The Best and Worst Cities in America for Renters

Forbes magazine published its list of the best and worst major metropolitan areas for renters in the U.S.

Indianapolis has the lowest average apartment rent at $806, or 17% of the area’s average household income.

Meanwhile, rents are highest in Manhattan, NY where the average apartment rents for a whopping $3,497, or 54% of the area’s average household income.

Top 10 Best Cities for Renters

1. Indianapolis, IN
   • Avg. Rent: $806
   • Share of Household Income: 17%
2. Louisville, KY
   • Avg. Rent: $825
   • Share of Household Income: 18%
3. St. Louis, MO
   • Avg. Rent: $829
   • Share of Household Income: 17%
4. Columbus, OH
   • Avg. Rent: $847
   • Share of Household Income: 17%
5. Cleveland, OH
   • Avg. Rent: $861
   • Share of Household Income: 19%
6. Kansas City, MO
   • Avg. Rent: $866
   • Share of Household Income: 16%
7. Cincinnati, OH
   • Avg. Rent: $885
   • Share of Household Income: 18%
8. Jacksonville, FL
   • Avg. Rent: $909
   • Share of Household Income: 19%
9. San Antonio, TX
   • Avg. Rent: $910
   • Share of Household Income: 20%
10. Phoenix, AZ
    • Avg. Rent: $935
    • Share of Household Income: 19%

 

Top 10 Worst Cities for Renters

1. Manhattan, NY
   • Avg. Rent: $3,497
   • Share of Household Income: 54%
2. San Francisco, CA
   • Avg. Rent: $2,982
   • Share of Household Income: 34%
3. Oakland, CA
   • Avg. Rent: $2,066
   • Share of Household Income: 29%
4. Los Angeles, CA
   • Avg. Rent: $1,938
   • Share of Household Income: 37%
5. Boston, MA
   • Avg. Rent: $1,925
   • Share of Household Income: 28%
6. Orange County, CA
   • Avg. Rent: $1,896
   • Share of Household Income: 28%
7. Northern New Jersey, NJ
   • Avg. Rent: $1,765
   • Share of Household Income: 29%
8. San Diego, CA
   • Avg. Rent: $1,748
   • Share of Household Income: 30%
9. Seattle, WA
   • Avg. Rent: $1,456
   • Share of Household Income: 34%
10. Fort Lauderdale, FL
    • Avg. Rent: $1,445
    • Share of Household Income: 31%