you buy or own a car you love because you’re going to be spending some time in it.
Number of Accountants: 43,490
Average Annual Salary: $78,090
3. Washington D.C.
D.C. offers the second-best pay for accountants in the nation. The city lacks tall buildings but there are cultural events (and fundraisers) for as far as the eye can see.
Number of Accountants: 35,350
Average Annual Salary: $84,910
4. Chicago
The high cost of living in the Windy City has a way of blowing people’s paychecks. But with a CPA salary, you can enjoy all Illinois and the Midwest have to offer.
Number of Accountants: 31,340
Average Annual Salary: $74,460
5. Houston
It’s not just oil, old money, and BBQ joints in Houston anymore. Today, it boasts some of the finest museums and cultural attractions in the country and is a great place to raise a family.
Number of Accountants: 29,650
Average Annual Salary: $80,590
6. Atlanta
The “New York of the South,” Hotlanta is one of America’s top draws for relocation due to its reasonable cost of living, plentiful jobs, and abundant Waffle Houses. The relatively low cost of living and growing opportunities for accounting professionals makes Atlanta one of the best cities for accounting graduates.
Number of Accountants: 28,460
Average Annual Salary: $76,040
7. Dallas-Fort Worth
Everything is bigger in Dallas, from the hairdos to the paychecks. The city proper boasts eclectic neighborhoods as well as some of the best restaurants in the state.
Number of Accountants: 25,300
Average Annual Salary: $77,100
8. Boston
New England’s banking center and a boomtown for healthcare companies, Boston boasts a wealth of accounting opportunities for CPAs. Just know that the winters and parking are brutal.
Number of Accountants: 24,150
Average Annual Salary: $79,630
9. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks, and the always-mediocre Eagles is one of the best places for accountants to live and work. The weather may not always be sunny, but Philly offers big-city culture at affordable prices.
Number of Accountants: 22,040
Average Annual Salary: $78,160
10. Denver
Enjoy the high life in the Mile High City where accountants are in high demand and command higher salaries than most. If you move to this top city, you’ll quickly realize why Peyton Manning owns all those pizza places.
Number of Accountants: 21,360
Average Annual Salary: $74,780
To shift away from a career in sales, identify transferable skills, explore new career paths, seek relevant education or certifications, network in your target industry, and adapt your resume accordingly.
