Budget-Friendly Housing: 10 States with the Cheapest Rent in 2026

 Finding an affordable state to live in can seem impossible, but some states have prices significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,626/month. If you relocate to one of these states, you could cut costs, build your savings, and live comfortably on your salary. Using data from Apartments.com, we have compiled the cheapest states to live in based on the average rent prices as of February 2026.

Save some money by living in one of the cheapest states in the US. Check out the cost of living and the rent trends on Apartments.com to decide which one to call home. Find out how much you’ll save by living in the cheapest states by comparing the state’s average rent to the national average and make an informed move.

Key Takeaways

• Oklahoma has the cheapest average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the US at about $909/month, which is 44 percent below the national average.
• Across all 10 states on our list, average rent is around $991/month, which is close to 40 percent cheaper than the national average — potentially saving renters $7,615+ per year.
• These budget-friendly states also offer solid square footage (often around 650–730 square feet on average), so lower prices don’t always mean dramatically smaller apartments.

Comparison of States with the Cheapest Rent in 2026

The average rent price can vary depending on what kind of apartment you want and how many bedrooms it has. Larger apartments with three bedrooms will cost more than a simple studio. Location is also a key factor as you can get a three-bedroom for under $2,000 in all of the cheapest states, but some are priced much lower than others.

Here is an overview of the 10 cheapest states and their average rents in February 2026.

State	Average Studio Rent	Average One Bedroom Rent	Average Two Bedroom Rent	Average Three Bedroom Rent
Oklahoma	$798/month	$909/month	$1,086/month	$1,367/month
Arkansas	$818/month	$956/month	$1,075/month	$1,344/month
West Virginia	$754/month	$959/month	$1,151/month	$1,590/month
North Dakota	$830/month	$970/month	$1,152/month	$1,530/month
Iowa	$841/month	$971/month	$1,137/month	$1,452/month
South Dakota	$863/month	$981/month	$1,176/month	$1,492/month
Mississippi	$947/month	$1,007/month	$1,169/month	$1,399/month
Louisiana	$933/month	$1,044/month	$1,223/month	$1,448/month
Alabama	$894/month	$1,048/month	$1,203/month	$1,516/month
Kentucky	$905/month	$1,069/month	$1,253/month	$1,610/month

Oklahoma - $909/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$798/month	495 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$909/month	690 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,086/month	969 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,367/month	1,217 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Lawton	$720/month	622 Sq Ft
Enid	$737/month	700 Sq Ft
Midwest City	$814/month	663 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Oklahoma like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 4,123,288
• Average Rent: $909/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -44 percent
• Average Square Feet: 690 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $8,604

Oklahoma has a strong Western culture, with cowboys, horses, rodeos, and events galore. There is also a strong sense of community in all the towns and cities. The average rent in Oklahoma is $909/month, and it is a car-dependent state, so public transportation in cities can be lacking compared to other metropolitan areas.

The state has many natural features, like the Great Plains, the Wichita Mountains, and the Arkansas River. These landforms draw many for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and more. Half of the land is covered in plains, so farming and agriculture industries thrive alongside energy (oil, gas, coal, and renewable) and manufacturing. Be prepared for hot summers and natural disasters since Oklahoma is in Tornado Alley, but the trade-off is mild, pleasant winters.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Oklahoma: Lawton	Biggest City in Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
Average Rent: $720/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -56 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -14.5 percent Population: 90,027	Average Rent: $926/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -43 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -18.4 percent Population: 712,919

Arkansas - $956/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$818/month	458 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$956/month	668 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,075/month	964 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,344/month	1,224 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Fort Smith	$677/month	655 Sq Ft
Hot Springs	$800/month	653 Sq Ft
Sherwood	$814/month	772 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Arkansas like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 3,114,791
• Average Rent: $956/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -41 percent
• Average Square Feet: 668 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $8,040

The average rent in Arkansas is $956/month, and it is a laid-back state with residents enjoying a calm and slow lifestyle. The weather in Arkansas can become extreme due to its location next to Tornado Alley. It can get cold enough in winter for ice and snow, but not always. The summers are hot and humid, bordered by severe storms and flooding in the spring and fall.

