The gig economy has exploded into a workforce revolution. With over 70 million Americans now freelancing — representing roughly 36% of the total workforce — side-gig workers have become a driving force in the U.S. economy. But location matters when you’re trying to maximize earnings while keeping costs manageable.
Curious about which cities offer the best opportunities for freelancers, I turned to ChatGPT for insights. The AI chatbot analyzed data on tax rates, cost of living, freelance communities and earning potential to identify the top U.S. cities for side-gig workers. Here’s what it revealed.
Miami Takes the Crown
Miami topped ChatGPT’s list with a perfect score, and the reasoning is compelling. The city offers zero self-employment tax, which immediately puts more money back into freelancers’ pockets compared to other markets. Nearly half the workforce — 45.79% to be exact, according to the AI — participates in freelance work, creating a massive community for networking and collaboration.
Infrastructure matters too. Miami boasts 433 coworking spaces, giving gig workers plenty of options for professional environments. The combination of favorable tax policy, robust freelance community and abundant resources makes Miami the clear winner for independent workers looking to establish themselves.
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Las Vegas and Nashville Round Out the Top Three
Las Vegas grabbed the No. 2 spot with compelling financial advantages. The city offers 0% state income tax and freelancers there earn an average of $62,083 annually (the highest average income for freelancers nationwide). The combination of high earning potential and zero state income tax makes Las Vegas particularly attractive for side hustlers looking to maximize take-home pay.
Nashville, Tennessee, came in third, offering zero self-employment tax and significantly lower living costs than many major metros. According to the AI, freelancers in Nashville earn an average of $61,569, and the city experienced 24% growth in its freelancer population. The growing healthcare and entertainment industries provide steady opportunities for contract work.
Other Cities That Made the List
ChatGPT identified several additional cities worth considering:
Atlanta ranks as the seventh-largest independent workforce in the United States, with 178,546 independent workers generating $7.4 billion in revenue. The city offers lower living costs than many coastal metros while providing strong demand for freelance services.
Los Angeles features one of the largest freelance workforces in the country, particularly in creative, entertainment and digital sectors. The city has 805 coworking spaces, offering unmatched networking opportunities despite higher living costs.
Raleigh, North Carolina, stands out among emerging “Rising Tech Hubs” experiencing rapid growth in independent workers. The combination of lower cost of living and a growing tech scene makes Raleigh attractive for those wanting to stretch their side-gig dollars further.
Boston made the list thanks to its large freelance population and strong demand for professional services, particularly in marketing and graphic design. The abundance of coworking spaces and networking opportunities helps freelancers build connections in this established market.
Why These Cities Work for Gig Workers
Several common factors emerged across ChatGPT’s top picks. Low or zero state income tax reduces tax burdens on freelancers in Florida, Nevada and Tennessee, immediately boosting take-home pay. High freelance populations create stronger community support and networking opportunities, making it easier to find local gigs and collaborate.
Coworking infrastructure provides remote and creative workers with affordable spaces for productivity, while growing demand for services like delivery, tutoring, pet care and digital work keeps opportunities flowing.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT Which Cities Are Best for Side-Gig Workers — Here’s What It Said
