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The average rent in the US varies depending on the location and property type. As of June 2025, the national average rent was $1,636 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,896 per month for a two-bedroom, with an overall median of $2,125. Some of the most expensive states include Massachusetts, California, and the District of Columbia, with average rents above $2,500. On the other hand, states like Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Arkansas have the lowest rent prices, with Oklahoma having the lowest overall rent at around $900 per month. It's worth noting that rent prices fluctuate seasonally, with summer being a peak demand time, and fall and winter offering more opportunities for cheaper rent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average rent in the US | $1,636-$2,125 per month |
| Average rent in the US for a one-bedroom apartment | $1,636 per month |
| Average rent in the US for a two-bedroom apartment | $1,896 per month |
| Average apartment size in the US | 907 square feet |
| % of renter-occupied households in the US | 35% |
| % of owner-occupied households in the US | 65% |
| Most affordable states | Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Dakota |
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What You'll Learn
Average rent in the US in 2025
The average rent in the United States varies depending on location, size, and quality. As of June 2025, the national average rent was $1,636 per month, a 0.9% increase from the previous year. This number differs across various sources, with some stating the average rent to be $1,638, $1,754, or $1,790. The median rent in the US is stated to be $2,125.
Rent prices in the US fluctuate, and summer is typically a peak demand time. Fall and winter are usually the best times to find cheaper rents. Demand for rentals spiked in June 2025, surpassing supply for the first time since 2021. However, rent increases have begun to plateau, indicating a deceleration in summer moves.
The average apartment size in the US is 907 square feet, but this varies depending on the unit type. Studio apartments are the smallest and most affordable, while one-bedroom apartments are closer to the average. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments offer more generous square footage.
The cost of rent also differs across states and cities. Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Dakota are among the most affordable states, with average rents ranging from $1,064 to $1,146 per month. On the other hand, Florida cities on the Gulf Coast have experienced lower rent prices, while cities on the Atlantic coast have seen increasing rent prices.
The United States Census provides a map of median gross rents across the country, offering detailed insights into regional rent differences. Renting in a metro area is generally more expensive due to higher demand for housing, while rural and less densely populated areas tend to have lower rents.
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US states with the cheapest rent
As of 2025, the average rent in the US is $1,576 per month, with some states offering much cheaper rent than others. The southern and midwestern states generally have lower rents than those in the north and the west. Here are some of the US states with the cheapest rent:
Oklahoma
Oklahoma tops the list of states with the lowest monthly rental costs. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Oklahoma is $895 per month, with Lawton, a city in the state, offering an even lower average of $772 per month.
West Virginia
Also known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rivers, and mountains. It is also tax-friendly, with low property taxes and non-taxable social security benefits. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in West Virginia is $914 per month.
Arkansas
Arkansas is another southern state with low-cost housing. The average rent in the state is $931 per month. The state offers a laid-back lifestyle and natural attractions, including the Ozark National Forest, the Ouachita National Forest, and the Mississippi River.
North Dakota
North Dakota, located on the Canada-US border, offers affordable rent due to its low population density. The average rent in the state is $935 per month. However, its vast expanse of land may require a car for transportation.
Iowa
Iowa is known for its low healthcare costs and active job market. It also has low rent prices and slow rent increases, making it an affordable option. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Iowa is $955 per month.
Mississippi
With an average rent of $973 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, Mississippi is another southern state with affordable housing options.
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US states with the most expensive rent
The average rent in the US varies depending on location, size, and quality. The national average rent price for an apartment is $1,754 per month, while the median rent price is $2,125. The average rent also differs across states, with some states having average rent price differences of thousands of dollars compared to others.
The areas of the country with the most expensive rent prices tend to be in the Northeast and the West Coast. These areas often feature major cities that host industries with the highest incomes, such as tech, entertainment, banking, and international trade. New York, Washington, and California are the states with the highest average rent prices, with rents exceeding $2,000. For example, the average monthly rent in New York City is $3,801, while in Bainbridge, a small town in New York, the average monthly rent is $283.
Other expensive cities for renters include Miami, which held the leading spot amid rising competition in the Midwest at the start of 2024. The other four of the top five most expensive cities for rent are in New York State. While not a state, Washington, D.C. has the highest rental percentage in the country, with 59% of its residents renting their households.