The Ozark National Forest and the Ouachita National Forest and Mountains comprise Arkansas’ western half, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. The state's eastern border lies along the Mississippi River, which is used for water activities and provides nutrients to the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This fertile region is home to many farms, making it the primary area for Arkansas's agricultural industry. Due to the state's central location, transportation and logistics are also big industries.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Arkansas: Fort Smith	Biggest City in Arkansas: Little Rock
Average Rent: $677/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -58 percent Population: 90,507	Average Rent: $947/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -42 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -5.9 percent Population: 204,774

West Virginia - $959/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$754/month	474 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$959/month	643 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,151/month	964 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,590/month	1,381 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Huntington	$714/month	574 Sq Ft
Parkersburg	$749/month	625 Sq Ft
Morgantown	$867/month	587 Sq Ft

 

What is living in West Virginia like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 1,766,147
• Average Rent: $959/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -41 percent
• Average Square Feet: 643 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $8,004

West Virginia’s small communities are connected by a love of folk music and the outdoors. Another benefit of the state is the average rent in West Virginia, which is only $959/month. Because of its small cities, there is a lack of public transportation, so a car is needed. A few major industries support West Virginia’s economy: agriculture, mining, energy, and manufacturing.

Nicknamed the “Mountain State,” West Virginia is filled with outdoor adventure, from hiking the Appalachian ranges like the Blue Ridge and Alleghenies to rafting and fishing along its rivers. The scenery is stunning but comes with wild weather: heavy snow, strong storms, floods, landslides, and even the occasional tornado. With plenty of precipitation year-round, the state is ideal for both winter sports and refreshing summer rains.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in West Virginia: Huntington	Biggest City in West Virginia: Charleston
Average Rent: $714/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -56 percent Population: 44,942	Average Rent: $1,010/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -38 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -16.1 percent Population: 46,482

North Dakota - $970/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$830/month	466 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$970/month	696 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,152/month	1,003 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,530/month	1,353 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Fargo	$928/month	703 Sq Ft
Grand Forks	$956/month	678 Sq Ft
West Fargo	$973/month	697 Sq Ft

 

What is living in North Dakota like?

• Region of US: Midwest
• Population: 799,358
• Average Rent: $970/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -40 percent
• Average Square Feet: 696 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $7,872

On the Canada-US border sits North Dakota, a vast expanse of land with cities dotted across its landscape. With its low population density and size, life is private, peaceful, and affordable, where the average rent in North Dakota is $970/month. However, because of the state's size and population distribution, it can take longer to get somewhere, which means you’ll need a car to get around. Beneath its farmland lies rich oil and gas reserves, fueling key industries like energy and agriculture that power both the economy and local communities.

The state’s geography and weather are as varied as its landscape. Winters are long, cold, and snowy, while summers bring unexpected heat and strong winds. In the east, the Sheyenne River State Forest offers wooded trails and North Dakota’s only waterfall. To the west, rugged canyons and the Little Missouri River carve through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, showcasing the untamed beauty that defines the state.

Featured Cities

Biggest and Cheapest City in North Dakota: Fargo

Average Rent: $928/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -43 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -3.2 percent Population: 136,285

Iowa - $971/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$841/month	453 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$971/month	660 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,137/month	937 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,452/month	1,208 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Marion	$638/month	573 Sq Ft
Waterloo	$793/month	588 Sq Ft
Cedar Rapids	$820/month	637 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Iowa like?

• Region of US: Midwest
• Population: 3,238,387
• Average Rent: $971/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -40 percent
• Average Square Feet: 660 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $7,860

Iowa is a flat state with many wide open spaces between major cities. Most people live in rural areas and enjoy the slow pace of life and low cost of living, as the average rent in Iowa is $971/month. Communities are strong, with plenty of local events like farmers' markets and fairs. Most of Iowa consists of farms, making agriculture and bioscience huge industries.

