{"id":108022,"date":"2025-04-23T00:01:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T07:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=108022"},"modified":"2026-03-09T01:43:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T08:43:05","slug":"where-in-the-u-s-can-you-live-for-under-500-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/budgeting\/where-in-the-u-s-can-you-live-for-under-500-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Mission impossible revisited: What $500 rent got you in 2025 vs. 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Renting in some of the nation\u2019s most sought-after cities often means paying top dollar. But if you\u2019re not set on relocating to pricey hubs like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/new-york-city-ny\/\">New York City<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/san-francisco-ca\/\">San Francisco<\/a>, more affordable options do exist \u2014 though typically in smaller, less densely populated cities.<\/p>\n<p>Back in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we took on a challenge that felt nearly impossible: finding apartments across the U.S. listed for $500 or less per month. At a time when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2020\/09\/25\/opinion\/remote-work-from-home-office.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">remote work<\/a> was on the rise and urban migration patterns were shifting, we combed through countless listings, aiming to identify the most livable and surprisingly affordable rentals at that price point.<\/p>\n<p>Sure, $500 didn\u2019t stretch far \u2014 most options were modest in size \u2014 but many came with desirable amenities and solid locations. And despite how rare they seemed, all of the listings we featured were 100% legitimate, pulled directly from property managers via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/\">RentCafe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-140570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/rentcafe.jpg?w=960\" alt=\"rentcafe.com - rent your happy place\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/rentcafe.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/rentcafe.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/rentcafe.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/rentcafe.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When the article was first published, it served as a snapshot of what affordability looked like in 2020 \u2014 a year marked by major disruptions and shifts in the rental market.<\/p>\n<p>Now, in 2025, with inflation, market corrections, and changing demand reshaping the landscape, we\u2019re revisiting those same properties to see how far rents have come and compare them to the rent average at the neighborhood and city level. This update gives renters a clearer picture of how affordability has evolved during those five years.<\/p>\n<p>So, without further ado \u2014 and in no particular order \u2014 here\u2019s what $500 could get you in select budget-friendly U.S. cities back in 2020, and how those areas stack up today:<\/p>\n<h2>1. Wichita, KS<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments\/ks\/wichita\/eagle-creek\/default.aspx\">Eagle Creek<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Layout: studio \/ 1 bath<\/li>\n<li>Property monthly rent as of September 2020: $481<\/li>\n<li>Property lowest rent as of April 2025: $607<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/hedgewood-wichita-ks\/\">Hedgewood<\/a> neighborhood average rent as of April 2025: $783<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/wichita-ks\/\">Wichita<\/a> average rent as of April 2025: $916<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Is Wichita known for its over-the-top parties and nonstop entertainment? Not exactly. But what it lacks in glitz, it makes up for with charm, comfort, and affordability. In 2020, you could rent a studio apartment for just $481 a month \u2014 and enjoy access to amenities like a pool or a community clubhouse, perfect for relaxing or socializing with neighbors.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-140558\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-wichita-ks-1.jpg?w=960\" alt=\"View of Wichita, KS, used to compare 2020 affordable rentals to current average rent in 2025.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-wichita-ks-1.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-wichita-ks-1.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-wichita-ks-1.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-wichita-ks-1.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Those renting in Wichita enjoy a laid-back, suburban vibe with access to parks, cozy coffee shops, and a solid dining scene. It may not be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/las-vegas-nv\/\">Las Vegas<\/a>, but you can still enjoy cultural gems like museums and local art galleries at your own pace. Best of all, with generally affordable rents and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/us\/ks\/wichita\/\">cost of living in Wichita<\/a>, you\u2019d have more money in your pocket \u2014 maybe even enough to fund a weekend getaway to one of those livelier destinations when the mood strikes.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Lawton, OK<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments\/ok\/lawton\/sheridan-square-apartments-0\/default.aspx\">Sheridan Square Apartments<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Layout: studio \/ 1 bath<\/li>\n<li>Property monthly rent as of September 2020: $470<\/li>\n<li>Property lowest rent as of April 2025: $699<\/li>\n<li>Sheridan Square average rent as of April 2025: $921<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/lawton-ok\/\">Lawton<\/a> average rent as of April 2025: $861<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You won\u2019t find flashy tourist attractions in Lawton \u2014 and that might just be one of its biggest perks. In this southwest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/ok\/\">Oklahoma<\/a> city, life moves at a more relaxed pace, free from the crowds and high costs of bigger urban centers. Back in 2020, renters could choose from a variety of affordable apartments without sacrificing half their paycheck each month.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-140560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-lawton-ok.jpg?w=960\" alt=\"Medicine Park in the fall, Lawton, OK, used to compare 2020 affordable rentals to current average rent in 2025.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-lawton-ok.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-lawton-ok.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-lawton-ok.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-lawton-ok.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Take this studio apartment, for example: It offered modern finishes, spacious closets, and generous cabinet storage. Residents also enjoyed amenities like a Hibachi grill area and a year-round heated spa \u2014 perfect for unwinding. And if you wanted even more, there was a 24-hour fitness center, community events, a DVD library, and other convenient extras that made everyday living feel just a bit more special.