Rent smarter with real data.
Most rental sites show you listings. StayRentals shows you the data behind the rent: government-sourced affordability metrics, fair market rents, and cost comparisons so you can decide where to live based on numbers, not marketing.
National Rental Snapshot
The national median rent is currently approximately $1,365, with an average rent burden of approximately 30.3%. These figures are based on cities with populations over 5,000, drawn from the most recent Census American Community Survey data. (Source: Census ACS, BLS)
National Median Rent
$1,365
per month
Average Rent Burden
30.3%
of income on rent
Average Vacancy Rate
8.6%
rental units
Most Expensive Cities
By median monthly rent
| # | City | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Hunt, VA | $3,501 |
| 2 | Scarsdale, NY | $3,501 |
| 3 | Los Altos, CA | $3,501 |
| 4 | Nocatee, FL | $3,501 |
| 5 | La Cañada Flintridge, CA | $3,501 |
| 6 | Saratoga, CA | $3,501 |
| 7 | Cupertino, CA | $3,501 |
| 8 | Foster City, CA | $3,501 |
| 9 | Danville, CA | $3,501 |
| 10 | Wolf Trap, VA | $3,501 |
Most Affordable Cities
By rent burden (% of income spent on rent)
| # | City | Rent Burden | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clifton, AZ | 9.0% | $529 |
| 2 | Kiawah Island, SC | 9.0% | $2,750 |
| 3 | San Carlos, AZ | 9.0% | $364 |
| 4 | Fair Haven, NJ | 9.0% | $3,501 |
| 5 | Ranchettes, WY | 9.0% | $545 |
| 6 | Ford, KS | 9.0% | $717 |
| 7 | Credit River, MN | 9.0% | $793 |
| 8 | Shannon Hills, AR | 9.0% | $1,301 |
| 9 | Tuba City, AZ | 9.0% | $816 |
| 10 | Rosita, TX | 9.0% | $328 |
National Rent CPI Trend
Rent of primary residence, Consumer Price Index (BLS series CUSR0000SEHA)
How We Measure Affordability
We use the 30% rule as our primary affordability benchmark, combining Census rent data with Census income data to calculate rent burden for every city and state. Rent burden measures the percentage of household income that goes toward rent, giving a more complete picture than raw rent prices alone.
Our Fair Market Rent data comes directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which sets these figures annually based on the 40th percentile of area rents. This means approximately 40% of units rent at or below the Fair Market Rent.
Explore by Situation
Tools and data to help with your specific rental decision.
Moving for a new job?
Compare cost of living between your current city and your destination to understand how your salary translates.
Cost of Living Calculator→
First apartment?
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income, and see which cities fit your budget.
Rent Affordability Calculator→
Rent or buy?
Compare the long-term costs of renting versus buying with our break-even analysis and 10-year projection.
Rent vs Buy Calculator→
What salary do I need?
Enter a target city and see the minimum income needed to rent without spending more than 30% of your earnings.
Salary Needed Calculator→
Browse by State
Explore rental data for all 50 states and Washington D.C.
**Data Sources:**
- U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Rent of Primary Residence
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.