Key Takeaways:
- Midwestern cities lead by Minneapolis, St. Paul and Omaha dominate the top rankings, thanks to a winning mix of affordability, short commutes and lifestyle infrastructure.
- Spokane, Richmond, Jacksonville and others made major gains, proving that smaller or often-overlooked cities are stepping up to prioritize resident well-being.
- With mental health in focus, Madison, WI leads the pack — where lighter schedules and outdoor access help residents thrive.
The pandemic didn’t just change how we work — it reshaped how we value life outside of it. As remote and hybrid setups took hold, the concept of work-life balance moved from a temporary trend to a non-negotiable. Data shows a clear spike in interest around “work-life balance” and related wellness topics in the wake of COVID, signaling a lasting shift in mindset. And it’s not just talk; by 2024, 57% of workers said they wouldn’t take a higher-paying job if it meant sacrificing their work-life balance.
Quick Jump
With so many Americans chasing that sweet spot between a great job and a good life, we’re back with our annual Work-Life Balance study — and this time, it’s bigger. We’re not just ranking the cities that have nailed the work-life blend but also giving a nod to the places doing the most for mental well-being, and up-and-comers. Because mental health matters on and off the clock.
We analyzed 100 of the country’s largest cities — all with 200,000+ residents and complete data — to find where work-life balance truly thrives. We looked at work hours, access to parks, air quality and healthcare, plus income versus cost of living. We also considered remote work rates and commute times, because finding balance shouldn’t feel like a full-time job.
Heartland Harmony: Midwestern Cities Dominate Work-Life Balance Rankings
The top ten cities for work-life balance this year span a broad geographic range, pinpointing the growing national focus on well-being across different regions. However, the Midwest isn’t just showing up — it’s showing off. Five of this year’s top-ranking cities call the heartland home, proving you don’t need ocean views to enjoy a well-balanced life. The South is also making moves, with three cities climbing the ranks and showing they’re serious about mixing business with a bit of breathing room. Out West, a couple of sunny favorites and outdoorsy hubs round out the list, adding some coastal charm and mountain calm to the mix.
Beyond the 9-to-5: Top Cities That Got Work, Life & Mental Health Right in 2025
The cities in the top ten stood out for checking multiple boxes — not just in terms of work-related metrics like job flexibility and commute times, but also in offering the kind of spaces and infrastructure that make it easier to unplug and focus on your mental health. These are the places where balance doesn’t have to be chased — it’s built in.
The Twin Cities are once again leading the pack, with Minneapolis, MN, and St. Paul, MN, claiming the top two spots in this year’s ranking — and Minneapolis holding firmly at No. 1. What gives the west of the Mississippi the leg up compared to neighboring St. Paul is its affordability. With a median household income of $80,000 and a cost of living index of 93.6 (compared to the national average of 100), Minneapolis emerges as the most affordable city among all those analyzed.
But it’s not just about saving money — it’s also about how residents live and work. Roughly 23.3% of Minneapolis workers are remote, while average commute times sit at a manageable 22.5 minutes. Meanwhile, locals are keeping balance in check, clocking in at an average of 37.3 work hours per week, which ranks 9th overall. And with 94.1% of residents covered by health insurance, it’s clear that Minneapolis isn’t just affordable — it’s a place where well-being is part of the equation.
Coming in at No. 2, St. Paul proves that a slower pace doesn’t mean falling behind. Ranking 5th overall for fewest weekly work hours, the city clearly values downtime — and knows how to make the most of it. With 26 recreational amenities per 10,000 residents (the highest rate among all cities analyzed), locals have no shortage of ways to recharge, reconnect and put well-being front and center in daily life.
Despite the growing popularity of telecommuting — with the share of remote workers rising by 3 percentage points over the past year to reach 18% — St. Paul ranked only 25th overall for this metric. Commute times, while slightly improved, still remain average. Residents now spend an average of 22.3 minutes commuting, down by nearly a minute compared to last year.
