The 10 Most (and Least) Affordable U.S. Cities for Renters in 2025

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As rent prices continue to surge across much of the United States, finding an affordable place to live has become a major challenge for many renters. However, some cities still offer a much-needed break from sky-high housing costs. A recent study by WalletHub, highlighted in a Mental Floss article, analyzed how affordable rent is across 182 U.S. cities by comparing median annual gross rent to median household income.

Their findings provide a snapshot of where renters are likely to find the best — and worst — deals in today’s housing market.

Where Renting Is Most Affordable

In the cities topping the “most affordable” list, renters typically spend a far lower percentage of their income on housing. This means residents can stretch their paychecks further, allowing for better financial stability, savings, and quality of life.

Here are the Top 10 Most Affordable Cities for Renters:

  1. Bismarck, North Dakota – Rent consumes about 15.34% of the median household income.

  2. Sioux Falls, South Dakota – Residents spend about 15.95% of their income on rent.

  3. Cheyenne, Wyoming – Rent accounts for approximately 16.1% of income.

  4. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

  5. Fargo, North Dakota

  6. Charleston, West Virginia

  7. Casper, Wyoming

  8. Overland Park, Kansas

  9. Juneau, Alaska

  10. Anchorage, Alaska

Key Takeaways:

  • These cities tend to have strong median incomes relative to rental costs, making housing more accessible.

  • Cities in the Midwest and Mountain West — like Bismarck, Sioux Falls, and Cheyenne — dominate the list, reinforcing the reputation of the central U.S. as a haven for affordable living.

  • Even more remote places like Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska, offer better rent-to-income ratios compared to many urban hubs in the Lower 48.

Where Renting Is Least Affordable

Unfortunately, not every city offers such favorable conditions. In several metro areas, rent eats up a significant chunk of household income, putting pressure on residents’ budgets and limiting opportunities to save or invest.

Here are the Top 10 Least Affordable Cities for Renters:

  1. Miami, Florida – Residents spend about 33.48% of their income on rent.

  2. Newark, New Jersey – Approximately 32.96% of income goes to rent.

  3. New Haven, Connecticut – Rent accounts for around 32.18% of income.

  4. Detroit, Michigan

  5. Glendale, California

  6. Bridgeport, Connecticut

  7. Orlando, Florida

  8. Birmingham, Alabama

  9. Oceanside, California

  10. Jackson, Mississippi

Key Takeaways:

  • In these cities, renters often spend a third or more of their income just to keep a roof over their heads, leaving less room for other essentials like healthcare, transportation, education, or savings.

  • Miami stands out in particular, confirming recent reports that it is one of the least affordable cities in the country for renters.

  • Coastal and larger metro areas — especially in Florida, California, and the Northeast — are heavily represented among the least affordable.

Why Rent Affordability Matters

The rent-to-income ratio is one of the most critical factors affecting an individual’s or family’s financial health. Financial experts often recommend spending no more than 30% of your income on housing. When renters are forced to pay more, it can lead to:

  • Higher debt levels

  • Inability to save for emergencies or retirement

  • Poorer overall health outcomes due to financial stress

  • Limited mobility and career opportunities, as high costs can trap people in less desirable living situations

For cities, a lack of affordable housing can stifle economic growth, discourage new residents from moving in, and even push current residents to relocate to more affordable areas.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a move, considering your financial future, or just curious about rental trends, understanding where your city stands on the affordability spectrum is critical.

Cities like Bismarck, Sioux Falls, and Cheyenne offer relief to renters looking for a reasonable cost of living. Meanwhile, renters in places like Miami, Newark, and New Haven must be prepared for significant housing expenses that can strain even higher incomes.

If you’re currently renting or planning to rent, it’s worth exploring these affordability rankings — your future financial health might depend on it.

For more information, you can view the full article here: The 10 Most (and Least) Affordable Cities for Renters in 2025 – Mental Floss