Average Rent by City — 28 US Cities Compared (2026)
A 1-bedroom apartment costs $1,100 in San Antonio and $3,500 in New York City — a $2,400/month difference. Below you will find rent prices, income requirements, and roommate savings for all 28 cities, sorted by cost.
Most Expensive
$3,500
New York City, NY
28-City Average
$1,836
1BR average rent
Most Affordable
$1,100
San Antonio, TX
Rent Prices for All 28 Cities
Sorted by 1-bedroom rent, highest to lowest. Roommate savings = solo 1BR rent minus your share of a split 2BR.
| City | 1BR Rent | Roommate Savings |
|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $3,500 | $1,400/mo |
| San Francisco, CA | $3,200 | $1,200/mo |
| Boston, MA | $2,800 | $1,100/mo |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,400 | $800/mo |
| Washington DC, DC | $2,400 | $900/mo |
| San Diego, CA | $2,300 | $800/mo |
| Miami, FL | $2,200 | $750/mo |
| Seattle, WA | $2,100 | $700/mo |
| Chicago, IL | $1,800 | $650/mo |
| Denver, CO | $1,700 | $600/mo |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,700 | $650/mo |
| Nashville, TN | $1,600 | $650/mo |
| Portland, OR | $1,600 | $550/mo |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,600 | $600/mo |
| Tampa, FL | $1,600 | $600/mo |
| Austin, TX | $1,500 | $550/mo |
| Orlando, FL | $1,500 | $550/mo |
| Dallas, TX | $1,400 | $500/mo |
| Minneapolis, MN | $1,400 | $500/mo |
| Charlotte, NC | $1,400 | $550/mo |
| Raleigh, NC | $1,400 | $550/mo |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1,300 | $500/mo |
| Houston, TX | $1,200 | $450/mo |
| Columbus, OH | $1,200 | $450/mo |
| San Antonio, TX | $1,100 | $400/mo |
Income Needed based on the 30% rule (rent = 30% of gross income). Roommate Savings = 1BR rent minus half of 2BR rent. Data reflects 2026 estimates.
Rent Tiers: Expensive, Moderate, and Affordable Cities
Expensive — $2,000+ per month
These 8 cities require six-figure incomes to rent comfortably. Roommates are not a luxury here — they are a financial strategy. Splitting rent in these markets saves $1,400+ per month.
Moderate — $1,400 to $1,999 per month
These 13 cities offer a middle ground: solid job markets without coastal price tags. An income of $56,000 to $80,000 puts you in comfortable range for a 1-bedroom.
Affordable — Under $1,400 per month
These 4 cities keep housing costs manageable on median incomes. An annual salary of $44,000 to $52,000 is enough to rent a 1-bedroom within the 30% guideline.
How We Calculate These Numbers
Rent estimates are based on 2026 data aggregated from public sources including HUD Fair Market Rents, Census Bureau ACS, and apartment listing platforms. Cost of Living Index uses 100 as the national baseline. Income Needed uses the 30% rule: your monthly rent should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income. Roommate Savings compares the cost of a solo 1-bedroom to your share of a 2-bedroom split evenly with one roommate.
Read our full methodologyRun Your Own Numbers
These city averages are a starting point. Use these free calculators to get a personalized answer based on your income, rent, and living situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in the US in 2026?
Based on 28 major US cities, the average 1-bedroom rent is approximately $1,775 per month. However, rents vary dramatically by city — from around $1,100 in affordable markets like San Antonio to $3,500 in New York City. The city you choose has a bigger impact on your housing costs than almost any other financial decision.
Which US city has the cheapest rent?
Among major US cities, San Antonio, TX has the lowest average 1-bedroom rent at $1,100 per month. Other affordable options include Houston ($1,200), Columbus ($1,200), and Indianapolis or Memphis in similar price ranges. Texas cities benefit from no state income tax, stretching your rental budget further.
How much income do you need to afford rent in a major city?
Using the 30% rule (spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent), you need an annual income of $44,000 to afford a $1,100/month apartment in San Antonio, but $140,000 to afford a $3,500/month apartment in New York City. The income required varies by more than 3x depending on the city.
How much can you save by having a roommate?
Splitting a 2-bedroom apartment with one roommate saves an average of $625 per month ($7,500 per year) compared to renting a 1-bedroom alone. In expensive cities like New York City, roommate savings jump to $1,400 per month ($16,800 per year). A roommate is the single fastest way to cut your housing costs.
What is the 30% rule for rent?
The 30% rule says you should spend no more than 30% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income on rent. If you earn $5,000 per month before taxes, your rent should be $1,500 or less. Many landlords use this ratio (or the related 3x rent rule) to screen tenants. In expensive cities, many renters exceed this threshold — which is where roommates and budgeting tools become essential.
Pick a city and see the full breakdown.
Check Your Affordability