Guess which city is #1 for freelancers? Hint: Breakfast tacos and live music

Freelancers know: It’s Austin, of course!

Austin leads the pack in a Top Ten list determined by examining factors including income, living expenses, health insurance and cell phone coverage.

The inspiring folks at NerdWallet crunched some great numbers recently and came up with a bit of sterling information regarding the great city of Austin, Texas: not only is it fast-becoming the next best thing in the world of start-ups, but for freelancers in particular, Austin is turning out to be a financial haven.

Spend less, make more

I would like to say that Austin is the freelance job capital of the world or at least in the U.S. (or hey, how about just in Texas) but according to 24/7 Wall St., that accolade goes to Las Vegas. That’s OK, because Austin ranks high with freelancers based on location and prices.

I don’t have to tell you that, as a freelancer, your passion will often help you make it through the tough moments in your life but money pays the bills.

Nerdwallet points out that, “Austin’s monthly median income of $2,179 (after taxes) for self-employed workers is second only to San Francisco in the top 10 list.

Although Austin has the third-highest median rent [on the NW list], freelancers living in Austin had the second-highest percentage (38%) of income left over after paying for housing, health insurance and cell phone services.”

In other words, you’re not spending more than you’re making and after all is said and done, you more likely than not will find a few extra coins in your pocket thanks to Austin’s auspicious standard-of-living.

Do the [money] hustle

It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that being a freelancer is a great way of life.  Maybe it’s not for everyone, but there’s a lot to be said for being your own boss and choosing your next project. Not to mention not knowing where your next meal is coming from. Just kidding (kind of ). But the reality (which for me is an incentive) is “breaking the code” or how to juggle your life’s work with paying the bills.

According to NerdWallet, Austin beats it in spades. The costs of health care, a cell phone plan and rent (not necessarily in that order) are critical for freelancers. And one of the signs of a robust freelancing community, writes NW’s Veronica Ramirez and Daniel Tonkovich is where one can find these services.

The daily hustle for money doesn’t get any easier but knowing that the money you DO make goes farther is enough to keep it at the top!

#AustinFreelance