New Data Reveals The Absolute Worst U.S. City To Begin Your Career

When you are hunting for a job, you know how hard it can be to find a position that can boost your career. But even after you secure an offer, your work is not done. You need to think carefully about which city the job is in.

That’s because, even if you get your dream job, its location can determine the size of your wallet ― especially if it requires you to make a pricey move.

“Before you say ‘yes’ to a job, it’s essential to understand the cost of living in another city, especially if your current location is more affordable,” career strategist Ana Goehner told HuffPost. “You may need more than the salary you agree upon to cover your cost of living.”

And in the United States, there are cities where it will be significantly easier for young professionals to get ahead in their careers, according to a new report by personal finance company WalletHub. For the ranking, more than 180 U.S. cities were considered on 26 key metrics. These ranged from the availability of entry-level jobs and unemployment rates to the average monthly starting salary and housing affordability.

Based on the criteria, there was a clear winner and loser for where young professionals should build their careers. Here’s what to know:

Atlanta came out on top as the best city to start a career.

Atlanta beat out the rest of U.S. cities for young professionals due to its high median income growth rate, abundant job opportunities, and high job satisfaction.

“The city offers plenty of entry-level job opportunities, a high number of quality employers, and a strong average starting salary of $4,342” per month, according to WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe. “Its vibrant atmosphere is reflected in a young, educated population and high rankings for fun and