Learning how to budget helps individuals and families avoid financial surprises. A budget ensures that critical needs are met, and they can also turn larger financial goals into reality.

A recent WalletHub survey found that 74% of Americans cite rising costs are the biggest challenge to their budgeting. That has certainly been true during the last few months, as shortages and talks about tariffs created havoc at the grocery store, car dealership and other places.

The money management website wanted to know where people with the best budgeting strategies live — strategies that take these uncertainties into consideration. WalletHub analysts compared more than 180 U.S. cities, evaluating them on 12 metrics, including residents’ average credit score, non-mortgage debt, foreclosure rates and percentage of people who paid the minimum on credit cards. Among other results, they discovered that a low debt-to-income ratio is a key factor in residents’ financial security.

          The Top 10 U.S. cities to find residents with good budgeting skills are:

1. Seattle, Wash.
2. Fremont, Calif.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
4. Pearl City, Hawaii
5. San Jose, Calif.
6. Minneapolis, Minn.
7. South Burlington, Vt.
8. St. Paul, Minn.
9. Huntington Beach, Calif.
10.  Tacoma, Wash.

Source: https://wallethub.com/edu/cities-with-best-worst-budgeters/7666.