Finding an affordable state to live in can seem impossible, but some states have prices significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,631/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 November 2025.
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 $910/month, roughly 44% below the national average rent of $1,631/month.
Across all 10 states on our list, average rent is around $990/month, which is close to 40% cheaper than the national average — potentially saving renters $7,600+ 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 2025
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 November 2025.
|
State |
Average Studio Rent |
Average One Bedroom Rent |
Average Two Bedroom Rent |
Average Three Bedroom Rent |
|
Oklahoma |
$809/month |
$910/month |
$1,088/month |
$1,352/month |
|
Arkansas |
$820/month |
$957/month |
$1,066/month |
$1,334/month |
|
Iowa |
$852/month |
$961/month |
$1,133/month |
$1,463/month |
|
North Dakota |
$824/month |
$968/month |
$1,148/month |
$1,522/month |
|
West Virginia |
$615/month |
$968/month |
$1,144/month |
$1,567/month |
|
South Dakota |
$857/month |
$979/month |
$1,175/month |
$1,501/month |
|
Mississippi |
$951/month |
$994/month |
$1,149/month |
$1,378/month |
|
Alabama |
$907/month |
$1,050/month |
$1,204/month |
$1,519/month |
|
Louisiana |
$933/month |
$1,056/month |
$1,230/month |
$1,462/month |
|
Kentucky |
$903/month |
$1,070/month |
$1,255/month |
$1,624/month |

Oklahoma - $910/month
Average rent by apartment type
| Bedrooms | Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$809/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$910/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,088/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,352/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$712/month |
|
|
$729/month |
|
|
$781/month |
What is living in Oklahoma like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 4,095,393
- Average Rent: $910/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 44 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $8,652
Oklahoma has a strong Western culture, like cowboys, horses, rodeos, and Western events galore. There is also a strong sense of community in all the towns and cities. The average rent in Oklahoma is $910/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
- Average Rent: $712/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -56 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -14.4 percent
- Population: 90,027
- Biggest City in Oklahoma: Oklahoma City
- Average Rent: $921/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -44 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -18.4 percent
- Population: 712,919

Arkansas - $957/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$820/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$957/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,066/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,334/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$630/month |
|
|
$673/month |
|
|
$806/month |
What is living in Arkansas like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 3,088,354
- Average Rent: $957/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 41 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $8,088
The average rent in Arkansas is $957/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: Pine Bluff
- Average Rent: $630/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -61 percent
- Population: 38,785
- Biggest City in Arkansas: Little Rock
- Average Rent: $947/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -42 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -5.9 percent
- Population: 204,774

Iowa - $961/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$852/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$961/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,133/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,463/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$634/month |
|
|
$789/month |
|
|
$796/month |
What is living in Iowa like?
- Region of US: Midwest
- Population: 3,241,488
- Average Rent: $961/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 41 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $8,040
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 $961/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
- Average Rent: $634/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -61 percent
- Population: 42,542
- Biggest City in Iowa: Des Moines
- Average Rent: $984/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -40 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -15.2 percent
- Population: 213,096

North Dakota - $968/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$824/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$968/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,148/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,522/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$918/month |
|
|
$966/month |
|
|
$971/month |
What is living in North Dakota like?
- Region of US: Midwest
- Population: 796,568
- Average Rent: $968/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 41 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $7,956
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 $968/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: $918/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -44 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -2.7 percent
- Population: 136,285

West Virginia - $968/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$615/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$968/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,144/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,567/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$511/month |
|
|
$693/month |
|
|
$713/month |
What is living in West Virginia like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 1,769,979
- Average Rent: $968/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 41 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $7,956
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 $968/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: Weirton
- Average Rent: $511/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -69 percent
- Population: 18,317
- Biggest City in West Virginia: Charleston
- Average Rent: $1,001/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -39 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -15.8 percent
- Population: 46,482

South Dakota - $979/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$857/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$979/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,175/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,501/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$584/month |
|
|
$794/month |
|
|
$806/month |
What is living in South Dakota like?
- Region of US: Midwest
- Population: 924,669
- Average Rent: $979/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 40 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $7,824
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 $979/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
- Cheapest City in South Dakota: Huron
- Average Rent: $584/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -64 percent
- Population: 14,515
- Biggest City in South Dakota: Sioux Falls
- Average Rent: $949/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -42 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -10.2 percent
- Population: 209,289

