4 Best College Towns To Live in 2026
College towns aren’t just places to earn a degree and move on. The right one can offer many young professionals a built-in social scene, outdoor activities and lower housing costs.
RentCafe ranked the best college towns for 2026 based on factors such as affordability, young-adult population, cost of living and natural amenities. For those who want more energy than a typical small town without paying big-city prices, college towns may be worth considering after graduation.
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Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman, home of Montana State University, is not the cheapest town, but it tops RentCafe’s list because of what it offers young professionals. It has a population of almost 59,000, per the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, and 37% of residents are ages 20 to 29. Bozeman also sits near the Rocky Mountains, which means easy access to hiking, biking, skiing and fishing.
Bozeman’s housing costs are the biggest drawback. RentCafe lists housing at 51% above the U.S. average, with average monthly rent at $2,100. The city will appeal most to young professionals who want an outdoor lifestyle and can afford higher housing costs.
Pullman, Washington
Pullman, home of Washington State University, offers a lower-cost, college-town option for young professionals who don’t want to shoulder a big-city budget. RentCafe ranked it No. 2, due to its cost of living, outdoor amenities and younger population. Hiking, biking and golfing are popular activities for residents. Census data shows the town has a population of about 34,000, and 46% of residents are ages 20 to 29.
Pullman may be a fit for those who want to live in a smaller college town with a healthy population of younger residents, lower costs and plenty to do outside.
Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson, South Carolina, home of Clemson University, has a more small-town feel than some of the other college towns on the list. RentCafe ranked it No. 3, partly because 51% of residents are ages 20 to 29.
The town has a population of 18,941, but it’s not completely isolated. Greenville is about 30 minutes away, giving residents access to more restaurants, shopping and job options without living in a larger city. Clemson also offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, like hiking, biking and fishing.
Clemson will appeal to young professionals who want to live in a smaller Southern college town with a large, younger population and a sizable city within easy driving distance.
Laramie, Wyoming
Laramie, home of the University of Wyoming, may attract young professionals who want a Western college town without Bozeman-level housing costs. According to RentCafe’s cost-of-living calculator, housing in Laramie is 19% cheaper than the U.S. average, and the city’s overall cost of living is 7% lower than the national average
Laramie has a population of about 32,000, so it’s not going to feel like a large city, but it has the college-town vibe that young professionals may want. According to Visit Laramie, it’s Wyoming’s only university town and boasts a mix of outdoor activities, western history, art and microbreweries.
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