Need a Change of Pace? Here Are 25 Great Cities to Live in During Your 20s
Between figuring out your next career move, dealing with new and old friendships, and being forced to make your own dentist appointments, your twenties can be...scary and confusing as hell. But they can also be incredibly beautiful, especially if you're faced with some newfound freedom. And one of the most exciting decisions you might need to make? Choosing where you want to call home.
If you're reading this, chances are you're looking for a little inspiration—and, if so, love that for you! If the world is your oyster, you're in the right place, because I rounded up 25 of the best places on the planet to live in during your 20s, taking into account things like the cost of rent, nightlife vibes, LGBTQ+ friendliness, general safety, the quality of public transportation, cheap eats, and, of course, Instagrammability (it's okay to want a pretty life, says me!).
Honestly? I don't think you can go wrong with any city on the list. You'll just have to do your own research, as well, to see what place makes the most sense for you. (Because yes, you sadly have to consider the practical stuff, like work visas and language barriers.)
So, go ahead and take a little scroll down below and prepare to get your wanderlust on. No matter which city—or continent!—you choose, your future is about to look so damn bright.
Madrid, Spain
If you've ever dreamed of living in Spain, great news: Madrid is considered one of the best cities in the world for people in their twenties. It's also one of the cheaper places to live on this list, which means you can enjoy the beauty of living in a European city without causing your long-suffering credit card to fly into a panic.
Montreal, Canada
Thanks to cobblestones, cute cafés, gothic revival buildings, and general French vibes, visiting Montreal is like taking a mini European vacation, only in Canada. Living here is also a delightful experience, with a killer food and bar scene made for those who like to hit the town.
Tokyo, Japan
Historic yet futuristic all at the same time, Tokyo is a must for those who thrive on a little hustle and bustle. It's your own fault if you get bored here with all the entertainment, shopping, and dining options, never mind the club scene. Plus, public transportation is top-notch, so bopping around the city—or hitting the road and checking out a nearby hotspot—is a snap.
Dublin, Ireland
I mean, who wouldn't want to live in Dublin? It's gorgeous, there's a ton to do, the vibe is super moody, and you might fall in love with someone sporting the world's hottest accent. If you can split the G on a pint of Guinness, you pretty much already have one foot in the door.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney's nightlife (and live music!) is almost as iconic as its opera house, so if dancing up a storm is important to you, take note. You'll also be close to natural wonders like the Blue Mountains and Bondi Beach, so it's kind of the best of all worlds.
Santiago, Chile
A gem amid the Andes mountains, Santiago is a safe, stunning, and inexpensive city ideal for 20-somethings who want to be able to hit the beach in the summer, slopes in the winter, and bars all year round. There are also several great universities around town, if you're looking to pursue another degree!
New York City, New York
Duh. It's hard to beat living in New York City, because it quite literally has it all. Museums! Shows! Fascinating people! Every kind of food you could ever dream of! It's iconic for a reason, but it's also really expensive to live in for that same reason—regardless, it still deserves to be on this list.
Manchester, England
London gets a lot of hype, but Manchester is another cool U.K. city to call home. It's known for its clubs and pubs, cute cafés on Beech Road, and great food in Ancoats. Plus, it's the hometown of The Smiths, if you're in the mood to feel emo.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Beach babes, this one's for you. Located on the country's Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is known for its sun, sand, snorkeling, and surfing, with locals and expats joining together for that ✨pura vida✨ lifestyle. It's been gaining popularity as of late, but the cost of living is still relatively low, which we love.
Toronto, Canada
Moving to Toronto means you can kayak along this harborfront with skyline views whenever you want...or at least when it's not too chilly! Other highlights include friendly locals, the ballet, the National Exhibition, the Toronto Maple Leafs (bless them), and some gorgeous public parks and markets.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is potentially the most gorgeous city in Europe, full of Gothic buildings, Medieval architecture, and fancy Baroque homes in rainbow colors. Your Instagram will simply not know what to do with itself. On top of all that, rent is cheap, beer costs less than water, and transportation won't break the bank either. There's also a five-floor nightclub in a 15th-century building that deserves your attention.
Bangkok, Thailand
A gorgeous mix of traditional and modern, Bangkok has been drawing in adventurous travelers for years thanks to its bustling nightlife, stunning temples, great transportation, and low cost of living. Plenty of expats call it home, so don't be surprised if you make friends asap while scarfing down cheap eats at one of the many street markets, or grabbing a drink at a bar in Thonglor, one of the trendiest neighborhoods for young people.
Glasgow, Scotland
You already love Outlander, so a move to Scotland just makes sense, you know? But for real, Glasgow is a great city to consider if you're in your twenties. The people are friendly, there are some outstanding pubs (and whiskey distilleries!), and monthly salaries tend to be pretty high, so you can actually enjoy all the culture this city has to offer.
Paris, France
If watching way too much Emily in Paris has you in the mood to move to France tout de suite, good news: Paris happens to be an incredible city for people in their twenties. Yeah, it's expensive, but what Paris lacks in budget-friendliness it makes up for in chic style, cultural attractions, art, scenery, croissants, architecture, and general ambiance. I'd budget for that!
Queenstown, New Zealand
If you wanna ditch your hometown and head somewhere more laidback, please allow me to introduce you to Queenstown. This stress-free city has been called the adventure capital of the world, known for skiing, skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and more, all set against the lake-to-mountain landscape. The locals are also said to be super welcoming, so pack your best athleisure and prepare for a long flight.
London, England
Come for the tea-time scones, stay for the cozy apartments (er, flats) and pubs. London is kind of like New York: it's expensive and the weather isn't always great, but it's too freaking fabulous to fault it. I mean, just look at Big Ben...stunnin', innit?
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a perfect city for people obsessed with art. No, really, there's an entire island dedicated to museums. But it also has an amazing club scene, making it a great spot for people in their twenties who wanna get a little culture day and night (with some midday currywurst, of course).
Los Angeles, California
If you've ever wanted to live by the beach, be hiking distance from the Hollywood Sign, have 8000 green juice options at your fingertips, or end up in the background of a reality show, L.A. is calling your name. Sure, it's not cheap, but the city is so big there are plenty of rental options for various budgets—and can you really put a price on year-round sunshine?
Lyon, France
Yet another French city on this list! If you're a history nerd, you will love living in Lyon (the Renaissance architecture is to die for). If you're not a history nerd, you can just enjoy the gorgeous scenery, walks through the rose gardens, and yummy food—it's known as the gastronomy capital of the world for a reason!
New Taipei, Taiwan
There's a huge expat community in New Taipei, many of whom are in their 20s. That's because the Taiwanese city checks so many boxes for young people: It's affordable, there's lots to do and see, the art and music scene is thriving, and the views are breathtaking. You can spend your days wandering the boardwalk at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf or hiking through Yangmingshan National Park, and evenings stuffing your face with street food at the night markets.
Chicago, Illinois
While everyone else is spending all their money on rent in NYC and L.A., you can chill out a little in the Windy City, where the average salary is high, the average rent is low(ish, lol), and public transportation is a breeze. You might find yourself cheering for the Bears and Cubs and sticking up for deep-dish pizza before you know it!
Portland, Oregon
Things Portland is: A haven for artists, full of green spaces, renowned for its craft beer, and still kinda under the radar when it comes to tourism. It's also pretty affordable—though it's getting pricier as we speak, so hurry up and move!
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