Mississippi - $994/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$951/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$994/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,149/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,378/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$814/month |
|
|
$842/month |
|
|
$866/month |
What is living in Mississippi like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 2,943,045
- Average Rent: $994/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 39 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $7,644
Hospitality and friendliness are cornerstones in Mississippi, with its small towns and close communities brough 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 $994 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: Greenville
- Average Rent: $814/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -50 percent
- Population: 27,015
- Biggest City in Mississippi: Jackson
- Average Rent: $936/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -43 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -9.3 percent
- Population: 141,449

Alabama - $1,050/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$907/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$1,050/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,204/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,519/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$609/month |
|
|
$766/month |
|
|
$785/month |
What is living in Alabama like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 5,157,699
- Average Rent: $1,050/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 36 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $6,972
Alabama has a calm and relaxed pace, where southern hospitality shines in both cities and rural areas. The average rent in Alabama is $1,050/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
- Average Rent: $609/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -63 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -16.2 percent
- Population: 42,716
- Biggest City in Alabama: Huntsville
- Average Rent: $1,066/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -35 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -9.1 percent
- Population: 230,402

Louisiana - $1,056/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$933/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$1,056/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,230/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,462/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$854/month |
|
|
$891/month |
|
|
$922/month |
What is living in Louisiana like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 4,597,740
- Average Rent: $1,056/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 35 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $6,900
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 $1,056/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
- Average Rent: $854/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -48 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -9.3 percent
- Population: 46,622
- Biggest City in Louisiana: New Orleans
- Average Rent: $1,276/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -22 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -12 percent
- Population: 362,701