<\/p>\n<h2>3. Amarillo, TX<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments\/tx\/amarillo\/huntington-pointe-apartments0\/default.aspx\">Huntington Pointe Apartments<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Layout: 1 bed \/ 1 bath<\/li>\n<li>Property monthly rent as of September 2020: $469<\/li>\n<li>Property lowest rent as of April 2025: $730<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/soncy-amarillo-tx\/\">Soncy<\/a> neighborhood average rent as of April 2025: $972<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/amarillo-tx\/\">Amarillo<\/a> average rent as of April 2025: $966<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Amarillo may be an average-sized city with a modest population, but in 2020, it stood out for something far from average: impressively affordable rent prices, even during the height of the pandemic.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-140562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-amarillo-tx.jpg?w=960\" alt=\"View of Amarillo, TX, used to compare 2020 affordable rentals to current average rent in 2025.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-amarillo-tx.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-amarillo-tx.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-amarillo-tx.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-amarillo-tx.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the standout options that year was a one-bedroom apartment in a community packed with perks \u2014 including a BBQ\/picnic area, an outdoor fitness courtyard, and not one, but two sparkling pools perfect for unwinding after a long day. Inside, the apartments offered comforts like air conditioning, fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and newly upgraded interiors. Add in an outdoor grilling area and a gazebo, and you had a well-rounded living experience that blended affordability with comfort and convenience.<\/p>\n<h2>4. Shreveport, LA<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments\/la\/shreveport\/orleans-square\/default.aspx\">Orleans Square<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Layout: 1 bed \/ 1 bath<\/li>\n<li>Property monthly rent as of September 2020: $500<\/li>\n<li>Property lowest rent as of April 2025: $710<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/springlake-university-terrace-shreveport-la\/\">Springlake &#8211; University Terrace<\/a> neighborhood average rent as of April 2025: $767<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/shreveport-la\/\">Shreveport<\/a> average rent as of April 2025: $884<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The appeal of living in Shreveport lies in its blend of great food, abundant green spaces, and surprisingly affordable rent. Back in 2020, for just $500 a month, renters could enjoy a cozy apartment in a community packed with perks \u2014 including a clubhouse, three sparkling pools, and two tennis courts.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-140563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-shreveport-la.jpg?w=960\" alt=\"View of Shreveport, LA, used to compare 2020 affordable rentals to current average rent in 2025.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-shreveport-la.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-shreveport-la.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-shreveport-la.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-shreveport-la.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Beyond the property itself, living in Shreveport meant being just minutes from popular restaurants, lively bars, and a wide range of shopping options. With its mix of comfort, convenience, and affordability, it was easy to see the value this Louisiana city had to offer in the midst of the pandemic.<\/p>\n<h2>5. Springfield, MO<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments\/mo\/springfield\/crosswinds-apartments1\/default.aspx\">Crosswinds Apartments<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Layout: 1 bed \/ 1 bath<\/li>\n<li>Property monthly rent as of September 2020: $500<\/li>\n<li>Property lowest rent as of April 2025: $700<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/southern-hills-springfield-mo\/\">Southern Hills<\/a> neighborhood average rent as of April 2025: $847<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/southern-hills-springfield-mo\/\">Springfield<\/a> average rent as of April 2025: $1,102<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Living in Springfield offers everything you need \u2014 and then some. With a solid mix of entertainment, cultural attractions, and everyday conveniences, it\u2019s easy to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Best of all, rent prices in 2020 were incredibly budget-friendly: For just $500 a month, you could score a spacious 700-square-foot apartment \u2014 far more room than you&#8217;d typically find for that price in many other cities.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-140565\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-springfield-mo.jpg?w=960\" alt=\"View of Springfield, MO, used to compare 2020 affordable rentals to current average rent in 2025.\" width=\"960\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-springfield-mo.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-springfield-mo.jpg?resize=500,208 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-springfield-mo.jpg?resize=768,320 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2025\/04\/what-you-can-rent-for-500-in-springfield-mo.jpg?resize=150,63 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>And it wasn\u2019t just about the square footage. These apartments also came with access to great amenities, including a basketball\/volleyball court, a pool, and a sun deck \u2014 giving renters both comfort and recreation without leaving home.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Disclaimer:<\/em><\/strong><em> This article was first published on October 9, 2020, and updated on April 23, 2025. Prices and availability are as of September, 2020 and April, 2025, respectively, and are subject to change.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Renting in some of the nation\u2019s most sought-after cities often means paying top dollar. But if you\u2019re not set on relocating to pricey hubs like New York City or San Francisco, more affordable options do exist \u2014 though typically in smaller, less densely populated cities. Back in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":757,"featured_media":140568,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38969],"tags":[38981],"class_list":["post-108022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-budgeting","tag-renting-costs","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What $500 Rent Got You in 2025 vs. 2020<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See what $500 rent got you at select apartment properties in budget-friendly cities in 2020 and how those same properties compare in 2025.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/budgeting\/where-in-the-u-s-can-you-live-for-under-500-month\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mission impossible revisited: What $500 rent got you in 2025 vs. 2020\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"See what $500 rent got you at select apartment properties in budget-friendly cities in 2020 and how those same properties compare in 2025.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/budgeting\/where-in-the-u-s-can-you-live-for-under-500-month\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"RentCafe rental blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-04-23T07:01:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-09T08:43:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" 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