Carrie Bradshaw Index Shows Declining U.S. Affordability Of Living Alone

The Economist's third annual "Carrie Bradshaw Index" highlights the growing difficulty for singles to afford living alone in U.S. cities, with 41 cities now deemed unaffordable, up from 38 last year. The index, named after the "Sex and the City" character, uses the rule that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income and reveals that cities balancing new construction with population and wage growth offer the most affordable options. Notably, Texas cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin have shifted from affordable to unaffordable due to an influx of middle-class workers driving up rents. Meanwhile, St. Louis ranks as the best city for singles because of its affordability, vibrant social scene, and job market, despite having one of the highest U.S. homicide rates, though the rate has dropped nearly 50% since 2020. Additionally, some mid-sized metros in the Midwest and South, such as Nashville, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh, remain among the best places for young Americans under 30 to afford homes due to stable economies and moderate housing prices. Overall, affordability varies widely across the country, influencing where singles and young buyers can successfully establish independent living.