Kentucky - $1,070/month
Average rent by apartment type
|
Bedrooms |
Average Rent |
|
Studio |
$903/month |
|
One Bedroom |
$1,070/month |
|
Two Bedroom |
$1,255/month |
|
Three Bedroom |
$1,624/month |
Cheapest cities
|
City |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$769/month |
|
|
$880/month |
|
|
$905/month |
What is living in Kentucky like?
- Region of US: Southeast
- Population: 4,588,372
- Average Rent: $1,070/month
- Percentage Below the National Average Rent: 35 percent
- Potential Yearly Savings: $6,732
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 $1,070/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
- Average Rent: $769/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -53 percent
- Population: 60,675
- Biggest City in Kentucky: Louisville
- Average Rent: $1,112/month
- Average Rent vs. National Average: -32 percent
- Cost of Living vs. National Average: -7.4 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 and then subtracting the yearly state average rent, we got the potential savings.
|
State |
Yearly National Average Rent |
Yearly State Average Rent |
Potential Savings |
|
Oklahoma |
$19,572 |
$10,920 |
$8,652 |
|
Arkansas |
$19,572 |
$11,484 |
$8,088 |
|
Iowa |
$19,572 |
$11,532 |
$8,040 |
|
North Dakota |
$19,572 |
$11,616 |
$7,956 |
|
West Virginia |
$19,572 |
$11,616 |
$7,956 |
|
South Dakota |
$19,572 |
$11,748 |
$7,824 |
|
Mississippi |
$19,572 |
$11,928 |
$7,644 |
|
Alabama |
$19,572 |
$12,600 |
$6,972 |
|
Louisiana |
$19,572 |
$12,672 |
$6,900 |
|
Kentucky |
$19,572 |
$12,840 |
$6,732 |
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 November 2025. This is a snapshot in time for 2025, 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 cheapest states in the US. The states have been compiled into a table in order of the least expensive to the most expensive average rent. Still, even the states with the highest average rent on this list are more affordable compared to expensive states like New York, with an average rent of $2,990/month, or Massachusetts, where the rent is $2,514/month.
|
State |
Average Rent (One Bedroom) |
|
$1,050/month |
|
|
$1,306/month |
|
|
$1,325/month |
|
|
$957/month |
|
|
$2,208/month |
|
|
$1,564/month |
|
|
$1,869/month |
|
|
$1,515/month |
|
|
$1,677/month |
|
|
$1,425/month |
|
|
$1,816/month |
|
|
$1,366/month |
|
|
$1,662/month |
|
|
$1,108/month |
|
|
$691/month |
|
|
$1,071/month |
|
|
$1,070/month |
|
|
$1,056/month |
|
|
$1,701/month |
|
|
$1,667/month |
|
|
$2,514/month |
|
|
$1,140/month |
|
|
$1,330/month |
|
|
$994/month |
|
|
$1,124/month |
|
|
$1,413/month |
|
|
$1,096/month |
|
|
$1,325/month |
|
|
$1,848/month |
|
|
$2,087/month |
|
|
$1,176/month |
|
|
$2,990/month |
|
|
$1,345/month |
|
|
$968/month |
|
|
$1,074/month |
|
|
$910/month |
|
|
$1,471/month |
|
|
$1,525/month |
|
|
$1,836/month |
|
|
$1,380/month |
|
|
$979/month |
|
|
$1,349/month |
|
|
$1,242/month |
|
|
$1,386/month |
|
|
$1,839/month |
|
|
$1,774/month |
|
|
$1,830/month |
|
|
$2,278/month |
|
|
$968/month |
|
|
$1,238/month |
|
|
$1,161/month |
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) |
|
Oklahoma |
Lawton |
$712/month |
|
|
Enid |
$729/month |
|
|
Midwest City |
$781/month |
|
Arkansas |
Pine Bluff |
$630/month |
|
|
Fort Smith |
$673/month |
|
|
Hot Springs |
$806/month |
|
Iowa |
Marion |
$634/month |
|
|
Waterloo |
$789/month |
|
|
Dubuque |
$796/month |
|
North Dakota |
Fargo |
$918/month |
|
|
Grand Forks |
$966/month |
|
|
Minot |
$971/month |
|
West Virginia |
Weirton |
$511/month |
|
|
Clarksburg |
$693/month |
|
|
Huntington |
$713/month |
|
South Dakota |
Huron |
$584/month |
|
|
Mitchell |
$794/month |
|
|
Pierre |
$806/month |
|
Mississippi |
Greenville |
$814/month |
|
|
Meridian |
$842/month |
|
|
Tupelo |
$866/month |
|
Alabama |
Florence |
$609/month |
|
|
Decatur |
$766/month |
|
|
Gasden |
$785/month |
|
Louisiana |
Monroe |
$854/month |
|
|
Shreveport |
$891/month |
|
|
Bossier City |
$922/month |
|
Kentucky |
Owensboro |
$769/month |
|
|
Frankfort |
$880/month |
|
|
Hopkinsville |
$905/month |
FAQs
What are some of the states with the most expensive rent?
The five states with the most expensive rent are New York, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, California, and New Jersey. Here’s a closer look at the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in each state:
- New York: $2,992/month
- Massachusetts: $2,514/month
- The District of Columbia: $2,278/month
- California: $2,208/month
- New Jersey: $2,087/month
What is the average rent in the US?
As of November 2025, the average rent in the US is $1,631/month, which is 0.6 percent higher than last year. Some states are much more expensive than others when it comes to rent. This is due to various factors like cost of living, supply and demand, population density, and economy.
Where can I live for $600 a month in the USA?
Your best bet on living for $600 a month in the USA is to find a smaller town in one of the cheapest states, like Oklahoma or West Virginia. While you may not have all the niceties and amenities a big city offers, you will find more affordable rent in towns.
How often do the prices of apartments change?
Apartment prices change because of time and market conditions. If the state's economy is doing well, then rent prices will likely increase because renters can afford it. It also heavily depends on the year, month, and week. Summer is the prime time for moving because of the weather and flexible schedules, so rent prices are higher, and competition is fierce.
How much money should I save for an apartment?
How much money you should save for an apartment depends on your budget. Rent should be about 30 percent of your monthly income, but that does not consider other expenses like utilities and bills. You also need to have a decent nest egg for when you first move in, as there can be fees like an application fee, an administration fee, a security deposit, and a pet deposit/fee.
Where is it better to rent vs. buy?
There are cities that are more popular with renters and ones where homeowners are found in a greater number. It depends on a variety of factors but typically when the monthly mortgage is close to the average rent means it could be a good place to buy a home. Consider the top cities for renters vs homeowners and what you want to make a decision.
The top US cities with the most renters are:
- Miami, FL
- New York, NY
- Boston, MA
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
The top US cities with the most homeowners are:
- Mesa, AZ
- Albuquerque, NM
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Louisville, KY
- El Paso, TX