Seattle ranks as the top career locations overall in the Robert Half Career City Index released today. The index, commissioned by Robert Half and developed by The Economist Intelligence Unit, based locations on four factors: career prospects, cost of living, quality of life and cultural diversity.

Seattle delivered a strong performance in the career prospects and cost of living categories, which have the highest weights in the index.

The top 10 overall rankings and scores are:

1. Seattle: 56.7
2. Boston: 53.4
3. San Francisco Bay Area: 51.6
4. Washington, DC: 51.2
5. Raleigh: 50.9
6. Dallas: 50.2
7. Salt Lake City: 49.8
8. Denver: 49.2
9. Houston: 49.0
10. Des Moines: 48.1

A second study, the Robert Half Relocation Survey, found most professionals are open to the idea of accepting a job in a new city. Sixty-seven percent of workers would consider relocating for a job, and 37% believe a move would improve their career prospects.

The workers polled reported the most important factors in deciding to relocate for a job are tied to money: A higher salary at 88% and a lower cost of living at 61% ranked substantially higher in importance than being closer to family and friends at 39%.

The Robert Half Relocation survey was conducted by an independent research firm and includes more than 1,000 US professionals.