Continuing the streak of Midwestern cities, Omaha, NE, takes third spot after an impressive jump from last year’s ninth position. What’s fueling its momentum? A powerful combination of affordability and livability. With a 91.9 cost of living index and a median household income just over $72,700, Omaha offers residents more financial breathing room than many peer cities. The city also boasts one of the shortest average commute times in the top 10 at just 19.6 minutes, giving workers back valuable time each day.
While the share of remote workers remains modest at 13.6%, Omaha makes up for it with a well-rounded offering: decent green space (about 21 acres per 1,000 residents), strong recreational access and a relatively high recreational amenities score. While it trails others on mental health metrics, Omaha’s steady rise signals a city that’s becoming increasingly attractive for professionals seeking balance without breaking the bank.
Raleigh, NC, continues its upward climb, moving from fifth to fourth in this year’s ranking — and it’s easy to see why. The city strikes a solid balance between professional flexibility and lifestyle appeal. With 23.4% of workers clocking in remotely, Raleigh boasts one of the highest remote work rates among the top 10. Add to that a strong median income of $82,400 and a cost of living index just under the national average (97.2) and residents here are well positioned to make the most of both time and money.
Commute times average 23.4 minutes, while green space access — over 22 acres per 1,000 residents — gives locals ample opportunity to unplug. While Raleigh doesn’t rank as highly on mental health metrics, its continued rise in the rankings reflects a city evolving to meet the needs of a modern, balance-focused workforce.
Boise City, ID, makes a strong impression this year, jumping from 12th to 5th place — a notable leap that reflects its growing appeal as a well-rounded place to live and work. With an average commute of just 19.1 minutes, residents waste little time in traffic, freeing up space in the day for rest, family, or outdoor activities. And there’s no shortage of green: with over 18 acres of green space per 1,000 people and high recreational amenity scores, Boise makes it easy to unplug.
The city also scores well in health insurance coverage (92.3%) and maintains a relatively balanced workweek, averaging 38.2 hours. Though its remote work share (15.8%) is close to the national average, Boise’s rise in the rankings shows that quality of life goes well beyond Zoom calls — and this city is delivering.
[Shifting family structures and a pandemic-driven focus on social isolation] are just two examples that have contributed to the shift from a ‘living to work’ to ‘working to live’ mindset, in which purpose and meaning in life beyond work is valued more highly than working 60-plus hours a week, with little time for meaningful leisure and recreation activities such as spending time in nature, engaging in social activities, and pursuing hobbies.
Laura L. Payne, Ph.D.,
Professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
After placing third last year, Lincoln, NE, lands at No. 6 in this year’s ranking, still firmly within the top tier of U.S. cities for work-life balance. With an average workweek of just 37.2 hours and commute times under 20 minutes, Lincoln keeps stress low and free time accessible. The city also performs well on health metrics — 93.3% of residents have health insurance and it boasts a mental health score of 98, the third-highest overall.
Its affordability remains a strength, with a cost of living index of 94.3 and a median household income close to $70,000. While the remote work rate (10%) is on the lower side, Lincoln’s strong recreational offerings and grounded lifestyle make it an appealing choice for those seeking a steady rhythm.
Irvine, CA, maintains its position in seventh place for the second year in a row, and while it may come with a hefty price tag — the cost of living index clocks in at 156.3 — residents get a lot in return. With a median income of nearly $130,000, Irvine stands out for its economic strength. But what really pushes it into the top 10 is its strong performance across health and lifestyle metrics: 95.8% of residents are insured and the city boasts excellent recreational infrastructure, with over 34 acres of green space per 1,000 people and the fourth-highest amenity scores in the entire ranking. A robust remote work rate of 25.9% adds to Irvine’s appeal, offering flexibility alongside high-end living. For those who can afford it, Irvine delivers a lifestyle built on balance and well-being.
