Discover the 10 Cheapest Cities to Rent in the U.S.

Finding affordable rental housing is a growing challenge for many Americans, with many spending over 30% of their income on rent. However, a recent Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies report has identified some cities where rental costs are more manageable.

Top Affordable Cities

Based on 2022 data, here are ten cities where renters are less likely to be “cost-burdened”—meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing:

1. Dickinson, North Dakota – Only 17% of renters are cost-burdened here.
2. Williston, North Dakota – Similarly, 17% of renters face affordability issues, thanks to the city’s booming oil industry.
3. Jacksonville, Illinois – In this small town, 18.4% of renters are considered cost-burdened.
4. Miami, Oklahoma – 23.7% of renters deal with high housing costs.
5. Mountain Home, Idaho – Here, 24.7% of renters are burdened by their housing costs.
6. Hailey, Idaho – Another scenic town where 24.7% of renters face affordability challenges.
7. Pierre, South Dakota – 25.2% of renters are cost-burdened.
8. Crossville, Tennessee – Also at 25.2%, renters here struggle with high costs.
9. Paris, Tennessee – 25.3% of renters in this city are considered cost-burdened.
10. Fairmont, Minnesota – With 25.5% of renters facing affordability issues, Fairmont completes the list.

Cities Struggling with Affordability

On the flip side, some cities are particularly tough for renters due to high housing costs relative to income. In these places, a significant portion of renters are “severely cost-burdened,” spending more than 50% of their income on rent:

1. Stillwater, Oklahoma – 45.3% of renters are severely cost-burdened.
2. Corvallis, Oregon – 42.4% of renters face severe cost-burden here.
3. Selma, Alabama – With 42.1% of renters struggling, affordability is a major concern.
4. Pullman, Washington – 41.6% of renters experience severe cost-burden.
5. Othello, Washington – Also at 41.6%, renters here face high costs.
6. Port St. Lucie, Florida – 41.4% of renters are severely cost-burdened.
7. Auburn-Opelika, Alabama – 40.4% of renters deal with severe affordability issues.
8. Bloomington, Indiana – 39.6% of renters are severely cost-burdened.
9. Athens-Clarke County, Georgia – 39.6% of renters face significant affordability challenges.
10. State College, Pennsylvania – 39.2% of renters in this college town are severely cost-burdened.

Conclusion

Although many cities across the U.S. are experiencing rising rental costs, there are still some places where housing remains relatively affordable. The Harvard report highlights these cities, offering a beacon of hope for renters seeking more budget-friendly options.

For those facing severe cost-burden in less affordable cities, relocating to one of these more affordable areas could provide much-needed financial relief. For more insights into rental affordability and trends, check out resources that analyze housing markets across the country.