Elmira Apartment Rental Prices See Slight Increase Since Last Year

Median rent for Elmira apartments up 1.7% year-over-year, still well below state and national averages

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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According to a new analysis of rental data from Zumper, the typical apartment listed for rent in Elmira, New York saw a slight 1.7% increase in median price compared to last year, rising from $1,000 to $1,017 per month. However, Elmira rents remain significantly lower than the statewide New York median of $3,237 and the national median of $1,878.

Why it matters

The rental market in Elmira provides insight into the broader economic trends in the region, as apartment prices are a key indicator of housing affordability and cost of living. While the modest year-over-year increase suggests some upward pressure on rents, Elmira's prices remain well below state and national averages, making it a relatively affordable option for renters.

The details

The Zumper data covers all bedroom sizes in the Elmira metropolitan area, from studios to four-bedrooms. It reflects the median rent for all active rental listings, excluding subsidized units and those that are currently occupied or no longer available. One-bedroom apartments listed for a median of $900, down 7% from $963 last year, while two-bedrooms saw a slight 0.1% decrease to $1,000 per month.

  • The data reflects rental prices in Elmira as of January 2026.
  • Median rents in Elmira are down 15% from December 2025, when the typical apartment listed for $1,200.

The players

Zumper

A rental marketplace that aggregates over one million active rental listings to calculate median asking rents.

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The takeaway

While Elmira's rental market has seen modest price increases, the city remains an affordable option for renters compared to the broader New York and national averages. The data suggests the local economy is relatively stable, with rental costs rising at a slower pace than other parts of the state and country.