Best Cities for Renters to Live in 2025: Southern Cities Sweep Top 10

When looking for the best cities for renters in 2025, there are several key factors to keep in mind — like affordability, job opportunities, and a strong sense of community. While, finding the right fit isn’t always easy, some cities are really shining this year. At the top of the list is McKinney, TX, with a number of other standout cities across the South not far behind.

With that in mind, RentCafe.com’s annual report highlights the best cities for renters in 2025. To help renters find their ideal location, we analyzed 20 key metrics across 150 U.S. cities, including apartment quality, economic strength, traffic, air quality and access to natural amenities. These factors were grouped into three main categories: cost of living and housing; local economy; and quality of life.

Whether you’re looking for the excitement of a big city or the charm of a smaller town, there’s a place that fits your housing needs without stretching your budget. Here’s a look at where renters are getting the most value and satisfaction in 2025.

Southern cities secure entire top 10 best cities for renters in 2025, with McKinney, TX, in lead

The South firmly establishes itself as the top region for renters in 2025, by claiming an impressive 41 of the 50 featured cities. From major rental markets like Atlanta and Austin, TX, to rising stars such as McKinney, TX, and Round Rock, TX, the South’s strong presence in the top 10 highlights its increasing appeal to renters across the board.

 

This growing interest is reflected in the region’s consistently high rankings in key categories, like cost of living and housing and local economy, with nearly all leading cities securing spots within the top 30 for these criteria.

Top 5 best cities for renters to live in 2025

1. McKinney, TX

Claiming the top spot for 2025, McKinney, TX, ranks as the best city for renters, due to its high ranking in affordability (#4) and quality of life (#9). Specifically, the city boasts a lower-than-average cost of living, a large share of high-end apartments, and consistent job growth, making it an ideal choice for renters seeking a small-town atmosphere without sacrificing the perks of a larger urban center.

McKinney also stands out for its excellent schools and desirable apartment locations. On top of that, renters can enjoy more than 40 parks; scenic hike-and-bike trails; and natural retreats, like Towne Lake. Altogether, McKinney strikes the perfect balance between affordability and suburban comfort, thereby earning its place as the best city for renters in 2025.

2. Sarasota, FL

In second place is Sarasota, FL, which edges ahead of Atlanta, thanks to its strong performance in cost of living and housing (#3) and its solid local economy (#17).

This coastal city is a competitive rental market that offers something for renters of all ages from retirees to remote workers, including a balanced mix of upscale apartments. Sarasota’s diverse economy — supported by major employers like PGT Innovations, Sun Hydraulics, Tropicana Brands Group and Walmart — helps drive steady income growth for residents. Add to that the city’s beautiful natural surroundings and abundance of outdoor activities, and it’s easy to see why Sarasota continues to rise in the rankings.

3. Atlanta

Atlanta slipped further down from last year’s second place but nevertheless remains strong in the top five best cities for renters. With high scores in cost of living and housing (#9) and a robust local economy (#5), the city continues as a renter favorite.  This is especially true for young renters seeking more budget-friendly options without compromising on opportunity.

Notably, Georgia’s capital offers a well-rounded rental market with a wide selection of high-end apartments and a renter-majority population. Steady income growth also makes Atlanta especially appealing to aspiring entrepreneurs. Known as “Silicon Peach,” the city is home to a large number of Fortune 500 companies providing ample job opportunities for renters looking to settle in this dynamic Southern hub.

4. Austin, TX

Coming in fourth place, Austin, TX, continues to shine with strong rankings in cost of living and housing (#13) and local economy (#12). Additionally, with a lower-than-average cost of living, a highly educated population, and steady job growth, the city remains a magnet for renters seeking opportunity and affordability.

As an established science and tech hub, Austin is home to major employers like Dell Technologies; NXP Semiconductors; Keller Williams Realty; and social media giants, like Facebook. Beyond its thriving job market, renters can enjoy access to top-tier educational institutions and the city’s natural beauty — from Lady Bird Lake to Barton Creek Greenbelt and countless parks that add to Austin’s outdoor charm.

5. Huntsville, AL

Rounding out the top five, Huntsville, AL, stands out with strong rankings in both cost of living and housing (#5) and local economy (#9), making it an excellent option for renters, seeking a balance between affordability and career stability.

With a cost of living below the national average, steady income growth for renters, and a welcoming community, Huntsville is especially attractive to young professionals. Plus, the presence of major employers — like NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Meta — further solidifies the city’s appeal as a thriving hub for renters looking to build a future in a dynamic, yet affordable setting.

Best cities for renters in the South: Live big, spend less

The South continues to dominate the rankings this year, not just by making up more than three quarters of the list, but also by leading the top 10 with standout cities like McKinney, TX; Sarasota, FL; Atlanta; Austin, TX; and Huntsville, AL.

Close behind is Wilmington, NC, which ranks 10th nationwide for cost of living and housing and sixth for local economy, thanks to strong renter income and job growth.

Other noteworthy mentions include Charleston, SC (the best city for renters in the last two years), which holds the #3 spot in local economy, and Round Rock, TX, which ranks fifth in cost of living and housing and 14th in quality of life. Then, rounding out the list of best Southern cities for renters are Raleigh, NC, which ranks ninth in the region due to its strong performance in both affordability and quality of life (#14), and Orlando, FL, which comes in eighth nationwide for local economy.

