The Most Expensive Cities in the United States for Renters in 2025

Median Rent: $2,328

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 37.60%

While Miami being at the top of this list may surprise you, Florida’s lower median incomes contribute to its lack of affordable housing. Here, the average person spends over 37 percent of their income on housing, which is in line with New York, which is a city with less housing inventory and higher demand than Miami.

Median Rent: $2,973

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 37.60%

The New York City housing market is notoriously difficult to navigate. Double-digit broker’s fee percentages, uber-competitive applications, and surge pricing during prime rental seasons (i.e., summertime) all contribute to the area’s rental problems. Despite the issues, renters are willing to spend 37 percent of their income on rent, and demand shows no sign of slowing down.

Median Rent: $2,736

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 35.90%

The Los Angeles rental market is more affordable due to its lower median rent and share of income, hovering just below 36 percent. A larger housing inventory and a more spread-out city structure make the West Coast market easier to navigate for buyers and renters alike.

Median Rent: $2,925

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 32.10%

Boston is a secret hot spot for young renters, thanks to its robust job market and varied housing inventory. Despite higher median rents than other areas on this list, people spend only 32 percent of their income on housing, just above the recommended 30 percent financial guideline.

Median Rent: $2,695

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 31.40%

San Diego, California, boasts a moderate median rent of $2,695 per month. In this area, renters are using 31 percent of their annual income to pay for housing.

Median Rent: $2,065

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 28.80%

Riverside, California is the first city on this list where renters are spending below the recommended 30 percent of their income on housing. Here, the average is 28.8 percent with median rents hovering just above $2,000 per month.

Median Rent: $1,710

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 28.10%

Tampa, Florida, is a surprising addition to this list, but due to the area’s low median income, people are spending a much higher percentage on rent costs (just above 28 percent). Here, the average rents are lower but the share of income spent is still somewhat high in comparison.

Median Rent: $1,676

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 26.80%

The home of Disney World, Orlando, Florida, sees a median rent of $1,676, which is pretty much in line with the rest of the state’s metro area averages. Income in Orlando is slightly higher than cities like Tampa, making it more affordable. Residents only spend 26 percent of their income on housing costs.

Median Rent: $1,611

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 26.10%

The only Midwestern city on this list, Milwaukee and its surrounding areas have seen increased demand from both renters and buyers in its housing market. Here, average rents hover around $1,600 per month while the share of income spent is just above 26 percent, well below the recommended average of 30 percent.

Median Rent: $3,287

Share of Income Spent on Rent: 25.20%

The most affordable city on this list—but still the tenth most expensive city nationwide—San Jose, California, has a confusing amalgamation of factors. Despite having the highest median rent on this list, $3,287, residents of this area have a much higher than average income, meaning they are only spending a quarter of their earnings on housing. This makes San Jose relatively affordable compared to areas with lower incomes like Tampa or Orlando.