In this article, we delve into the 5 best cities for nurses adjusted for the cost of living. If you prefer to go through our in-depth analysis of the profession, alongside the developments and challenges it faces, you can jump directly to the 25 Best Cities For Nurses Adjusted For Cost of Living.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Average Salary of a Nurse: $$91,330
Adjusted Average Income Based on Cost of Living: $$96,760
Las Vegas, often hailed as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” is celebrated for its dazzling Las Vegas Strip. This city, characterized by its vibrant lights, resort hotels, restaurants, and residential high-rises, is a globally acclaimed destination. Beyond its reputation for entertainment, Las Vegas also stands as a prime location for career opportunities, offering residents the chance to establish themselves at a reasonable cost. Nurses in Las Vegas can anticipate an average annual salary of approximately $90,000, with certain individuals earning well in excess of $120,000 per year.
4. Riverside, California
Average Salary of a Nurse: $$105,570
Adjusted Average Income Based on Cost of Living: $$114,084
Riverside claims the title of the most populous city within the Inland Empire metropolitan area. Its name is derived from its proximity to the Santa Ana River, and residents enjoy the convenience of reaching downtown Los Angeles in just under an hour. Riverside holds historical significance as the birthplace of California’s citrus industry, housing the largest Mission Revival Style building in the United States. With a cost of living 7% lower than the average city on this list, the adjusted average nursing salary in Riverside soars to well over $114,000 per year.
3. Sacramento, California
Average Salary of a Nurse: $126,560
Adjusted Average Income Based on Cost of Living: $$115,253
Sacramento, the capital of California, stands out as one of the state’s fastest-growing cities. This growth can be attributed in part to its prominent role as a financial center on the West Coast. Moreover, Sacramento is a significant educational hub and a vital region within California’s healthcare industry. Alongside its renowned healthcare institutions, nurses in this city command an average annual salary exceeding $126,000. Even when considering the relatively higher cost of living, the adjusted nursing salary in Sacramento remains comfortably above the $100,000 per year mark.
2. San Jose, California
Average Salary of a Nurse: $140,740
Adjusted Average Income Based on Cost of Living: $116,993
San Jose is a large city surrounded by rolling hills in Silicon Valley, a major technology hub in California’s Bay Area. Architectural landmarks, from the 1883 Italianate-style Oddfellows building to Spanish Colonial Revival structures, make up the downtown historic district. While the city is renowned for its high-tech industry and coastal climate, it also hosts significant healthcare institutions such as the Regional Medical Center of San Jose, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and El Camino Hospital. Despite San Jose’s elevated cost of living compared to some of our other cities, it remains an appealing choice for nurses due to its prime location and competitive average nursing salary.
1. Modesto, California
Average Salary of a Nurse: $112,790
Adjusted Average Income Based on Cost of Living: $130,593
Situated in the Central Valley, Modesto stands 68 miles to the south of Sacramento and 92 miles east of San Francisco. This city boasts a vibrant downtown, abundant restaurants, theaters, and an array of festivals. Surrounded by fertile farmland, Modesto’s economy benefits significantly from agricultural production, aligning with the farm-to-table movement.
Modesto also serves as a prominent center for education and healthcare. Nurses in this city earn an average annual salary of approximately $113,000, with top-earning nurses potentially making upwards of $175,000 or more. When factoring in the city’s more affordable cost of living, the adjusted nurse’s salary in Modesto climbs even higher.
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