While the Southern and Midwestern states have lower rental costs, residents also earn less money than those along the coasts. As a result, they spend a higher percentage of their income on rent, which can make housing unaffordable. For example, in Mississippi, which has a low rental cost, residents paid on average 33.4% of their income on rent costs, higher than the US median of 31.2%.
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US cities with the cheapest rent
The average rent in the US varies depending on the city and state. Typically, the most affordable cities are far from the coasts, located in the Midwest, Mountain West, and South. Land in these areas tends to be cheaper, with more relaxed zoning rules, reducing the cost of building new housing.
Oklahoma City is one of the cheapest cities for renters. The typical apartment in Oklahoma City goes for $839 a month, or 46% less than the national average.
Other affordable cities include Wichita, Kansas, where the median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $695 per month. Toledo, Ohio, also offers low rents, with a median of $727 per month for a one-bedroom. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has a slightly higher median rent of $750 per month, but still offers low housing costs overall.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Salt Lake City, Utah, are also worth considering, with rents below the national average.
Additionally, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including cities like Plano, Garland, and Irving, is known for being highly affordable for renters.
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US cities with the most expensive rent
As of 2023, the average rent in the United States for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,620 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $2,070 per month. However, these averages hide a wide variation in rental costs across different US cities. Here's a look at some of the most expensive cities for renters:
San Francisco, California, has long been known for its high rental costs, and it continues to top the list of the most expensive cities for renters. As of early 2023, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is a staggering $3,540 per month, with two-bedroom apartments averaging $5,040. The city's strong job market and desirable lifestyle continue to fuel demand for housing, pushing rents upward.
New York, New York, is another notoriously expensive city for renters. While rents here may not match those of San Francisco, they are still significantly higher than the national average. In early 2023, the average one-bedroom apartment in New York City rents for around $3,120 per month, while a two-bedroom will cost approximately $4,480. Like San Francisco, New York's high rents are driven by a combination of strong economic activity and a very limited supply of housing.
Boston, Massachusetts, is the third city on our list, with rents that continue to climb. As of early 2023, the average one-bedroom apartment in Boston rents for $2,950 per month, with two-bedrooms going for $3,750. Boston's high rents are partly due to the city's large student population and the presence of several prestigious universities, which creates consistent demand for housing.
Los Angeles, California, is another West Coast city with eye-watering rental prices. While not quite as expensive as San Francisco, renting in LA still requires a substantial budget. As of early 2023, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,750 per month, while a two-bedroom will cost on average $3,650. LA's strong job market and desirable year-round sunshine continue to attract new residents, keeping rental demand and prices high.
Lastly, Washington, DC, rounds off our list of expensive cities for renters. The nation's capital has seen a significant increase in rental prices in recent years. As of early 2023, a one-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC, rents for an average of $2,650 per month, while a two-bedroom will cost around $3,500. The presence of the federal government and many associated industries creates a consistent demand for housing in the city, driving up rents.
While these cities offer numerous attractions and advantages, their rental markets can be challenging for many, highlighting the significant variation in housing costs across the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
The average rent in the US varies depending on the source and the date of the data. According to Apartments.com, as of June 2025, the average rent in the US is $1,636 per month, a 0.9% increase over the previous year. However, other sources claim the average rent to be $1,754 or $1,790. The median rent in the US is stated to be $2,125. It's important to note that rent prices fluctuate over time and vary across different locations, with metro areas typically carrying a higher price tag than rural regions.
The cost of rent depends on several factors, including location, size, and quality. For instance, studio apartments are typically the most affordable, while two- and three-bedroom apartments offer more space at a higher cost. Additionally, certain states and cities may have higher or lower rent prices based on factors such as demand and local economic conditions.
Rent can play a significant role in an individual's financial life and credit history. Maintaining a healthy credit score is essential, as it may impact your ability to rent a place. While most landlords do not report rent payments to credit agencies, you can request that they do so or sign up for a rent reporting service. Responsible credit card usage, such as paying your bills on time and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio, can also positively impact your credit score.
