The Best and Worst States for Renters

On February 25, 2026  By newsroom   Topic: Moving Buyers Guide

Top 10 Best States for Renters

  • North Dakota
  • Lowest rent-to-income ratio (25.1%).
  • Median rent: $853/month.
  • High vacancy rate (12.2%).
  • Median state income: $66,519/year.

  • South Dakota

  • Affordable rent ($809/month).
  • Lowest U.S. unemployment rate.
  • Median income: $66,143/year.

  • Iowa

  • Cost-effective rent ($845/month).
  • Landlord regulations limit late fees.
  • Median income: $65,600/year.

  • Kansas

  • Low cost of living.
  • Median rent: $912/month.
  • Incentives for remote workers.

  • Alabama

  • Low-cost living with flexible leases.
  • Median rent: $852/month.

  • Minnesota

  • Strong tenant protections.
  • Median rent: $1,081/month.

  • Indiana

  • Affordable rent: $899/month.
  • Strong job market.

  • Wisconsin

  • Lower living costs.
  • Median rent: $916/month.

  • Missouri

  • Affordable living, median rent: $886/month.

  • Oklahoma

  • Low cost of living but high renters"9 insurance rates.
  • Median rent: $862/month.

Top 10 Worst States for Renters

  • California
  • Median rent: $1,698/month.
  • High demand drives up costs.

  • Massachusetts

  • Second-highest cost of living.
  • Median rent: $1,429/month.

  • Nevada

  • Limited tenant protections.
  • Median rent: $1,238/month.

  • Hawaii

  • Highest rent in the U.S. ($1,755/month).

  • New York

  • High percentage of rent-burdened residents.
  • Median rent: $1,390/month.

  • Louisiana

  • High renters"9 insurance premiums ($236/year).
  • Median rent: $923/month.

  • Florida

  • Renters spend 34.6% of income on rent.

  • Connecticut

  • Low vacancy rates.
  • High electric bills ($215.61/month).

  • Alaska

  • Expensive rent and utilities due to remote location.
  • Median rent: $1,279/month.

  • New Jersey

  • High living costs and landlord-friendly laws.
  • Median rent: $1,436/month.

Factors Affecting Renters"9 Experience

  • Cost of Living: Rent, utilities, and renters"9 insurance.
  • Income-to-Rent Ratios: Percent of income spent on rent.
  • Tenant Protections: Laws regulating fees and evictions.
  • Housing Availability: Vacancy rates and affordable units.

Pro Tip: Research costs and protections in your area before renting to find the best deals!


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