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A recent study by Hostinger ranked the top ten U.S. cities as the most attractive freelance hotspots, and Miami is a leader with zero self-employment income tax and a high proportion of freelance workers.
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San Francisco offers the highest average revenue per freelance worker, making it the top city for earning potential.
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Austin stands out with the highest number of co-working spaces, which shows its strong infrastructure for freelancers seeking collaborative work environments.
| City | Download Speed (Mbps) | Average Monthly Price for Internet Services | Freelance Workers | Freelance Workers Rate | Total Revenue ($M) | Average Revenue per Freelance Worker ($) | Self-employed Income Tax (Highest) | Co-working Spaces | Cost of Living (with Rent) | Freelance Attractiveness Score |
| Miami | 3,499 Mbps | $83.25 | 210.8K | 45.79% | $9,613M | $45,610 | 0% | 433 | $3,888 | 100 |
| Las Vegas | 1,674 Mbps | $75.00 | 44.2K | 6.64% | $2,213M | $50,056 | 0% | 77 | $3,133 | 87.1 |
| Nashville | 3,317 Mbps | $75.00 | 55.4K | 8.07% | $2,660M | $47,980 | 0% | 110 | $2,962 | 85.44 |
| San Francisco | 4,058 Mbps | $95.00 | 160.0K | 20.30% | $8,306M | $51,903 | 13.30% | 100 | $4,038 | 79.45 |
| Boston | 1,701 Mbps | $93.60 | 128.0K | 19.79% | $5,929M | $46,328 | 5% | 172 | $4,456 | 79.03 |
| Los Angeles | 3,171 Mbps | $95.00 | 431.6K | 11.37% | $20,175M | $46,742 | 13.30% | 805 | $3,698 | 77.27 |
| Austin | 3,705 Mbps | $92.00 | 68.0K | 6.90% | $2,837M | $41,734 | 0% | 569 | $2,630 | 76.11 |
| Philadelphia | 1,682 Mbps | $84.33 | 120.5K | 7.86% | $5,295M | $43,930 | 3.07% | 153 | $2,671 | 75.09 |
| Houston | 3,667 Mbps | $92.00 | 140.0K | 6.04% | $6,213M | $44,375 | 0% | 166 | $2,963 | 74.3 |
Miami ranks first with a composite score of 100. The city’s zero self-employment tax makes it a financially attractive choice for freelancers. With nearly half of its workforce engaged in freelance work (45.79%) and 433 co-working spaces to choose from, Miami offers the tools and flexibility that independent workers need to succeed.
Las Vegas takes second place with a score of 87.10. It offers one of the highest average revenues per freelance worker at $50,056 and benefits from a 0% state income tax. Its affordability and growing freelance community make it a strong option for freelancers seeking financial stability.
Nashville ranks third with a composite score of 85.44. Freelancers benefit from no self-employment tax, fast internet speeds (3,317 Mbps), and affordable housing. The city’s freelance population continues to grow, offering some of the cheapest living costs.
San Francisco comes in fourth with a score of 79.45. Freelancers here earn more on average than in any other city, with an impressive $51,903 per worker. While the cost of living and self-employment taxes are higher, the city’s opportunities in technology and innovation make it a key hub for high-earning independent professionals.
Boston takes fifth place with a composite score of 79.03. With nearly 20% of its workforce freelancing, Boston offers a well-established network of co-working spaces at 172. The city’s professional opportunities make it a strong choice for freelancers looking to build lasting careers.
Los Angeles ranks sixth with a composite score of 77.27. It has the largest freelance workforce on the list, with 431,614 workers, and generates the highest total revenue of more than $20 billion. Freelancers also have access to 805 co-working spaces, the most of any city, offering extensive opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
Austin ranks seventh with a score of 76.11. The city leads in co-working spaces, with 569 available. Its affordable cost of living (at only $2630) and resources for freelancers make it an increasingly popular destination for independent workers.
Philadelphia ranks eighth with a composite score of 75.09. The city stands out for its relatively low cost of living and a freelance workforce that continues to expand. With 153 co-working spaces and its location in a region rich with business opportunities, Philadelphia is affordable and offers freelancers access to industries like healthcare, education, and finance.
Houston takes ninth place with a score of 74.30. The city’s zero self-employment tax and affordable living costs of 2,963 make it a strong option for freelancers. Its expanding freelance community and opportunities in industries like healthcare and energy add to its benefits.
Denver rounds out the top ten with a composite score of 73.58. Freelancers are drawn to the city for its balance of work opportunities and quality of life. With an increasing freelance population and numerous co-working spaces, Denver has become a reliable option for independent professionals.
Source: The Best U.S. Cities for Freelancing: New Study Finds – OnFocus