Framed by the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, Iowa’s land is mostly level except for the forested Loess Hills in the west. Its flat surface makes it ideal for cycling, and the state hosts RAGBRAI, an annual ride across Iowa that attracts enthusiasts from all over. Despite that, cars remain essential for daily travel across long distances. Weather can be extreme with tornadoes, blizzards in winter, and hot, humid summers, so residents must be prepared for whatever nature delivers.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Iowa: Marion	Biggest City in Iowa: Des Moines
Average Rent: $638/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -61 percent Population: 42,542	Average Rent: $990/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -39 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -16 percent Population: 213,096

South Dakota - $981/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$863/month	476 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$981/month	691 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,176/month	952 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,492/month	1,256 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Sioux Falls	$971/month	713 Sq Ft
Brookings	$1,092/month	665 Sq Ft
Rapid City	$1,180/month	718 Sq Ft

 

What is living in South Dakota like?

• Region of US: Midwest
• Population: 935,094
• Average Rent: $981/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -40 percent
• Average Square Feet: 691 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $7,740

Life in South Dakota is quiet, and you’ll find plenty of welcoming and friendly residents. Even with a lower population compared to other states, the average rent in South Dakota is $981/month. The size of the state means there is plenty of space for crop and livestock farming (hence the major industries of agriculture, bioscience, and manufacturing), but a car is necessary to get around.

The state’s landscape stretches across the caves and canyons of the western Black Hills, all the way to the prairies and fens of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie on the east side. South Dakota’s weather runs from frigid winters to sweltering summers, with blizzards, snow, and ice creating both hazards and opportunities for winter sports. Parts of the east sit in Tornado Alley, so residents stay weather-ready year-round.

Featured Cities

Biggest and Cheapest City in South Dakota: Sioux Falls

Average Rent: $971/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -40 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -11.6 percent Population: 209,289

Mississippi - $1,007/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$947/month	498 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$1,007/month	711 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,169/month	1,003 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,399/month	1,284 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Meridian	$849/month	659 Sq Ft
Tupelo	$874/month	664 Sq Ft
Hattiesburg	$929/month	761 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Mississippi like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 2,954,160
• Average Rent: $1,007/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -38 percent
• Average Square Feet: 711 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $7,428

Hospitality and friendliness are cornerstones in Mississippi, with its small towns and close communities brought together by local events, food, and sports. Cheer Ole Miss and the Rebels or Mississippi State and the Bulldogs before gathering around tables laden with classic dishes like fried catfish, hushpuppies, pecan pie, and banana pudding. The state’s blues roots shaped American music, influencing genres from jazz to country. With the average rent in Mississippi being $1,007 per month, affordability continues to draw newcomers seeking a warm, welcoming lifestyle.

Large farms span the state’s landscape, making agriculture a huge industry. Even the ocean, rivers, and lakes are involved, with shrimp, oyster, and catfish farming lining the shores and filling the water. The Gulf Coast brings mild winters and extremely hot and humid summers that seem to stretch forever. However, it also brings severe storms, flooding, and hurricanes that you must prepare to face.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Mississippi: Meridian	Biggest City in Mississippi: Jackson
Average Rent: $849/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -48 percent Population: 33,549	Average Rent: $944/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -42 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -9.4 percent Population: 141,449

Louisiana - $1,044/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$933/month	466 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$1,044/month	707 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,223/month	1,008 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,448/month	1,271 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Monroe	$857/month	701 Sq Ft
Shreveport	$892/month	689 Sq Ft
Bossier City	$925/month	674 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Louisiana like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 4,618,189
• Average Rent: $1,044/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -36 percent
• Average Square Feet: 707 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $6,984

Louisiana is known for its food and music scene, where residents enjoy gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish boils while listening to the sweet sounds of jazz, zydeco, and blues. Beyond its culture, the state is an affordable place to live with the average rent in Louisiana being $1,044/month. The state also hosts endless events, from Mardi Gras and music festivals to art shows and farmers markets. Sports are just as big, with fans rallying behind the New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, and New Orleans Pelicans.

