27 U.S. Cities Where Rents Have Become Unaffordable for Locals

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The cost of leasing a home in America has significantly risen, and most residents can hardly afford it. While unaffordability has long plagued city centers, even suburbs and small cities are beginning to witness sharp price increases. Income levels have lagged behind rising rents, and many natives are forced to cut back on size, relocate, or spend more than a quarter of their pay on rent. These are 27 U.S. cities where rents have become unaffordable for locals:

Emeryville, California

Located between Oakland and Berkeley, Emeryville has transformed from a manufacturing hub to a thriving technology and shopping community. This transformation has led to a housing boom that has caused median rents to rise beyond the reach of most residents. As of late 2024, the median rent for a one-bedroom home in Emeryville is approximately $2,500 per month, significantly higher than the national median of $1,713. This disparity is where people earn over $100,000 per year to qualify as rent-burdened, a wage few in the community can hope to earn.

Marina del Rey, California

Marina del Rey is famous for its scenic marina and waterfront amenities and has become synonymous with upscale living. The attractiveness of this beach town has pushed median rents to approximately $3,200 a month for a one-bedroom unit, which is well above the national median. This spike makes housing out of reach for many long-term residents, particularly those with an annual median household income of less than $80,000.

Lake Forest, California

In Orange County, Lake Forest provides suburban peace with easy access to city features. But this charm has come at a cost, with rising housing demand pushing median rents to around $2,300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. This number is significantly higher than the national average, and it becomes difficult for area residents who make the area’s median income to pay rent without spending more than 30% of their income. Interestingly enough, Lake Forest is the site of the headquarters of Oakley, the world-famous eyewear manufacturer.

Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana has a rich cultural background and thriving arts community but faces a housing affordability crisis. The median rent for a one-bedroom unit has risen to around $2,100 a month, well beyond the national average. This has disproportionately impacted the city’s diversity, where the annual median family income is around $65,000. It is pricing out many to keep up with current rent levels and leading many residents to relocate and look for more affordable accommodation options.

Cleveland, Ohio

Traditionally a city of affordable living, Cleveland has experienced a surprising rent increase. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is now approximately $1,000 per month, which, although lower than the national average, is a substantial rise for residents. With an annual median household income of about $30,000, many residents pay a considerable percentage of their income on housing.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando’s thriving tourist economy has spurred a population influx, which has increased housing demand and rents. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment is now around $1,700 monthly, comparable to the national average but unaffordable for residents with a median household income of $55,000. This situation compels most to spend over the suggested 30% of their income on housing.

Miami, Florida

Miami is often considered one of the least affordable U.S. cities for renters. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment has risen to around $2,500 a month, well over the national average. With an annual median household income of about $44,000, many residents are extremely rent-burdened, paying a high percentage of their income for housing and making it unaffordable for many locals.

Newark, New Jersey

Newark’s proximity to New York City has made it a popular destination for commuters, which has boosted rental demand. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,800 a month, higher than the national average. The high rent costs place a significant financial burden on residents with an annual median household income of $37,000.

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit’s continuous economic renewal has stimulated a boom in housing demand, pushing median rents to about $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom unit. That’s lower than the national rate but has become higher for residents, considering the annual median household income of $32,000. This transformation has pushed affordable housing to extreme scarcity, leading many to downsize or relocate.  

Austin, Texas

Austin’s status as a technology center has welcomed a heavy migration of new residents, causing housing demand to increase. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment has risen to around $1,800 a month, higher than in many other parts of the nation. This increase is difficult for natives, especially those with an annual median household income of $71,000.

Fresno, California

Fresno is located in California’s Central Valley. It has experienced rents rising to a median of around $1,500 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment. Though lower than the national median, the quick hike in rent has surpassed wage growth, and many locals are struggling to keep up with increasing costs. As one of the nation’s largest agricultural centers, most of Fresno’s employment is seasonal and low-income, making it difficult for workers to face rising costs. Even though Fresno’s housing is relatively cheaper than California’s coastal regions, it continues to increase and cause more people to relocate inland to enjoy lower living costs.

Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix has experienced significant population growth, leading to increased demand for housing. As of January 2025, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,493 monthly, about 23.3% of the median household income. This figure is below 30%, the percentage that constitutes rent burden, and therefore, on average, Phoenix renters are not rent-burdened. Yet the recent and rapid escalation in rent increases has exceeded wage growth, creating difficulty for some residents to maintain payments.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh, which is in the Research Triangle, has experienced a surge of tech workers, increasing demand for housing. The median rent on a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,462 per month, representing about 21.3% of the median household income. This indicates that, on average, Raleigh renters are not rent-burdened. But, the persistent increase in rent prices puts pressure on long-term residents, particularly those not working in the lucrative tech industry.

