When one pictures the financial trading industry, the images of Wall Street and Manhattan loom large. Indeed, New York City is the commercial capital of the United States, home to the biggest financial markets and the most Fortune 500 companies in the world.
But NYC isn’t for everyone. The cost of living is significantly higher than the average US city, and elevated tax rates means that more of your paycheck’s gone missing before it even hits your bank account. If you’ve burned out on the Big Apple, check out this list of five other cities that are great places for finance industry professionals to call home.
5. London, England
Okay, if your issue with NYC is the high cost of living, you likely won’t be crazy about London, either — to live a comfortable lifestyle, you’ll still be shelling out quite a bit of cash in the foggy English capital. But across the board, it is actually more affordable than New York, if just by a hair. It’s also an equally important city when it comes to global finance (though the effects of the Brexit vote remain to be seen) and boasts a phenomenal range of cultural pursuits.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
Though it’s located just a few hours up the East Coast from New York, life in Boston is strikingly different. It’s a smaller city with a friendlier, more personal feel, and easier access to the quaint towns and lovely natural areas that lay beyond the city limits — perfect for anyone who needs a regular escape from the concrete jungle. The city is home to a large number of world-class universities as well as major financial institutions, yet the cost of living is much more reasonable than London or NYC.
3. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is another excellent destination for financial professionals. It’s bursting with great restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene, while maintaining a laid-back, welcoming feel throughout its many distinct neighborhoods. Like Boston, in Chicago you’ll be able to afford a decent apartment and have the option of eating out; geographically speaking, you can’t beat living on the shores of one of the Great Lakes! Chicago’s financial industry is big and only getting bigger.
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As you might guess from a look at its signature architecture, Dubai is busily positioning itself as the city of the future. Striving for position as the financial epicenter of the Middle East, Dubai has seen a vast influx of new jobs in the industry. Though you could likely land a job without speaking Arabic, be prepared for the cultural differences you’ll inevitably encounter.
1. Hong Kong, China
As China grows more and more influential as a global financial power, it’s no surprise that the main hub of its financial industry is becoming one of the most attractive cities in the world to traders and other finance professionals. In addition to the jobs, Hong Kong has plenty to offer an adventurous expat: bustling energy, exciting nightlife, and a high percentage of open, green spaces.