Florida Ranked Worst State for Renters in New Study

Housing costs consume 37% of incomes, highest in the country

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:26pm

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A minimalist composition of bold geometric shapes in primary colors, with a repeating pattern of dollar signs and percentage symbols, conceptually representing the high cost of rent in Florida and the burden it places on residents' budgets.A geometric visual metaphor for the financial strain of high rents in Florida, where residents pay a disproportionate share of their incomes for housing.West Palm Beach Today

A new study by Consumer Affairs has ranked Florida dead last for renters in the United States, with residents spending an average of 37.4% of their income on housing - the highest rate in the country. The high cost of rent is taking a toll on Florida residents, with the typical renter in the state paying $1,669 per month.

Why it matters

The high cost of housing in Florida is squeezing residents' budgets, leaving less money available for other essential expenses like groceries and transportation. This ranking highlights the growing affordability crisis facing renters in the state, which could have broader economic impacts if left unaddressed.

The details

The study by Consumer Affairs examined rent prices, tenant laws, and other key metrics across all 50 states. Florida ranked 8th highest for median rent at $1,669 per month, but what really stood out was that the typical renter in the state is spending 37.4% of their income just on housing - the highest rate in the country. This high cost of rent is impacting residents' ability to afford other necessities.

  • The new study by Consumer Affairs was published on April 7, 2026.

The players

Consumer Affairs

A consumer advocacy organization that conducted the study ranking Florida as the worst state for renters in the U.S.

Evan Long

A renter in West Palm Beach, Florida who shared his experience of paying $3,000 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.

Dayna Edens

A representative from Consumer Affairs who explained the findings of the study showing that the typical Florida renter is spending 37.4% of their income on housing.

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What they’re saying

“Rent is just like squeezing consumers' pockets left and right. What really stood out to us is how much of Florida income is going towards housing. The typical renter is spending way over the traditional benchmark; they're spending about 37 percent of their income just to keep their rent each month.”

— Dayna Edens, Representative, Consumer Affairs

“It's gone up every time, every year, pretty close to every year. Does it surprise you that we are worst in the country for renters? Does not surprise me at all.”

— Evan Long, Renter, West Palm Beach

What’s next

The study's findings are likely to spur renewed calls for affordable housing initiatives and tenant protections in Florida, as state and local leaders grapple with the growing affordability crisis.

The takeaway

The ranking of Florida as the worst state for renters in the U.S. highlights the severe housing affordability challenges facing residents, with the typical renter spending over a third of their income just to keep a roof over their head. This crisis could have broader economic impacts if left unaddressed, underscoring the need for policymakers to prioritize solutions that make housing more accessible and attainable for Floridians.