The Most Affordable US Cities for Renters in 2026

New study finds 31 cities where renters spend under 18.5% of income on housing

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:24pm

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A brightly colored, abstract grid of rental apartment icons in vibrant neon shades, conceptually representing the affordability of housing in select US cities.A new study highlights the most affordable rental markets across the US, providing valuable insights for cost-conscious renters.Today in Miami

A recent WalletHub study analyzed 182 US cities to determine the most affordable rental markets in 2026. The study found that on average, renters in the 31 most affordable cities spend only 18.5% of their income on rent, compared to 23.46% across all measured cities. The most expensive cities, including Miami, Detroit, and Newark, can see renters spending up to 33.8% of their income on housing.

Why it matters

With the cost of living rising across the country, identifying affordable rental markets is crucial for many Americans. This data provides valuable insights for renters looking to balance housing costs with other essential expenses.

The details

The WalletHub study used US Census Bureau data on median annual gross rent and median household income to calculate the share of income spent on rent in 182 cities, including the 150 most populous in the country and at least two of the most populous in each state. A general rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed 30% of median income to ensure renters can comfortably afford housing without sacrificing other essential living expenses.

  • The WalletHub study was conducted in 2026.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that conducted the study on the most affordable US rental markets.

Maggie Rong Hu

An assistant professor of real estate at Baruch College in New York who was quoted in the WalletHub study.

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What they’re saying

“A general rule of thumb is that rent should not exceed 30% of the median income. This ensures that renters can comfortably afford their housing without sacrificing other essential living expenses.”

— Maggie Rong Hu, Assistant Professor of Real Estate, Baruch College

The takeaway

This data provides a helpful roadmap for renters looking to balance housing costs with other essential expenses, highlighting 31 US cities where the typical renter spends under 18.5% of their income on rent.