For Biglaw associates, starting salaries may be standardized across many markets — but what those dollars actually buy can vary dramatically depending on where you live. The rise of national salary scales means a first-year associate in Houston or Minneapolis often makes nearly the same as a peer in New York City or Los Angeles. The difference? Cost of living.
A recent study by The National Jurist, highlighted by JDJOURNAL takes a deeper look at where associates’ money goes furthest by adjusting average young-lawyer salaries to reflect each city’s living costs. The result is a practical “bang for your buck” ranking that goes beyond bragging rights over six-figure paychecks.
Even more striking, the article paired this data with real housing examples that an average associate could afford using a standard metric — spending roughly 2.5 times their annual salary on a home. The findings give associates a clear picture of how far their Biglaw paycheck stretches in different U.S. cities — and where they might actually be able to buy a spacious home, instead of a shoebox condo.
Cities Where Associates Win Big
The report highlights several cities where early-career lawyers enjoy the most purchasing power:
- Houston, TX – With average associate salaries near $176,000, Houston offers significant space for the price. Homes in the $435K range often include three bedrooms, three baths, and extras like roof decks or townhome layouts close to downtown. No state income tax sweetens the deal.
- Dallas, TX – Not far behind, Dallas associates average around $171K, translating into a comfortable $415K home budget. Expect modern condos with amenities like balconies, pools, and short commutes into the city center.
- Austin, TX – Salaries here hover around $163K, still strong compared to the cost of living. The catch? Austin’s popularity has pushed housing prices upward, meaning associates may find smaller units or townhomes around $400K, often with HOA fees.
- Washington, D.C. – Despite high costs, associates average more than $200K, allowing them to afford $500K-plus condos. You may be looking at one-bedroom units near the city center, but rooftop views and short commutes remain within reach.
- Chicago, IL – Associates earning roughly $178K can find two-bedroom, two-bath condos in the $430K range, often in prime locations near the Magnificent Mile.
- Los Angeles, CA – LA salaries hover near $184K, which sounds great — until you see the housing market. That budget may only get you a one-bedroom condo, though you’ll enjoy the Southern California lifestyle and potential firm prestige.
- Minneapolis, MN – One of the quiet winners, Minneapolis associates earn about $155K but can afford nearly 1,300-square-foot units with multiple bedrooms and more space than they’d find in coastal markets.
- Boston, MA – A strong salary near $189K still doesn’t go as far in Boston’s expensive market. Smaller condos or loft-style units dominate the under-$500K price range.
- Salt Lake City, UT – Though salaries average around $139K, the cost of living keeps homeownership within reach. Associates here can buy decent one-bedroom or small two-bedroom homes for about $350K — a relative bargain compared to most other markets.
What Makes These Cities Attractive
The findings reveal a few key trends:
- Lower Housing Costs Create Real Leverage – Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Minneapolis allow associates to buy significantly larger homes than they could in New York or San Francisco for the same salary.
- Flat Pay Scales Work in Their Favor – Since many firms pay nearly identical salaries across markets, associates in lower-cost cities effectively receive a higher real income.
- Tax Benefits Matter – Texas has no state income tax, giving associates there even more take-home pay compared to peers in states with high tax burdens.
- Space vs. Prestige Trade-Off – While you might sacrifice some name recognition or big-ticket clients by working outside New York, the lifestyle benefits — more space, shorter commutes, and potentially better work-life balance — can outweigh the prestige factor for many lawyers.
Things to Consider Before Making a Move
Before packing up and moving to a lower-cost city, associates should think beyond housing prices. Career trajectory, practice area opportunities, and firm culture all play a role. Some cities may have fewer offices or a smaller Biglaw presence, which could impact lateral mobility or long-term client exposure.
HOA fees and property taxes can also reduce the buying power of the sticker price. A $450K condo might look affordable until you factor in $600 a month in fees. And while some cities have lower home prices today, rapid growth could push costs up over the next few years.
Bottom Line
For associates looking to maximize their financial future, these rankings offer more than bragging rights — they offer strategy. Choosing a city like Houston, Dallas, or Minneapolis can mean buying a larger home earlier, saving more aggressively, and potentially reaching long-term financial goals faster.
Biglaw may have a reputation for grueling hours, but where you live can determine whether that hard work translates into a cramped apartment or a comfortable home. In today’s national salary environment, smart associates are realizing they don’t have to stay in the most expensive cities to earn — and enjoy — Biglaw money.
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