Best cities for renters in the West: Work/life balance shines in these cities

Renters looking to strike a balance between work and play should turn their eyes to the West, where Gilbert, AZ, leads due to its strong performance in cost of living and housing, ranking 10th nationwide.

Following closely are Boise, ID, which claims the #2 spot in local economy, and Scottsdale, AZ, recognized for its exceptional quality of life, ranking seventh nationwide. Other Western hotspots include Denver, (11th in cost of living and housing); Colorado Springs, CO (16th in quality of life); and Westminster, CO (30th in quality of life).

Salt Lake City also stands out, ranking 10th in local economy due to major employers, like Delta Air Lines, Amazon, Adobe, and Goldman Sachs. Not to be outdone, tech hub Seattle earns high marks as well, ranking 16th in local economy and 12th in quality of life. And for renters drawn to culture and creativity, Portland, OR, offers exactly that, as evidenced by its 19th-place ranking in quality of life.

Best cities for renters in the Midwest: Opportunity knocks in these wallet-friendly cities

With 27 of the 150 largest cities making the list, the Midwest continues to attract renters seeking a balance between a strong local economy and quality of life with Sioux Falls, SD, leading the way.

Sioux Falls ranks 19th in cost of living and housing and 18th in local economy, making it an appealing option for renters drawn to high-end apartments, steady income growth, and the region’s signature Midwestern charm. Likewise, Minneapolis stands out with a strong local economy (#30), making it a top choice for renters focused on professional growth in an urban setting.

Best cities for renters in the Northeast: High quality of life takes center stage

Known for its competitive rental market, the Northeast offers a compelling option for renters who prioritize quality of life over affordability.

Leading the region is Stamford, CT, which ranks 10th nationwide in quality of life. The city is an ideal choice for young professionals drawn to its top-tier apartments and the presence of several Fortune 500 companies. Other standout cities include Boston (11th in quality of life); Albany, NY (27th in quality of life); and Harrisburg, PA (26th in quality of life), all of which offer a high standard of living for renters seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.

Leaders by category

Myrtle Beach, SC, takes the lead in cost of living and housing this year, thanks to its abundance of high-end apartments, generous living space, and a cost of living that falls below the national average. In terms of local economy, Miami claims the top spot, driven by a booming startup scene and steady renter income growth, making it especially attractive to entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, Washington, D.C., once again ranks first in quality of life, offering renters access to prime apartment locations and a welcoming community in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Methodology

The Best Cities for Renters ranking was compiled by RentCafe.com, a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the United States.

We only considered “suitable candidates for best cities for renters” as those cities with an apartment stock of at least 10,000 apartment units. Cities with lower apartment stocks were excluded. A total of 150 cities were the final candidates for the ranking.

To determine the best cities for renters, the RentCafe.com analytics team used a composite index to compare cities across three main categories — cost of living and housing; local economy; and quality of life.

The three main categories were compiled from 20 relevant metrics. Each metric received a score based on a minimum and maximum value multiplied by the metric’s weight.

To create the categories index, the ranking process was repeated and then the results were multiplied by each category’s overall weight.

Data provided is as of April 2025 by Yardi Matrix, a RentCafe.com sister company. It covers apartment buildings of 50 units or more. All data is accurate as of the date of publication. All sources used are cited below.

Ranking metrics and data sources:

Category 1: Housing & cost of living (category weight: 50%)

1. Cost of living and housing: Weight: 40%; Source: The Cost of Living Index – 2024
2. Apartment average size: Weight: 10%; Source: Yardi Matrix, average size of all inventory, excluding affordable apartments
3. Apartment occupancy: Weight: 10%; Source: Yardi Matrix
4. Share of new apartments: Weight: 10%; Source: Yardi Matrix
5. Share of high-end apartments: Weight: 10%; Source: Yardi Matrix
6. Share of renter-occupied households: Weight: 5%; Source: Bureau of Census – American Community Survey 2023 Five-Year Estimates
7. Market Competitiveness: Weight: 5%; Source: RentCafe Market Competitiveness Report – Q1 2025
8. RentCafe ILS Property Ratings: Weight: 10%; Source: RentCafe.com

Category 2: Local economy (category weight: 30%)

1. Unemployment rate: Weight: 25%; Source: Bureau of Census – American Community Survey 2023 Five-Year Estimates
2. Share of population with high-education degrees: Weight: 20%; Source: Bureau of Census – American Community Survey 2023 Five-Year Estimates
3. Renter household median income growth: Weight: 25%; Source: Bureau of Census – American Community Survey 2023 Five-Year Estimates vs 2018
4. Job growth: Weight: 15%; Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
5. Number of business applications per 10,000 residents: Weight: 15%; Source: Bureau of Census – Business Formation Statistics – 2023

Category 3: Quality of life (category weight: 20%)

1. Apartments in top locations: Weight: 25%; Source: Yardi Matrix
2. Average school rating: Weight: 15%; Source: GreatSchools.org
3. Long commutes driving alone: Weight: 10%; Source: County Health Data 2025 (Long commutes – more than 30 minutes)
4. Share of public transportation users & walking: Weight: 10%; Source: Bureau of Census – American Community Survey 2023 – 5 – Year Estimates
5. Natural amenity rank: Weight: 5%; Source: Economic Research Service – Department of Agriculture
6. Average air quality: Weight: 10%; Source: EPA Air Quality
7. Social association rate: Weight 25%; Source: County Health Data 2025

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