For the second year in a row, Chesapeake, VA, secures the No. 8 spot, thanks to a well-rounded mix of wellness-supporting infrastructure and economic stability. With a median household income of $94,189 and a cost of living index below 100, it strikes a balance between comfort and affordability. But where Chesapeake truly shines is in its abundance of outdoor space — boasting a remarkable 230 acres of green space per 1,000 residents, by far the highest in the top 10. The city also scores high on recreational amenities and health insurance coverage (93.4%). Commute times are slightly longer at 25.5 minutes and the remote work rate (11.5%) lags behind, but for those who value room to breathe — literally and figuratively — Chesapeake delivers.
Climbing two spots from last year, Lexington, KY, secures ninth place with a blend of affordability, short commutes and solid health coverage. With a median income of $67,631 and a cost of living index of 91.8, the city ranks among the most financially accessible in the top 10. Commute times average just 20.8 minutes and workweeks stay relatively light at 37.9 hours. While recreational amenities are fewer than in other top contenders and remote work adoption remains low at 10.9%, Lexington stands out in another key area: air quality. Among the top 10 cities, it ranks highest for this metric — a quiet but meaningful contributor to daily well-being. Overall, Lexington’s consistency across health and lifestyle scores — including 93.2% health insurance coverage — helps explain its steady rise. It’s a practical, grounded choice for those who value a manageable lifestyle without big-city pressure.
Sliding from fourth to tenth this year, Madison, WI, still earns its place among the nation’s best for work-life balance — especially when it comes to mental health. With a perfect mental health score, the highest among all cities and a notably short average workweek of 36.5 hours, Madison prioritizes well-being both on and off the job. The city pairs that with an impressive 95.7% health insurance coverage rate, ample green space (26 acres per 1,000 people) and quick commute times of 19.4 minutes. While its cost of living index is slightly above average (104.7), Madison’s holistic approach to quality of life keeps it firmly on the radar for balance-minded professionals.
Newcomers to Watch: Fresh Faces Shaking Up the Top 20
This year’s Work-Life Balance study brings some fresh momentum to the rankings, with five new cities climbing into the top 20 — and making a strong case for why they deserve the spotlight. Spokane, San Diego, Richmond, Colorado Springs and Jacksonville weren’t on last year’s top 20 radar, but in 2025, they’ve proved that with the right mix of quality-of-life factors, it’s possible to break through.
Spokane, WA, saw one of the most impressive climbs, jumping from an overall score of 63.3 last year to 68.6 in 2025. Its already-strong mental health score rose even higher, from 91 to 96, while its affordability score improved from 26 to 39 — a notable shift that likely helped the city break into the upper half of the rankings.
Further west, San Diego, CA, continued to build on its reputation for lifestyle flexibility. It climbed from 21st to 18th place, with its remote work score remaining strong (slightly dipping from 80 to 78) and a marginal shift in affordability (from 48 to 46). While its overall score ticked down slightly from 66.1 to 65, its consistency across most metrics was enough to push it further up the list.
Richmond, VA, also broke through, rising from 22nd to 19th place. Although its overall score nudged up only slightly — from 64.4 to 64.5 — the city made subtle but meaningful gains. Its affordability score improved (from 35 to 38) and its commute remained efficient, helping it edge past several other contenders.
Perhaps the most dramatic jump came from Colorado Springs, CO, which leapt from 33rd place in 2024 to a shared 19th this year. Its affordability score shot up from 59 to 75, making it one of the top performers in this category among newcomers. While its mental health and commute scores saw slight drops, that affordability boost gave it the lift it needed.
Finally, Jacksonville, FL, rounds out the up-and-comers at No. 20, climbing from 27th place last year. The city’s overall score rose from 61.3 to 63.4, with improved marks in both affordability (77 to 81) and remote work (45 to 47). While its workweek remains on the longer side, Jacksonville’s affordability and growing flexibility helped it cross the threshold into the top 20.
Together, these cities reflect a growing shift: Work-life balance isn’t just for legacy leaders — it’s an open field and more cities are rising to meet the moment.
Where Inner Balance Matter: Top Cities That Put Mental Health First
In 2025, mental health is no longer a side conversation — it’s front and center in how cities are shaping quality of life. And some are clearly leading the way. That’s why, when analyzing the top cities for work-life balance, we also made it a point to spotlight those prioritizing mental wellness — recognizing that a truly supportive city doesn’t just enable productivity, but creates space for rest, connection and peace of mind.
