The 10 best cities for same-sex couples in the US

Percent of same-sex married couples: 1.09%
Average household income: $93,481
Cost of living: 18.8% higher than the national average
Walkability score (out of 100): 74
Average commute: 26.2 minutes each way

Seattle consistently ranks in the top LGBTQ-friendly cities in the US. In 2019, the Human Rights Campaign gave the city a perfect score in its Municipal Equality Index Scorecard. The study found that the city earned top scores for non-discriminatory practices in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 1.52%
Average household income: $112,376
Cost of living: 62.5% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 87
Average commute: 30.9 minutes each way

Although the cost of living in San Francisco is high, the Effortless Insurance study found that same-sex couples have access to jobs at LGBTQ-friendly companies like Gap Inc. and Lyft. Additionally, San Francisco has the highest rate of same-sex marriages, and California ranks as the top state for most same-sex couples.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 0.97%
Average household income: $73,097
Cost of living: 10.8% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 67
Average commute: 23.3 minutes each way

Portland has the fifth-highest rate of same-sex marriages on this list. The Human Rights Campaign gave Portland a perfect score in its Municipal Equality Index Scorecard, highlighting the housing, job opportunities, and youth initiatives. Additionally, US News & World ranked the city among the best places to live in the country overall in 2019.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 1.25%
Average household income: $67,144
Cost of living: 22.6% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 44
Average commute: 21.4 minutes each way

Although Santa Rosa is one of the smallest cities on this list, it's still a great place for same-sex couples. Located in California's wine country, the city has some of the best laws protecting LGBTQ couples. Like San Francisco, this city is located in the state with the most LGBTQ couples.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 0.83%
Average household income: $51,430
Cost of living: 12% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 61
Average commute: 18 minutes each way

Like Santa Rosa, Portland, Maine, is a small city. In fact, it's the only city on this list with fewer than 100,00 residents, but the study found that it's still great for LGBTQ couples. In fact, the Human Rights Campaign gave the city a score of 94 out of 100 in its Municipal Equality Index Scorecard. The organization found that the city has inclusive workplaces, non-discrimination in city employment, and fair housing options.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 1.04%
Average household income: $71,834
Cost of living: 39.5% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 82
Average commute: 30 minutes each way

Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, so it makes sense that the New England state has some of the most same-sex couples in the country. Boston is also home to several companies that the Human Rights Campaign has deemed great for LGBTQ workers. The city also has one of the oldest LGBTQ film festivals in the world, Wicked Queer.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 0.9%
Average household income: $51,099
Cost of living: 3% lower than the national average
Walkability score: 42
Average commute: 21.1 minutes each way

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is also the only city on this list with a cost of living that is well below the national average, making it the perfect place to settle down if you need to save money but still want access to city culture.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 0.88%
Average household income: $79,646
Cost of living: 38.6% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 51
Average commute: 22.5 minutes each way

According to the study, San Diego has long been a haven for the LGBTQ community in Southern California. Human Rights Campaign also says it's home to three companies that welcome LGBTQ employees: Sony, Illumina, and Sempra Energy.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 0.92%
Average household income: $41,818
Cost of living: 14.7% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 78
Average commute: 28.5 minutes each way

Florida has the third highest number of same-sex couples. Miami is known for its diversity and blend of cultures, so it's a great place for same-sex couples.

Percent of same-sex married couples: 0.84%
Average household income: $63,799
Cost of living: 83% higher than the national average
Walkability score: 88
Average commute: 40.1 minutes each way

New York City is a mecca for the LGBTQ community. In fact, the gay rights movement began in this city at the famous Stonewall Inn. New York is also home to Hell's Kitchen, one of the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in the world. Not to mention, the city is located in one of the states with the most same-sex couples.

• Read more:
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• 10 of the most moving LGBTQ proposals that have gone viral
• 15 inspiring photos of families around the world with same-sex parents