A guide to recognizing and avoiding rental scams
As a renter, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against those who may try to take your money fraudulently. This means knowing how to spot and avoid rental scams, especially online. While the internet has increased flexibility and ease in finding apartments for rent from trusted sources, unfortunately, it has also created an…
Read MoreAugust 2026 self storage report: Rents fall 2.2% annually as most major cities post street rate declines
National street rates averaged $134 per month in August 2026, down 2.2% year-over-year and off 0.7% from July. 71% of the 150 largest U.S. cities recorded year-over-year rent declines in August. Glendale, CA, led all cities in rent decreases at 8.9% year-over-year, followed by Tucson, AZ and Spring Valley, NV. Rent increases were reported in…
Read MoreBest cities for renters to live in 2026: McKinney, TX, leads again in a South-dominated top 50
For the second year in a row, McKinney, TX, holds the top spot in RentCafe.com’s ranking of the best cities for renters. This year, Southern cities account for 37 of the top 50, reinforcing the region’s reputation for affordability and economic opportunity. When you’re searching for the right city to call home, a few factors…
Read MoreThe money talk you need to have with your roommate before you co-sign a lease
Before you co-sign a lease with a roommate, you need to have an honest conversation about money. A jointly signed lease means both renters share equal legal responsibility for rent, fees and any damage to the apartment. Getting aligned on finances before move-in day can save you from stress, conflict and unexpected costs. A clear…
Read MoreSan Jose vs. Seattle: Which West Coast city is easier on your wallet?
Choosing between San Jose, CA, and Seattle is rarely just about the view out your window. For most renters, it comes down to what’s left in your account after the basics are covered. While San Jose keeps you plugged into Silicon Valley’s tech world, Seattle is the more affordable of the two cities, mainly because…
Read MoreThe best affordable neighborhoods in Syracuse, NY, for renters on a budget
If you’re looking for apartments in affordable neighborhoods in Syracuse, you’re starting in a city where your rental budget can still stretch quite far. Located in the heart of Central New York, Syracuse has a solid job base in health care and education, is home to Syracuse University, and puts you within easy reach of…
Read MorePhiladelphia, PA vs. Atlanta, GA: Cost of living comparison for renters
Weighing a move from Philadelphia to Atlanta or the other way around? Both cities have a lot to offer renters. Philadelphia is a draw for anyone who wants walkable neighborhoods, rich history and easy access to major East Coast job markets. Atlanta, on the other hand, keeps attracting newcomers with its booming economy, warm climate…
Read MoreWhat are the best affordable neighborhoods to rent in Tulsa, OK?
Tulsa is one of Oklahoma’s most welcoming cities for renters, and your dollar goes further here than in most of the country. The average rent in Tulsa is $1,028, far below the national average of $1,771. Meanwhile, the overall cost of living in Tulsa is 17% lower than the U.S. average and 5% below the…
Read MoreTiming your apartment tour: How light, noise and traffic change by the hour
Most apartment tours happen between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., when leasing offices are staffed and the sun is doing the apartment a favor. The problem is that’s often the quietest, brightest and most flattering window of the entire day. The upstairs neighbors are at work. Street parking looks wide open. The afternoon glare hasn’t…
Read MoreOrlando, FL vs. Tampa, FL: Cost of living comparison for renters
Thinking about a move from Orlando, FL, to Tampa, FL, or vice versa? Both cities offer warm weather, no state income tax and plenty of reasons to call Florida home. Orlando has long been a magnet for renters drawn to its theme-park energy and growing tech scene, while Tampa keeps attracting people who want waterfront…
Read MoreWhat walkable cities actually mean for renters searching for an apartment
If you have browsed apartment listings lately, you have probably come across the phrase “walkable neighborhood” more than once. But what does that actually mean for your daily life as a renter? Walkable cities are communities where residents can comfortably reach grocery stores, restaurants, parks and public transit on foot. Living in these communities means…
Read MoreEnd-of-summer move-in specials: Which move-in deals are actually worth it?
As the peak moving season cools off, apartment communities across the country roll out promotions to fill remaining availability. But not every deal saves you money in the long run. Understanding which end-of-summer specials genuinely benefit your budget, and which ones just look good on paper, can make the difference between a smart move and…
Read MoreThe Ready Renter: August 2026
Competitive markets, cost of living showdowns, solo living tips and budget hacks.
Read MoreThese are the best affordable neighborhoods to rent in San Francisco
San Francisco might be one of the most iconic cities in the country, but its rents are just as famous as its fog. The average rent here is $3,915, more than double the national average of $1,763, and prices have climbed 12.2% over the past year alone. On top of that, the cost of living…
Read MoreOakland, CA living for less: Best neighborhoods for affordability
Oakland earned its reputation the old-fashioned way: through culture, grit and character. The city’s economy runs on everything from health care and logistics at the Port of Oakland to a thriving food scene and a growing tech presence spilling over from Silicon Valley. Add in mild weather year-round, easy BART access to San Francisco and…
Read MoreSeattle vs. Vancouver, WA, cost of living comparison: Which city fits your renter budget?
