10 Best Cities for Singles to Live Comfortably in 2024
Discover the top places for comfort, culture, and adventure
Solo travel has been hot for a minute now, but have you ever considered moving somewhere for a more suitable dating scene? I know I’ve thought about it. Luckily, as a travel writer, I’m always on the road, often traveling solo, so meeting new people with today’s tech is never much of a problem.
At this point, I haven’t met someone worth moving to a new country or city for, but I wouldn’t say no to the right opportunity so long as I could still live comfortably.
Finding the right city to call home can make all the difference when you're single and ready to mingle. Whether you’re chasing the sun, seeking adventure, or just looking for a cozy spot to settle down, a recent study by The Perfect Rug analyzed nearly 30 cities to identify the best places for singles looking for comfortable living conditions.
Key factors considered included the average size of one-bedroom apartments, building age, rent prices, cost of living, and safety index used to calculate an overall comfort score, ranking the cities accordingly. Take a look, and if any sound appealing, book a solo trip to scope out the scene first.
1. Miami
Topping the list is Miami, where the sun is as hot as the real estate market. With an average one-bedroom apartment size of 66.43 square meters, this city offers spacious living in relatively modern buildings (about 50 years old, which is pretty young compared to other cities).
Yes, rent’s a bit steep at around $2,425, but you’re paying to live in this trendy beach meets urban haven. Miami has a walkability score of 77, so whether you’re hitting the beach, grabbing a Cuban coffee, or dancing the night away, you can do it all on foot.
The city’s unique blend of cultures, vibrant nightlife, and endless events make it the ultimate playground for singles.
2. Los Angeles
Coming in second is Los Angeles, the city where dreams are made or broken, but you can do so in comfort. LA boasts the largest one-bedroom apartments on the list at 67.2 square meters.
The buildings are a bit older, averaging 60 years, but with so much space, who’s complaining? Rent here is almost on par with Miami at about $2,393, but with LA's laid-back lifestyle, beach access, and endless entertainment options, it’s totally worth it.
Whether you’re catching waves and then sunset in Malibu, hiking in the Hollywood Hills, or just enjoying a taco truck around the corner from where you live, LA offers a lifestyle that’s tough to beat.
3. Warsaw
Third on the list, Warsaw offers a different kind of charm—European, budget-friendly, and brimming with history.
Sure, the apartments are smaller (around 41.45 square meters), but with an unbeatable walkability score of 100 and a safety index of 74.5, it’s hard to find a better deal.
Rent is a super-affordable $798, and the overall cost of living is low, too, making it perfect for singles who want to stretch their budget without sacrificing comfort. Warsaw’s mix of old-world charm and modern amenities makes it a hidden gem for those looking to explore Europe on a budget.
4. Bucharest
If your priority is affordability, take a look at Bucharest. Ranking fourth, the Romanian capital is the most budget-friendly option, with rent as low as $442 and a cost of living at $708.
Buildings here average 60 years old, and one-bedroom apartments are around 42 square meters—cozy but with all the essentials.
Bucharest’s high safety index of 72 and walkability score of 98 make it an attractive option for singles who want comfort without breaking the bank. Plus, the city’s rich history, buzzing nightlife, and growing cultural scene offer plenty to keep you entertained.
5. Brussels
Brussels lands in fifth place, blending old-world European charm with modern comforts. The average apartment size is a roomy 61.2 square meters, but be prepared for some history—buildings here average 85 years old.
Rent is reasonable at $974, and while the cost of living is a bit higher at $1,101, Brussels more than makes up for it with its unbeatable walkability score of 100.
The city’s mix of international culture, rich history, and vibrant arts scene makes it a fantastic spot for singles to immerse themselves in a dynamic European capital.
6. Lisbon
In sixth place, Lisbon offers a sunny, affordable slice of comfort. With apartments averaging 53.65 square meters and a solid walkability score of 99, this city is perfect for those who love to explore on foot.
Rent is about $1,125, with a relatively low cost of living at $805, making Lisbon an excellent choice for singles looking for a balance between affordability and a vibrant lifestyle.
With its stunning coastal views, rich history, and lively cultural scene, Lisbon is a city that will steal your heart.
7. Chicago
Chicago comes in seventh, offering the third-largest apartment sizes on the list at 66.8 square meters.
Yes, the buildings are on the older side, averaging 85 years, but the city’s iconic skyline and rich cultural scene make it a great place to live. Rent hovers around $2,030, and while the safety index is lower at 34, Chicago’s high walkability score of 77 means you can explore its many neighborhoods on foot.
From world-class museums to deep-dish pizza, Chicago offers a unique blend of comfort and culture perfect for singles.
8. Athens
Eighth on the list, Athens offers an intriguing mix of ancient history and modern comforts—apartments here average 43.1 square meters, with buildings around 70 years old.
Rent is a budget-friendly $514, and the cost of living is also manageable at $894. Athens’ high walkability score of 97 makes exploring the city’s historic sites, vibrant markets, and buzzing nightlife easy.
Athens is a place for singles looking to soak in a rich cultural heritage while enjoying modern comforts. You will also have easy access to beaches near the city, and Greece's famous islands like Santorini and Mykonos are quick day trips.
9. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., comes in ninth, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern living. With one-bedroom apartments averaging 67 square meters—the second-largest on the list—the city provides plenty of space.
However, buildings here are the oldest, averaging 90 years. Rent is on the higher side at $2,465, but with the cost of living at $1,363, you’re paying for proximity to some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks and a rich cultural scene.
With a walkability score of 98, D.C. is perfect for singles who want to live in the heart of the action. It is also a great choice for foodies with hot new restaurants opening weekly and staples, like Ben's Chili Bowl, that have been around for decades.
10. Rome
Rounding out the list is Rome, where history and comfort go hand in hand.
The average apartment size is 47.75 square meters, and with a walkability score of 100, Rome is best explored on foot. Rent is around $959, and the cost of living is $916—reasonable for a city that offers so much culture, history, and charm.
From ancient ruins to vibrant piazzas, Rome is a dream come true for singles looking for a blend of the old and the new.
Becca Blond is an award-winning travel and lifestyle writer focusing on pet, solo, luxury, and adventure travel. She lives with a psychiatric disability and travels with her service dog, Poppy. Becca is the author of more than 30 Lonely Planet travel guidebooks across five continents. Her byline regularly appears in Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy, Thrillist, Matador Network, Planetware, and others. When not on the road, she calls Denver home.