To identify these mental health standouts, we looked at average work hours, access to green space, recreational amenities, health insurance coverage and air quality.
At the top is Madison, WI, earning the top score, thanks to a winning formula of short workweeks, strong public health infrastructure and abundant green space. It’s a clear reflection of how modern urban planning is prioritizing well-being through access to greenspace and the integration of nature into everyday city life.
Urban life is already being reimagined to support health and well-being. Urban infrastructure improvements have contributed to increases in bicycling and walking. Greenspace initiatives have contributed to increased access to green environments that contribute to several facets of health and well-being (e.g., social, physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual). These are key facets of urban planning and landscape architecture that have been widely implemented and are here to stay” writes Laura L. Payne, Ph.D.
Just next door, St. Paul, MN, comes in close behind with a score of 99 — no surprise for a city that tops the charts in recreational amenities and encourages residents to take their downtime seriously.
Moving south, Lincoln, NE posts a score of 98, blending light work hours and affordability with meaningful investment in behavioral health services. Meanwhile, Honolulu, HI (97) takes a more natural approach — between the ocean, sunshine and slower pace, it’s basically built for peace of mind.
Further north, Spokane, WA, makes a strong showing with a score of 96, climbing the ranks thanks to expanding access to mental health care and commute times that leave room to breathe. And Irvine, CA (95) brings the California calm, with top-notch insurance coverage and city planning that actually makes space for wellness.
In the Midwest, Minneapolis, MN, holds steady with a score of 94, reflecting the city’s deep investment in mental health services and a strong sense of community. That same Midwestern push for well-being is seen in Cincinnati, OH, which climbs with a score of 93 as local nonprofits and care networks expand their mental health reach.
Pittsburgh, PA, follows with a score of 92, known for weaving mental health into primary care and research through its strong medical community. And finally, Buffalo, NY rounds out the list at 91, quietly making strides through school-based counseling, community outreach and state-supported wellness initiatives.
As the lines between work and life continue to blur, one thing is clear: balance isn’t a luxury — it’s the baseline. The cities that made this year’s list are setting the pace by rethinking what daily life can look like. From smarter commutes to cleaner air and more space to breathe, they’re helping residents trade burnout for breathing room — and proving that where you live still shapes how you live.
Expert insights
As work and life keep blending together, especially with hybrid schedules, how can cities make it easier for people to switch between the two — and maybe even use that shift to rethink how we use downtown spaces?
I think work-life balance has always been a key concern for people working, but it takes on different forms in response to different eras and technologies. In the past, we could “clock out” at 5 and truly disconnect from work, but with the advent of cell phones and email, it is harder to fully disconnect, even when we’re away from the office. So, since the office vs. home boundary doesn’t seem to be as important, I think we’re seeing more and more interest in drawing boundaries in different ways (especially post-pandemic) – such as drawing boundaries by time (i.e., certain days of the week) instead of location. That fuels the desire for remote work, as it allows for an easier transition between work and the rest of our lives (without a long commute).
Read more…
So, if I was thinking about work-life balance in terms of city planning, it would be about easing that transition between work and life, whether that be making workplaces more walkable from residential areas, creating vibrant social environments near work, or adjusting to “burstier” patterns of working. Take hybrid work schedules – these are changing what a downtown environment looks like – it might be that downtown, office-heavy areas are really only Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday locations. So, what could they be on Friday-Monday? Are there opportunities to make creative use of those spaces to promote new businesses or enable greater work-life balance?
What does the rise in demand for work-life balance tell us about deeper generational or societal priorities?
I don’t think the desire for work-life balance is anything new — but what has changed is the growing demand for remote work, largely because people now see how effectively it can support that balance. The pandemic proved that remote work not only works, but in many cases, it works better. Before COVID-19, remote or hybrid setups existed, but they were far less common. Many employers and employees hadn’t seriously considered whether flexible work was even possible — until they had no choice.
