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

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The 10 best cities for same-sex couples in the US
  • According to a new study, the top three cities for same-sex couples are Seattle, Washington; San Francisco, California; and Portland, Oregon.
  • Smaller cities like Portland, Maine, and Santa Rosa, California also made the list.

Finding a place to settle down can be difficult. If you're a same-sex couple, it can be especially challenging to find a city that is welcoming and accepting.

Effortless Insurance looked at over 70,000 data points from all 50 states in the US and found the cities with the highest concentration of same-sex couples. The company then compared that with livability data — like the cost of living, walkability, and average commute — to find the best cities for same-sex couples.

Here are the top 10 cities for LGBTQ couples.

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Seattle, Washington, is the best city for same-sex couples in the US, according to the study.

Seattle, Washington, is the best city for same-sex couples in the US, according to the study.
The Space Needle with a rainbow flag. OMAR TORRES / Getty

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.

San Francisco, California, is the second-best place for same-sex couples.

San Francisco, California, is the second-best place for same-sex couples.
San Francisco. Shutterstock/Andrey Bayda

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.

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Portland, Oregon, comes in third place.

Portland, Oregon, comes in third place.
Pride celebrations in Portland. Icon Sportswire / Getty

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.

In fourth place is Santa Rosa, California.

In fourth place is Santa Rosa, California.
Santa Rosa's wine country. Shutterstock

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.

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Rounding out the top five is Portland, Maine.

Rounding out the top five is Portland, Maine.
Gay pride in Portland, Maine. Portland Press Herald / Getty

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.

Boston, Massachusetts, is another great place for same-sex couples in New England.

Boston, Massachusetts, is another great place for same-sex couples in New England.
Gay pride in Boston. Rick Friedman / Getty

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.

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Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the only city on this list that is not on the coasts.

Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the only city on this list that is not on the coasts.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Shutterstock

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.

San Diego, California, tied with Albuquerque for seventh place.

San Diego, California, tied with Albuquerque for seventh place.
San Diego. Shutterstock

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.

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Married couples will also love living in Miami, Florida.

Married couples will also love living in Miami, Florida.
Miami. Shutterstock

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.

New York City rounds out the top 10 places for same-sex couples.

New York City rounds out the top 10 places for same-sex couples.
New York City. Shutterstock

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.

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