The state’s natural beauty is evident in its beach towns and barrier islands along the Gulf Coast and wild bayous, swamps, and forests in places like Barataria Preserve and the Atchafalaya Basin. One of Louisiana's downsides is that it can be very hot and humid during the summer with hurricanes, tropical storms, and floods to contend with. However, the winters are mild and pleasant.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Louisiana: Monroe	Biggest City in Louisiana: New Orleans
Average Rent: $857/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -47 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -8.2 percent Population: 46,622	Average Rent: $1,266/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -22 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -12.2 percent Population: 362,701

Alabama - $1,048/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$894/month	475 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$1,048/month	732 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,203/month	1,044 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,516/month	1,356 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Florence	$612/month	705 Sq Ft
Gadsden	$783/month	637 Sq Ft
Decatur	$786/month	624 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Alabama like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 5,193,088
• Average Rent: $1,048/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -36 percent
• Average Square Feet: 732 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $6,936

Alabama has a calm and relaxed pace, where southern hospitality shines in both cities and rural areas. The average rent in Alabama is $1,048/month. Major research and manufacturing hubs drive growth in the state’s key industries of aviation, aerospace, and biotechnology. Alabamians love their football and food; residents passionately root on the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers while enjoying favorites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken.

People are drawn to Alabama's stunning outdoor paradise with its many natural features, including sandy Gulf beaches, the forested foothills of the Appalachians, and the Mobile-Tensaw Delta (aka America’s Amazon) with all its wildlife. Winters are mild, but hot, humid summers bring hurricanes and flooding that come with coastal living.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Alabama: Florence	Biggest City in Alabama: Huntsville
Average Rent: $612/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -62 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -16.7 percent Population: 42,716	Average Rent: $1,066/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -35 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -9 percent Population: 230,402

Kentucky - $1,069/month

Average rent by apartment type

Bedrooms	Average Rent	Average Square Feet
Studio	$905/month	457 Sq Ft
One Bedroom	$1,069/month	697 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom	$1,253/month	1,000 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom	$1,610/month	1,319 Sq Ft

Cheapest cities

City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Owensboro	$767/month	611 Sq Ft
Frankfort	$853/month	586 Sq Ft
Bowling Green	$897/month	688 Sq Ft

 

What is living in Kentucky like?

• Region of US: Southeast
• Population: 4,606,864
• Average Rent: $1,069/month
• Average Rent vs. National Average: -34 percent
• Average Square Feet: 697 Sq Ft
• Potential Yearly Savings: $6,684

Centrally located between the North and South, Kentucky serves as a crossroads to surrounding states. Its prime location fuels the state’s economy, which is anchored in logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture. Residents rely on cars due to limited public transit. The average rent in Kentucky is $1,069/month, and utilities are low, too. Friendly communities, a love of bluegrass and country music, and passions for horse racing and basketball give the state its signature Southern charm.

Kentucky is a beautiful state with plenty of natural wonders to explore, such as the Appalachian Mountains, Mammoth Cave, and Red River Gorge. However, be wary of the weather as it can be unpredictable. There can be lots of snowfall in the winter and hot summers. During the fall, the state is an autumnal treat, with beautiful foliage going from green to red.

Featured Cities

Cheapest City in Kentucky: Owensboro	Biggest City in Kentucky: Louisville
Average Rent: $767/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -53 percent Population: 60,675	Average Rent: $1,114/month Average Rent vs. National Average: -31 percent Cost of Living vs. National Average: -8.4 percent Population: 640,796

How Much Could You Save by Moving to One of the Cheapest States in the US? 

With such low rents, moving from a higher-cost state to one of the 10 cheapest states means you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in rent each year. To make the most of your budget, compare national and local rents on Apartments.com's US Rent Trends page. Then tailor it to your financial situation by using the Cost of Living Calculator to see how far your salary would stretch in a cheaper state.