Read more…
Now, the data speaks for itself: remote work doesn’t hurt performance — it often improves it. And more importantly, it gives people back time and autonomy. Without long commutes and rigid schedules, workers have more flexibility to organize their day in ways that make sense for both their personal and professional lives.
That’s why I think companies pushing return-to-office mandates are missing a huge opportunity. Instead of reimagining how, when, and where we work, they’re reverting to a pre-pandemic status quo — and ignoring compelling evidence that remote work fosters both productivity and balance. There are smarter, more thoughtful ways to build connection and collaboration than requiring everyone to be physically present five days a week.
As remote work becomes more embedded, what should cities be doing now to adapt for a more flexible future of work?
Cities can be actively working on improving the digital infrastructure and redeveloping and repurposing commercial space to facilitate more community spaces, green spaces, and coworking spaces. Hubs that combine work, shopping and leisure are likely going to be appealing to remote workers as well, so expanding mixed-use space could also be beneficial. The future of work will continue to rely on technology to facilitate working whenever and wherever, so cities should focus on developing areas where people want to work instead of areas where they have to work.
If you were building a city from scratch for work-life balance in 2025, what would it include — or exclude?
This is a great question and it’s fun to think of what is possible. If we’re thinking of a totally hypothetical scenario, I think it would be important to also consider the surrounding geography and how that facilitates work-life balance. Things such as proximity or ease of access to the types of nonwork activities people love to engage in, such as mountains, beaches, or access to an airport or train station where these places are easily accessible. Now, narrowing down to how I would build a city from scratch, I’d love to design a city where individuals have easy access to work, home, recreation, practical needs (shopping, hospital/doctor’s offices, schools) and community spaces.
The less commuting to work, the better. If a city could be developed with well-designed public transportation or biking/walking paths to get all of the city, that would be wonderful. Urban life has a lot to offer, so to attract and keep people living in the city as opposed to scattering to the suburbs, it’s important to consider the reasons people may leave an urban environment for the suburbs, such as a desire for larger homes and yards, more affordable prices, access to high-quality education and medical facilities, convenience to shopping/community, space for entertainment and leisure, proximity to green spaces and parks and space for community gathering. This could be possible primarily though allocating less of the city’s square footage to office and commercial space. I’d ensure that the digital infrastructure allows for ample remote work opportunities, whether this is in one’s own home or in a coworking or community space. The more flexibility in where and when we work, the better.
Methodology
CoworkingCafe focused on U.S. cities with at least 200,000 residents that had data for all metrics analyzed.
The total score was calculated using the following data points and weighting:
Mental health – 40% of the total index
- Average work hours per week – includes part-time and full-time positions [U.S. Census Bureau – 5-year estimates (2023)] – 40%
- Green spaces in acres per 1,000 residents [The Trust for Public Land’s public database (2024)] – 20%
- Number of recreational amenities per 10,000 residents [The Trust for Public Land’s public database (2024)] – 20%
- Percentage of population with public or private health insurance coverage [U.S. Census Bureau – 5-year estimates (2023)] – 10%
- Air Quality Index* [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2024)] – 10%
Affordability – 30% of the total index
- Median annual household income [U.S. Census Bureau – 5-year estimates (2023)]
- Cost of Living Index [The Council for Community and Economic Research (2024)]
Remote work – 20% of the total index
- Share of remote workers out of the total working population [U.S. Census Bureau – 5-year estimates (2023)]
Commute time – 10% of the total index
- Mean travel time to work in minutes [U.S. Census Bureau – 5-year estimates (2023)]
The scores used to compare cities were inversely proportional to their ranks obtained for each data point and were assigned in increments of one point/rank (1stplace = 100 points; 2nd place = 99 points; etc.).
* The air quality index reflected that of the wider metro area when city-level data was not available.
Fair Use & Redistribution
We encourage and freely grant you permission to reuse, host or repost the images in this article. When doing so, we only ask that you kindly attribute the authors by linking to CoworkingCafe.com or this page so that your readers can learn more about this project, the research behind it and its methodology.
