As housing affordability remains a pressing concern in the U.S., a new report by Storage Sense, featured in Sunset Magazine, reveals the most expensive rental cities in 2025—not just by monthly rent, but by cost per 100 square feet. This unique lens brings fresh insight into just how much space your money really buys in today’s market.
Let’s take a closer look at the Top 10 most expensive cities for renters per 100 sq ft:
Top 10 Cities with the Highest Rent per 100 Sq Ft in 2025:
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Washington, D.C. – $229.29
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San Francisco, CA – $225.94
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New York, NY – $190.47
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Boston, MA – $176.66
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San Jose, CA – $152.34
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San Diego, CA – $132.92
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Seattle, WA – $128.42
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Los Angeles, CA – $119.37
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Chicago, IL – $109.64
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Philadelphia, PA – $95.30
Why Per Square Foot Matters
Renters often look at the total cost of rent, but when you consider how much space you’re actually getting, the picture changes. For example, San Francisco, known for its sky-high prices, has some of the smallest average home sizes—so even if rents are slightly lower than D.C., you get less space for your money.
In contrast, cities like Seattle offer more square footage and a better rental inventory, meaning renters have more options and may get better value—despite ranking #7 in price per square foot.
California’s Grip on the List
California continues to dominate the list, with five out of the top ten cities located in the state:
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San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego are long-time members of the “expensive rent” club.
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Los Angeles stands out not only for its pricing but also for its exceptionally low rental inventory, adding another layer of difficulty for prospective tenants.
With high demand and restrictive zoning policies, many of these markets remain tough—even for well-paid professionals.
D.C. and NYC: Prestige, Politics, and Premiums
Washington, D.C. leads the list with the highest rent per 100 square feet, topping even notoriously expensive cities like San Francisco and New York. This speaks to the premium placed on centrality, government job concentration, and infrastructure.
New York, while still in the top three, has seen subtle shifts in its affordability metrics in recent years due to ongoing migration trends and rental relief movements. Still, it remains deeply unaffordable per square foot.
Methodology Snapshot
The rankings considered a blend of:
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Median one-bedroom rent prices
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Average home size
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Rental availability per 100,000 people
This composite approach highlights not just affordability, but value per unit of space, offering a more complete picture for renters who prioritize square footage just as much as location.
What This Means for Renters
If you’re navigating the rental market in 2025, here are three takeaways:
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Think beyond total rent — Price per square foot gives you a clearer idea of space-value.
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Inventory matters — Cities like Seattle may offer better choices due to higher vacancy rates.
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Explore secondary markets — Many renters are looking to suburbs or smaller cities where you get more room for less money.
Whether you’re relocating for work, downsizing, or simply re-evaluating your living situation, knowing where your rent stretches furthest is more important than ever.
Read the full article here: Sunset.com – Cities With the Highest Rent in the U.S. 2025