A river separates Seattle from Vancouver, WA, and so does about $468 a month in rent. That’s the first thing many renters notice when they compare the two. Seattle pulls people in with tech jobs, waterfront views and big-city life. Vancouver, just across the Columbia River from Portland, OR, leans the other way, with more…
Read MoreMoving with pets during peak summer heat: What every renter should know
Most leases in the U.S. end between May and September, which means most renters move during the hottest months of the year. If you’re moving with pets, that timing is especially important. Dogs and cats can’t cool down the way people do, and the busiest day of your year is also one of the riskiest…
Read MoreGetting around Phoenix, AZ: A renter’s guide to public transit
Searching for an apartment in Phoenix means thinking beyond square footage and floor plans. One of the biggest things you need to consider is how you’ll get around. Whether you’re new to the Valley of the Sun or exploring a car-free lifestyle for the first time, Phoenix’s growing transit network can shape where you live…
Read MoreMeet Ren, your apartment search assistant on RentCafe.com
Apartment hunting usually starts the same way: You type a city, choose the number of bedrooms, set a budget and start scrolling. It works, but when you don’t know exactly what you want or your needs are harder to capture (good transit access, a quiet street, room for both a desk and a dog), you…
Read MoreSan Jose vs. Salt Lake City cost of living comparison: What renters can expect to pay
San Jose, CA, and Salt Lake City draw renters for very different reasons. San Jose has long been a magnet for renters chasing Silicon Valley tech jobs and Bay Area living, but Salt Lake City is a popular alternative for those looking for lower rent and quick access to the mountains. Before you sign a…
Read MoreJuly 2026 self storage report: Rents stay flat from June, slip 1.5% annually
July 2026 saw national street rates stagnating at a flat $135, same as in June and down 1.5% from 2025. Spring Valley, NV, posted the steepest annual rent dip at, followed by Glendale, CA, and Aurora, IL, with decreases of 7.1% and 7%, respectively. Santa Clarita, CA, led all cities for rent growth at 10.3%…
Read MoreGetting around in Boca Raton, FL: A renter’s guide to public transit
If you’re searching for apartments in Boca Raton, FL, how you’ll get around matters just as much as the floor plan. South Florida has a reputation for being car-first, and Boca Raton is no exception. But that picture is changing. Between commuter trains, a countywide bus network and a free on-demand shuttle downtown, Boca Raton…
Read MoreHow many apartments should you apply to at once?
Finding an apartment you love feels great, right up until you reach the application step and freeze. Do you apply to that one place and hope for the best? Or do you send applications to every apartment on your shortlist so you don’t miss out? It makes sense that these are some of the most…
Read MoreSearching for apartments in late August: How to win the tail end of peak season
Searching for apartments at the end of peak season means moving fast, staying flexible and keeping your paperwork ready. Late-summer demand is still strong but starting to ease, which can work in your favor. Focus on a short list of must-haves, apply the same day you tour and follow up quickly to secure the right…
Read MoreCanada Renter Interest Report: Moncton remains #1 in Q2 2026 as Kitchener debuts in the top 10
Moncton, NB, tops our Canada renter interest ranking for the fourth consecutive quarter, cementing its status as the country’s most in-demand rental market. The Q2 Canada Renter Interest Report also captures a significant milestone: For the first time since our ranking began, none of Canada’s largest cities made the top 10, as mid-sized markets —…
Read MoreU.S. apartment sizes are growing: Where are renters gaining the most space?
If you’re hoping for larger floor plans, the good news is that apartment sizes have increased in 2025 compared to the previous year. More precisely, floor plans currently average 910 square feet nationwide with every unit type having gained additional living space. As apartment sizes expand, much of that growth is concentrated in Southern markets,…
Read MoreBaltimore, MD vs. Washington, D.C.: Which city fits your renter budget?
Thinking about a move from Baltimore to Washington, D.C.? The nation’s capital has long been a magnet for renters chasing career opportunities and world-class culture, but Baltimore is a more budget-friendly alternative just 40 miles up the road. Before you sign a new lease in either city, it helps to know how the average cost…
Read MoreA renter’s guide to public transit in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL, is known for its beaches, canals and year-round sunshine, but it also offers renters a surprisingly varied mix of ways to get around without a car. From free electric shuttles to fast trains that reach Miami in about 30 minutes, knowing your options can save you real money and daily hassle. The…
Read MoreMiami vs. Los Angeles: A cost of living comparison for coast-hopping renters
Thinking about trading Miami’s tropical vibe for life in high-energy Los Angeles? Plenty of renters make the move each year. Miami has long been a magnet for renters chasing beach life, warm winters and a fast-paced social scene, but Los Angeles is a popular choice for those looking for a bigger job market, a huge…
Read MoreCost of living in Lafayette, IN: What to expect when living here as a renter
Moving to a new city always comes with a learning curve, and one of the biggest unknowns is how much everyday life will cost. For renters, this goes well beyond what you pay each month for an apartment. Groceries, utility bills, health care visits and haircuts all add up. Getting a clear picture of the…
Read MoreSummer apartment hunting in hot rental markets: A quick guide for single parents
Searching for an apartment is stressful for anyone. Doing it as a single parent, while holding down a job, caring for your kids and trying not to uproot them from a school they love, is hard in a different way. And if you’re searching in one of the country’s hottest rental markets like Miami or…
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