Sacramento, California

Sacramento has become increasingly desirable to reside in, at least in part because of its proximity to the Bay Area. This greater desirability has resulted in increased rents, with the median rent for a one-bedroom unit at around $1,422 per month, or roughly 22.2% of the median household income. Though this figure is less than the rent-burden ratio, the increasing rates are being felt on budgets, particularly by those in lower-income ranges.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, situated in a unique desert environment and replete with cultural landmarks, has experienced an increase in rental costs over the last few years. The median rental rate for a one-bedroom unit is around $1,200 a month. This is under the national rate but still a cause of concern regarding affordability among most residents, particularly those earning under the median. If rent prices in the city continue to increase, many residents will have to consider downsizing or relocation.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is known for its rich history and architectural marvels. It also has a median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment of about $1,406, which is approximately 22.5% of the median household income. This figure reflects that Chicago renters are not rent-burdened, on average. The city’s immense size, though, renders rental affordability somewhat different from one neighborhood to the next, and some neighborhoods find themselves with a much greater rent burden.

Houston, Texas

Houston has a generally affordable rental market relative to other large U.S. cities. The median rent for an apartment with one bedroom is roughly $1,500 monthly, representing 26.6% of the median household income. The statistic implies that Houston renters are not rent-burdened. Further, some zip codes in Houston are among the cheapest in the country, with tenants paying 13% to 18% of their yearly income on rent. However, while renters may still find costs affordable, rising rental costs may continue, impacting many locals in the long run.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Rental costs have been consistently increasing in Minneapolis, with the average rent for a one-bedroom unit at approximately $1,433 per month, or roughly 17.5% of the average household income. This rate shows that, on average, Minneapolis renters are not rent-burdened. However, increasing rent can prove challenging for inhabitants, especially the low-income population, leading many to reconsider their accommodation arrangements.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s rich history and cultural heritage have made it a popular location to call home, resulting in higher rental demand. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,200 per month. Although this is lower than the national average, it is still not affordable for many residents, particularly those who earn less than the median income. If rental costs continue to rise, locals must consider finding much more affordable rent or relocating to more affordable cities.

New York City, New York

New York City is reliably among the costliest rental markets in the country. The median rent for a one-bedroom unit is around $3,500 monthly, far higher than the national median. This expense places much of the population’s income into housing, causing a widespread rent burden. Although rent costs are already high, many expect these costs to continue rising, leading to more financial strain for the locals.

Los Angeles, California

Entertainment capital Los Angeles boasts a median rent of approximately $2,800 for a one-bedroom apartment, far more than the national average. Many residents face high living costs, which make it difficult to sustain a non-rent-burdened housing budget for many residents. Many residents in the city continue to deal with financial stress from the expensive rent. If these prices continue to increase, some residents may be forced to consider relocation.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the priciest rental markets in the country. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,700 per month, making it hard for many residents to pay for housing without exceeding the 30% rent-to-income ratio. The thriving tech sector has fueled housing demand, and middle- and low-income residents struggle to keep up with the pace. Even with recent tech layoffs, rents remain sky-high due to limited housing supply. Some longtime residents are forced to relocate to the East Bay or farther.

San Jose, California

San Jose is in the middle of Silicon Valley. It has rents that mirror the region’s affluence and tech hegemony. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $2,950 a month, one of the highest in the nation. Though salaries are high for tech workers, service industry employees, teachers, and essential staff find living within city boundaries expensive. Most employees have lengthy commutes from less pricey regions such as Gilroy and Modesto. The absence of affordable housing initiatives has worsened the crisis, making it challenging for locals to keep up with the rising rental costs.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle has long been among the West Coast’s most expensive cities. The average rent of a one-bedroom apartment is $2,300 a month, driven by an influx of well-paid employees from Amazon, Microsoft, and other tech firms. The cost of living has caught up with pay increases for many, driving residents to seek more affordable cities. Despite recent rent stabilization efforts, Seattle’s housing market remains among the least affordable in America.

Boston, Massachusetts

The housing market in Boston is one of the most costly in the United States, with the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment standing at $2,800 a month. The city’s high demand is due to its famous universities, technology firms, and health centers. Rent rates have skyrocketed in the past decade, making it difficult for students, young professionals, and longtime residents to afford housing. Rent control arguments have cropped up again, but no significant policy shifts have been made, leaving expensive rent a continuous burden for many.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., has some of the highest rental rates in the country. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $2,500 monthly, fueled by government, lobbying, and law sector employment. Although high-income professionals can pay for these prices, middle- and low-income residents are affected by gentrification and displacement. Government employees and young professionals often reside in Maryland or Virginia to save on rent.

San Diego, California

San Diego’s lovely beaches and pleasant climate have made it one of California’s most sought-after cities. But with the desirability comes a cost. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,650 a month, which has caused residents many financial issues. With low housing supply and high demand, affordability is a big concern, particularly for military families and service workers. Rents drive renters to smaller units or shared accommodations to survive.

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