If you’ve been wondering why your rent keeps creeping higher even outside of New York or San Francisco you’re not alone. Across the U.S., housing costs are ballooning in unexpected places, and it’s hitting renters hard.
A recent article from FOX 5 San Diego highlights new data showing just how far rents have come since 2020, and why even smaller metro areas are now grappling with serious affordability challenges.
The New Normal: Six-Figure Incomes Just to Rent Comfortably
In 2020, only four metro areas required renters to earn at least $100,000 annually to afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of their income. Fast forward to 2025, and that number has doubled to eight.
According to Zillow, U.S. rents have surged 29% for apartments and a staggering 43% for single-family rentals since April 2020. While median household income has risen 22.5% in that time, it hasn’t kept pace leaving many renters squeezed.
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Average apartment rent (2025): $1,858/month
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Average single-family home rent (2025): $2,256/month
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Median household income (2025): $82,000
As a result, renters are now allocating a larger slice of their paychecks to housing, with nearly 30% of income going toward rent right at the threshold of what financial experts consider affordable.
Pittsburgh: The Surprise Leader in Rent Growth
While many expect sky-high rents in places like L.A. or New York, the fastest-rising rents in the U.S. are happening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Since 2019, median rent in Pittsburgh has climbed nearly 48% the highest increase of any U.S. metro. The spike is driven by:
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An influx of remote workers relocating to more affordable cities
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A lack of new housing to meet demand (only 1,738 new multi-unit permits were issued last year)
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Increased competition for limited available rentals
Other cities following close behind in rent hikes:
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Tampa, FL – up 45.7%
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Indianapolis, IN – up 34%
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Sacramento, CA – up 30.6%
These cities, once considered affordable alternatives, are now experiencing the same pressures as major metros without the same level of housing development to cushion the blow.
2025 Rental Season: Breaking Records Again
This year’s spring and summer leasing season is already setting new records. According to Zumper:
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1-bedroom median rent: $1,524 (up 2.5% YoY)
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2-bedroom median rent: $1,905 (up 3.1% YoY)
Rent increases like these are outpacing inflation and making it even harder for renters to find and keep stable housing. High mortgage rates are also pushing more would-be homebuyers into the rental market, further boosting demand.
And it’s not just rent. Rising housing costs are also driving broader inflation trends, since rent accounts for a significant share of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The Affordability Crisis Is No Longer Coastal
It’s tempting to think rent woes are only for people living in San Francisco, Seattle, or Manhattan. But today, affordability issues are widespread even in cities that were once havens for budget-conscious renters.
Why it’s happening:
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Not enough new housing construction to meet population and demand shifts
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Increased remote work allows people to move into cities with fewer housing options
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Investors buying up single-family homes and renting them out at premium prices
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Stagnant wage growth that doesn’t match the pace of rising rents
The result? More people are cost-burdened, spending too much of their income on rent and sacrificing savings, healthcare, and even food just to stay housed.
What Renters Can Do to Stay Ahead
While we can’t control the market, there are a few things renters can do to navigate this uncertain terrain:
1. Know Your Market
Use platforms like Zillow or RentCafe to track local rent trends. Being informed gives you leverage when negotiating or making a move.
2. Consider Emerging Areas
Look into smaller or up-and-coming neighborhoods that haven’t yet been hit by rapid gentrification.
3. Negotiate Your Lease
If you’re a long-term tenant with a good payment history, some landlords may be open to smaller rent increases or lease incentives.
4. Push for Policy Change
Support local initiatives that advocate for affordable housing, tenant protections, and zoning reform.
5. Plan Ahead
Avoid last-minute moves. Start searching and saving early, especially before peak summer demand kicks in.
Final Thoughts
The rental market in 2025 is increasingly unforgiving, even in places you wouldn’t expect. With rents rising faster than incomes and supply unable to keep up, affordability is becoming a national challenge not just a coastal one.
Renters are being asked to do more with less. But with planning, awareness, and a bit of advocacy, there are still ways to survive and even thrive in this changing landscape.
Source: Rents Are Soaring in These U.S. Cities – FOX 5 San Diego