For an idea of what you could potentially save by moving to a cheaper state, we calculated the numbers for you. Taking the yearly national average rent ($1,626/month multiplied by 12) and then subtracting the yearly state average rent (average state rent multiplied by 12), we got the potential savings.

State	Yearly National Average Rent	Yearly State Average Rent	Potential Savings
Oklahoma	$19,512	$10,908	$8,604
Arkansas	$19,512	$11,472	$8,040
Iowa	$19,512	$11,508	$8,004
North Dakota	$19,512	$11,640	$7,872
West Virginia	$19,512	$11,652	$7,860
South Dakota	$19,512	$11,772	$7,740
Mississippi	$19,512	$12,084	$7,428
Alabama	$19,512	$12,528	$6,984
Louisiana	$19,512	$12,576	$6,936
Kentucky	$19,512	$12,828	$6,684

The figures provided represent average estimates based on our data. Actual savings may vary.

How to Choose a Budget-Friendly State That Fits Your Lifestyle

While  low rent is great, it is only part of what goes into finding the perfect place to live. Price matters, but your quality of life also depends on factors like job opportunities, commute times, climate, lifestyle, access to important locations, and proximity to people you care about. A cheap city or state may look great on paper but may not be a good fit if it lacks what matters the most to you.

As you explore some of the best places to live in the US, take into consideration more than just the average rent. Remember these tips and use Apartments.com to choose wisely:

• Read area guides to get a glimpse of the lifestyle.
• Investigate rent trends to find out the average rent.
• Use the commute calculator so you can find a place within your desired travel time.
• Account for moving costs since relocation and set-up costs can eat into your savings.
• Weigh your long-term priorities and goals to see if the city will support them. Think about your career path, support network, and lifestyle goals.

Find the Best Budget-Friendly State for Renters with Apartments.com

The 10 states on our list offer some of the lowest average rents in the US, often more than 30–40 percent below the national average. While rental prices shift over time, this data is a good starting point for comparing the states with the cheapest rent.

If you’re ready to take action, head to Apartments.com. You can search by state or city, then filter results by price range, number of bedrooms, and amenities to find the right fit. The Cost of Living Calculator and Rent Trends make it easy to compare average rent and affordability across different markets. Visit Apartments.com today to start your search and find a new home that fits both your budget and your lifestyle.

Methodology

The rent data in this article is sourced from Apartments.com and CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports as of February 2026. This is a snapshot in time for 2026, so check the US and state-level rent trends pages for the most up-to-date numbers.

CoStar Group is the leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, trusted by real estate professionals for more than 37 years. By combining this data with Apartments.com internal data and public record from the Council for Economic Research (COLI), we’re able to deliver the most up-to-date rental information available.

To determine overall rent trends, we evaluate rent prices from more than 2,400 cities nationwide, including the top 80 national markets. This analysis includes year-over-year and month-over-month rent changes to provide a comprehensive view of market dynamics. All city and state population data is from the US Census Bureau.

Compare the Average Rent for All the States

Use the table below to compare the average rents in all of the states in the US. Depending on the state, it can range from quite affordable to some of the highest rents in the country.

