12 Best U.S. Cities for Physicians to Live Comfortably and Earn More (Editorial Content)
Where should doctors consider living in the U.S. in 2025 for the best lifestyle and opportunities?
While the answer to this question is naturally subjective, we considered a range of factors to create this list. These include strong job markets, affordable living costs, high quality of life, competitive salary growth, and ample recreational opportunities for professionals.
There are countless great cities in the U.S. for physicians, but we’ve narrowed it down to the 12 best to help make your search easier.
TLDR:
1 – RALEİGH, North Carolina
Raleigh stands out as one of the best places to live and work as a doctor, thanks to its robust economy, abundant healthcare job opportunities, and welcoming small-town charm. Physicians in Raleigh often enjoy higher salaries compared to those in similar cities, making it an attractive destination for medical professionals.
The city also ranks as the second most educated in the U.S., according to WalletHub, and boasts highly rated K–12 schools. Raleigh provides an excellent environment for students pursuing healthcare education, offering both strong academic support and a vibrant student life.
Raleigh is a key part of the Research Triangle—alongside Durham and Chapel Hill—home to three major research universities. This makes it an excellent city for medical professionals, offering strong opportunities for research, education, and clinical practice.
But there’s even more to love.
Raleigh features mild weather ideal for outdoor activities and is just a short drive from both the mountains and the coast. The city’s dynamic food scene is another highlight. While downtown traffic and seasonal pollen can be drawbacks, they’re minor compared to the many advantages of living in this thriving Southern city.
2 – CHARLOTTE, North Carolina
Charlotte stands out as the highest-paying city in North Carolina, particularly for healthcare professionals. We’ve highlighted the city for its strong economy, abundance of medical resources, and the enhanced quality of life it offers physicians.
Charlotte’s population is growing rapidly, and healthcare providers are expanding to meet the rising demand. Many have extended their services beyond Uptown into the surrounding suburbs, a clear indicator of both growth and increasing need across the region.
Beyond its booming healthcare landscape, Charlotte boasts some of the best craft breweries, world-class barbecue, and unique shopping experiences. The city blends Southern charm with modern sophistication, offering a dynamic skyline, lively neighborhoods, and a rich cultural scene—an ideal setting for healthcare professionals seeking both career opportunity and lifestyle.
3 – CHICAGO, Illinois
Chicago stands out as one of the best places in the U.S. to live and work as a doctor, thanks to its abundance of healthcare job opportunities. The city is home to Illinois’s top medical schools and world-class hospitals, making it an ideal hub for medical professionals.
Beyond the city itself, Chicago boasts a range of beautiful suburbs—perfect for physicians who prefer to live and work just outside the urban core. With its diverse population, strong educational institutions, and high-quality healthcare facilities, the city offers a well-rounded lifestyle. Considering its size, Chicago also maintains a relatively low crime rate.
The city’s $69.7 billion healthcare industry underscores its strong commitment to advancing medical innovation and excellence.
The city is also rich in culture and local flavor. It’s famous for its iconic Chicago-style deep-dish and stuffed pizzas, while locals enjoy Cubs games, diverse and delicious food options, and the welcoming nature of its residents. Additionally, Chicago offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, making it even more attractive for healthcare professionals.
4 – SAN JOSE, California
The cost of living in San Jose is undeniably high, but the city faces a notable shortage of physicians. For those in the medical profession, this presents a valuable opportunity—physicians who manage their finances wisely can thrive here.
San Jose experienced rapid growth following the Silicon Valley boom, attracting a wave of young professionals eager to advance their careers. As the population grew, so did the demand for quality healthcare services. Today, the city is home to numerous reputable hospitals, offering excellent opportunities for doctors to start or expand their careers.
Renowned for its innovation, cultural diversity, affluence, and consistently sunny weather, San Jose offers a high quality of life. Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with architectural landmarks and tech museums, the city delivers a vibrant living experience—albeit at a premium cost.
5 – HOUSTON, Texas
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical complex in the world, and stands as one of the top hospital cities in the United States.
Houston stands out as one of the best places to live for doctors in the U.S., thanks to its strong support for advancements in life sciences and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
Known as the Bayou City, Houston has grown into a global hub driven by progress in medicine, research, and culture. Physicians in Houston typically earn salaries above the national average, and the state’s low tax burden adds to its financial appeal.
As the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, Houston boasts a vibrant culinary scene—residents dine out more than in any other American city. The city is also rich in cultural and recreational offerings, including museums, parks, art galleries, and more.
6 – ORLANDO, Florida
Orlando is home to numerous award-winning healthcare providers, and its healthcare system offers competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top medical professionals.
According to the Medscape Physician Compensation Report, Orlando ranks among the highest-paying cities for physicians across various specialties.
