WalletHub reveals top U.S. cities where renters get the most value for their money
As rent prices continue to strain American budgets, new data from WalletHub highlights which U.S. cities offer the most affordable housing based on rent-to-income ratio. In 2025, cities like Bismarck, Sioux Falls, and Cheyenne lead the nation with rent costs amounting to just 15–16% of the median household income—far below the national average.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- The top 10 most affordable cities for renters
- Expert-backed strategies for finding budget-friendly housing
- Why some cities are more renter-friendly than others
Top 10 U.S. Cities With the Most Affordable Rent
WalletHub analyzed 182 U.S. cities by comparing their median gross rent to median household income. Here are the 10 cities where rent consumes the smallest portion of income:
| Rank | City | % of Income Spent on Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bismarck, ND | 15.34% |
| 2 | Sioux Falls, SD | 15.95% |
| 3 | Cheyenne, WY | 16.09% |
| 4 | Cedar Rapids, IA | 16.36% |
| 5 | Fargo, ND | 16.65% |
| 6 | Charleston, WV | 16.70% |
| 7 | Casper, WY | 16.72% |
| 8 | Overland Park, KS | 16.81% |
| 9 | Juneau, AK | 17.45% |
| 10 | Anchorage, AK | 17.76% |
These cities give renters a major financial advantage—especially compared to the least affordable cities like Miami, FL, where residents spend more than 33% of their income on rent.
Why Rent Is More Affordable in These Cities
According to WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo, “People in Bismarck, ND, have the most affordable rent as a percentage of their income. This gives them a clear financial edge—more money for savings, emergencies, or future homeownership.”
Several factors contribute to affordability:
- Higher-than-average incomes relative to rent
- Lower demand pressures in less-populated cities
- Pro-development zoning policies that increase housing supply
For example, Bismarck ranks just 20th in lowest median rent but 73rd in highest median income, creating the best rent-to-income ratio nationally.
RELATED READING: Section 8 Housing Guide
Expert Tips: How to Find Affordable Rent
Housing experts recommend these proven strategies for renters:
- Search broadly: Use multiple platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, Apartments.com, and local property management sites.
- Negotiate extras: Ask for included utilities, reduced deposits, or waived fees.
- Prepare paperwork early: Have credit reports, income proof, and references ready to act fast in competitive markets.
- Consider roommates: Splitting rent and utilities can cut housing costs in half.
- Watch for rent control: In select cities, laws cap annual increases and can stabilize long-term costs.
What Local Governments Can Do to Help
To further address rental affordability, policy experts suggest local leaders should:
- Reform zoning laws to allow multi-family homes, townhomes, and ADUs
- Expand housing voucher programs and LIHTC grants
- Increase the housing supply to create competition among landlords
As Sara Bronin of Cornell University notes, “Communities that build more housing units improve conditions for renters, forcing landlords to compete by lowering prices.”
Cities With the Least Affordable Rent
At the other end of the spectrum, renters in the following cities pay the highest percentage of their income on rent:
| Rank | City | % of Income Spent on Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 182 | Miami, FL | 33.48% |
| 181 | Newark, NJ | 32.96% |
| 180 | New Haven, CT | 32.18% |
| 179 | Detroit, MI | 31.35% |
| 178 | Glendale, CA | 29.84% |
In cities like Miami, where rents outpace income growth, affordability challenges are especially severe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with rising rent, relocating to one of these affordable cities could bring meaningful financial relief. Whether you’re a first-time renter or seeking to cut costs, using expert strategies and WalletHub’s latest data can help you make a smart housing decision in 2025.
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