A new WalletHub study released the best and worst state capitals to live in. Where did Albany fall?
WalletHub compared all 50 capitals across 48 different measurements covering topics like affordability, economic stability, quality of life, education and health care. Out of all 50 state capitals, Albany fell right in the middle, ranking 25th place.
“A state’s capital city is more than just the seat of its government – it’s also often the center of its economic activity,” WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said. “Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities, and an abundance of attractions. Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems.”
Here’s what to know.
Why is Albany the 25th best state capital to live in?
New York’s capital was listed as the 25th best state capital to live in, with an overall score of 50.56 out of 100.
WalletHub’s assessment ranked Albany at No. 40 for affordability, No. 32 for economic well-being and at No. 18 for quality of education and health.
Albany fell just outside the top 10 for the quality of life category, ranking at the No. 12 spot.
WalletHub’s top 10 capital states to live in
WalletHub’s bottom 10 state capitals to live in
How WalletHub assessed best and worst state capitals to live in
To identify the best capitals to live in, WalletHub compared all 50 across four dimensions: affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health and quality of life. Each dimension was evaluated through 48 relevant metrics, according to WalletHub.
The affordability category analyzed these metrics:
The economic well-being category analyzed these factors:
The quality of education & health category analyzed these metrics:
The quality of life category analyzed these metrics:
Data used to create the ranking was collected as of Jan. 19, 2026, and the information was sourced from multiple entities, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, County Health Rankings, Walk Score, TripAdvisor and more.
— Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn’t help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Where does Albany fall? See the best and worst state capitals to live in
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
