Renting vs. buying remains one of the biggest financial decisions Americans face. With home prices at historic highs and interest rates still putting pressure on buyers, many households are sticking with renting for the foreseeable future. But a key question remains: Which cities actually give renters the best value for their money?
A new WalletHub study, shared by FOX 5 DC, compared more than 180 U.S. rental markets across 21 key factors from affordability to crime rates, school quality, weather, and job opportunities. The results highlight cities where renting stretches your dollar further, as well as those where renters face the toughest challenges.
How the Study Was Conducted
WalletHub’s methodology grouped the data into two categories:
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Rental Market & Affordability
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Median rent compared to median income
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Vacancy rates
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Historical rent trends
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Rent vs. mortgage comparisons
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Quality of Life for Renters
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Crime statistics
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School district ratings
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Job availability and economic health
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Weather and recreational opportunities
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Average home sizes and housing stock age
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Each city received a score out of 100, balancing financial burden against overall livability.
The Best Cities for Renters in 2025
1. Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park claims the top spot as the most renter-friendly city in America. Here’s why:
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Affordability: Renters spend only about 17% of their income on housing well below the national average.
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Spacious Living: Average home size clocks in at 2,809 square feet, providing comfort rarely seen in major metros.
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Family-Friendly: Over 55% of public schools are rated 7/10 or higher.
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Safety: Lower crime rates make the city particularly attractive for families and long-term renters.
2. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale shines thanks to its balance of lifestyle and affordability.
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Rent consumes roughly 21% of household income.
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The city boasts large average home sizes (2,331 sq ft).
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Job opportunities, recreational activities, and consistently sunny weather boost its livability.
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Scottsdale also ranks high in long-term rental stability, with fewer households spending over half their income on housing.
3. Chandler, Arizona
Not far behind Scottsdale, Chandler stands out for younger families and professionals.
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Renters spend 21% of income on average.
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Only 18% of households are “severely rent burdened” (spending 50%+ of income on housing).
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With many homes built after 2010, Chandler’s housing stock is modern, efficient, and renter-friendly.
Other Top Performers
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Gilbert, AZ – Similar benefits to Scottsdale and Chandler, with strong schools and a family-oriented community.
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Bismarck, ND – Low rent burden and safe neighborhoods.
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Sioux Falls, SD – Affordable rents and a growing job market.
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Huntsville, AL – Known for affordability and tech-industry job growth.
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Peoria, AZ, Lewiston, ME, and Nashua, NH round out the top 10.
These cities prove that affordability isn’t limited to one region. From the Midwest to New England, renters can find pockets of opportunity.
The Worst Cities for Renters in 2025
Not all renters have it easy. The study also revealed cities where rent eats up income, and quality of life falls behind.
Bottom 10 Cities for Renters:
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Memphis, TN
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Detroit, MI
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Cleveland, OH
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Tacoma, WA
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New Orleans, LA
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Newark, NJ
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Jackson, MS
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Baton Rouge, LA
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San Bernardino, CA
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Huntington, WV
Why these cities struggle:
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Higher percentages of households are rent burdened.
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Many suffer from lower school quality, fewer job opportunities, and higher crime rates.
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In some cases (like San Bernardino and Detroit), outdated housing stock and economic stagnation add pressure to renters.
What Renters Should Take Away
1. Affordability Isn’t the Only Factor
Overland Park wins not just for cheap rent, but for strong schools, safety, and family appeal.
2. Lifestyle Matters
Cities like Scottsdale and Chandler show that renters are willing to pay slightly more when jobs, recreation, and climate align.
3. Beware the Hidden Strain
Rent burden can quietly eat away at financial stability. In the bottom-ranked cities, too many renters spend over half their income on housing, leaving little room for savings or emergencies.
4. Regional Gaps Are Widening
Some regions are becoming renter havens while others are pushing renters further into financial stress. Even within the same state, the difference can be dramatic.
Final Thoughts
For anyone debating a move in 2025, these rankings highlight the importance of looking beyond the monthly rent. Affordability, school systems, job prospects, and safety should all play a role in deciding where to call home.
The big picture: Renters in places like Overland Park, Scottsdale, and Chandler can enjoy a comfortable, balanced lifestyle. But in cities like Memphis, Detroit, or San Bernardino, renters may struggle under the combined weight of high rent burden and weaker quality-of-life factors.
If renting is your path for the next few years, this study makes one thing clear: choosing the right city could make the difference between financial stability and housing stress.
Source: These cities are the best and worst for renters in 2025, study shows – FOX 5 DC