Orlando offers an exceptional quality of life for doctors, thanks to its sunny climate, vibrant lifestyle, and family-friendly attractions. The city is rich in green spaces, with numerous parks, community centers, and social programs that foster a strong sense of community for families and friends alike.
Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando boasts world-renowned destinations like Walt Disney World. Beyond the magic of its attractions, the city features over 100 picturesque lakes, diverse neighborhoods, a dynamic sports scene, and a thriving entertainment culture—making it a well-rounded place to live and work.
7 – MIAMI, Florida
Living in Miami offers physicians a rich and rewarding lifestyle, thanks in part to its diverse training environment. As a doctor, you’ll gain valuable experience by managing a wide range of medical conditions and refining your clinical skills in a vibrant, multicultural community.
Miami’s cutting-edge healthcare facilities provide physicians with abundant research opportunities. Whether as a medical student or a practicing doctor, working in Miami offers a rewarding professional journey enriched by exceptional medical training and a vibrant lifestyle.
Miami captivates everyone for countless reasons — from its stunning beaches and lively nightlife to its delicious cuisine and iconic architecture. The city boasts a dynamic mix of sports and music scenes, making it a vibrant place to live and visit. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking coastline, and unforgettable attractions, Miami is a top choice for both young professionals and retirees alike.
8 – JACKSONVILLE, Florida
Jacksonville stands out as one of the best places in the U.S. for physicians to live and work, thanks to its high salaries and strong annual pay growth. The city offers more opportunities for doctors than almost any other location in the country.
The Westside of Jacksonville offers a lower cost of living while still providing convenient access to top-tier hospitals and medical practices. For physicians, relocating to Jacksonville means enjoying the Florida sunshine, a reputable healthcare system, and the potential for a high income.
With 22 miles of scenic coastline, Jacksonville is a perfect choice for beach-loving physicians. The city also boasts diverse neighborhoods, a thriving arts and culture scene, outstanding cuisine, beautiful parks, and much more to explore and enjoy.
9 – CINCINNATI, Ohio
Cincinnati combines a low cost of living with the amenities of a larger city, offering physicians higher salaries compared to similarly sized cities. Home to some of the nation’s largest hospital systems and a strong emphasis on medical research, Cincinnati stands out as an excellent place for physicians to live and work.
When choosing a physician-friendly city, one important factor to consider is access to top-tier schools for your children. In Cincinnati, you’ll find 66 excellent public schools that offer a strong foundation for a quality education.
Cincinnati stands out for its vibrant running community, diverse culinary scene, striking architecture, scenic hills, and renowned local breweries. With its respected medical colleges and supportive environment for healthcare professionals, it’s a fantastic place for doctors to live and thrive.
10 – Green Bay, Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks among the top-paying states for physicians in the U.S., and its major city, Green Bay, stands out for its strong respect toward medical professionals—recording the fewest adverse actions against doctors compared to other cities.
Green Bay is home to numerous hospitals and medical practices that provide exceptional healthcare services. It’s also an appealing place to live for physicians and professionals, offering a scenic environment filled with lush greenery and a cost of living below the national average.
The city has a rich heritage in agriculture and industry, particularly known for its paper-making legacy. Green Bay also boasts some of the best beer and cheese curds in the world. From scenic cruise tours to exciting kayaking adventures, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy.
11 – AUSTIN, Texas
Doctors often choose to live in areas where they’re compensated more generously for their medical services. Austin stands out by offering higher salaries to internal medicine physicians and general surgeons compared to other major cities such as Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and others.
One of the major financial advantages of living in Austin is the absence of state income tax, which can lead to significant savings for physicians. Additionally, other taxes in the area tend to be relatively low, making Austin one of the most cost-effective places for doctors to live and work in the United States.
Austin boasts one of the most beautiful skylines in the country and offers a high quality of life for medical students, tech professionals, and blue-collar workers alike. The city is renowned for its iconic stadiums, prestigious universities, vibrant theaters, the Texas State Capitol, Congress Avenue Bridge, and a host of other historic landmarks.
12 – SALT LAKE CITY, Utah
Salt Lake City stands out as one of the healthiest cities in the United States, thanks to its strong healthcare infrastructure. The city is home to top-tier hospitals, respected medical schools, and a sufficient number of healthcare providers to meet the needs of its residents.
One of the most appealing aspects of Salt Lake City is its efficient and affordable public transportation system, which makes getting around the city convenient for both residents and professionals. While the healthcare job market can be competitive, skilled and dedicated professionals will find opportunities to thrive.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountain Range and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City blends modern urban living with access to extraordinary outdoor recreation. From world-class ski resorts and scenic canyons to countless hiking trails, it’s an ideal destination for physicians who value a mix of nature, tradition, and city life.