State	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Alabama	$1,048/month	732 Sq Ft
Alaska	$1,311/month	610 Sq Ft
Arizona	$1,317/month	682 Sq Ft
Arkansas	$956/month	668 Sq Ft
California	$2,202/month	651 Sq Ft
Colorado	$1,534/month	701 Sq Ft
Connecticut	$1,873/month	730 Sq Ft
Delaware	$1,513/month	749 Sq Ft
Florida	$1,672/month	731 Sq Ft
Georgia	$1,416/month	767 Sq Ft
Hawaii	$1,831/month	470 Sq Ft
Idaho	$1,357/month	691 Sq Ft
Illinois	$1,671/month	679 Sq Ft
Indiana	$1,112/month	704 Sq Ft
Iowa	$971/month	660 Sq Ft
Kansas	$1,071/month	706 Sq Ft
Kentucky	$1,069/month	697 Sq Ft
Louisiana	$1,044/month	707 Sq Ft
Maine	$1,693/month	641 Sq Ft
Maryland	$1,662/month	733 Sq Ft
Massachusetts	$2,492/month	718 Sq Ft
Michigan	$1,144/month	706 Sq Ft
Minnesota	$1,334/month	702 Sq Ft
Mississippi	$1,007/month	711 Sq Ft
Missouri	$1,137/month	693 Sq Ft
Montana	$1,395/month	630 Sq Ft
Nebraska	$1,100/month	735 Sq Ft
Nevada	$1,325/month	705 Sq Ft
New Hampshire	$1,845/month	659 Sq Ft
New Jersey	$2,081/month	727 Sq Ft
New Mexico	$1,169/month	669 Sq Ft
New York	$3,000/month	604 Sq Ft
North Carolina	$1,336/month	746 Sq Ft
North Dakota	$970/month	696 Sq Ft
Ohio	$1,079/month	669 Sq Ft
Oklahoma	$909/month	690 Sq Ft
Oregon	$1,455/month	655 Sq Ft
Pennsylvania	$1,524/month	698 Sq Ft
Rhode Island	$1,828/month	720 Sq Ft
South Carolina	$1,372/month	746 Sq Ft
South Dakota	$981/month	691 Sq Ft
Tennessee	$1,339/month	726 Sq Ft
Texas	$1,233/month	714 Sq Ft
Utah	$1,359/month	691 Sq Ft
Vermont	$1,852/month	696 Sq Ft
Virginia	$1,768/month	728 Sq Ft
Washington	$1,811/month	668 Sq Ft
Washington, D.C.	$2,236/month	389 Sq Ft
West Virginia	$959/month	643 Sq Ft
Wisconsin	$1,248/month	714 Sq Ft
Wyoming	$1,215/month	646 Sq Ft

Comparison of the Cheapest Cities in the Cheapest States

The cheapest cities in the most affordable states can vary in price point. In these cities, you can find the lowest rent, and your money will stretch the furthest.

State	City	Average Rent (One Bedroom)	Average Square Feet (One Bedroom)
Oklahoma	Lawton	$720/month	622 Sq Ft
	Enid	$737/month	700 Sq Ft
	Midwest City	$814/month	663 Sq Ft
Arkansas	Fort Smith	$677/month	655 Sq Ft
	Hot Springs	$800/month	653 Sq Ft
	Sherwood	$814/month	772 Sq Ft
West Virginia	Huntington	$711/month	574 Sq Ft
	Parkersburg	$754/month	625 Sq Ft
	Morgantown	$862/month	587 Sq Ft
North Dakota	Fargo	$928/month	703 Sq Ft
	Grand Forks	$956/month	678 Sq Ft
	West Fargo	$973/month	697 Sq Ft
Iowa	Marion	$638/month	573 Sq Ft
	Waterloo	$793/month	588 Sq Ft
	Cedar Rapids	$820/month	637 Sq Ft
South Dakota	Sioux Falls	$971/month	713 Sq Ft
	Brookings	$1,092/month	665 Sq Ft
	Rapid City	$1,180/month	718 Sq Ft
Mississippi	Meridian	$849/month	659 Sq Ft
	Tupelo	$874/month	664 Sq Ft
	Hattiesburg	$929/month	761 Sq Ft
Louisiana	Monroe	$857/month	701 Sq Ft
	Shreveport	$892/month	689 Sq Ft
	Bossier City	$925/month	674 Sq Ft
Alabama	Florence	$612/month	705 Sq Ft
	Gadsden	$783/month	637 Sq Ft
	Decatur	$786/month	624 Sq Ft
Kentucky	Owensboro	$767/month	611 Sq Ft
	Frankfort	$853/month	586 Sq Ft
	Bowling Green	$897/month	688 Sq Ft

 

This article was originally published on May 13, 2025.