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The best cities for renters revealed

By Lauren BarryJul 14, 2025

Lauren Barry

Lauren Barry is a Chicago-based news content producer for Audacy’s central news team. She is the host/co-producer of The On Deadline Podcast, as…

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Where is the best place to rent in the U.S.? According to a new study, heading south might be the best way to find the ideal rental situation.

RentCafe.com’s annual report found that the top five cities for renters in the U.S. this year are all below the Mason-Dixon line. They determined the list by analyzing 20 metrics across 150 U.S. cities grouped into three main categories: cost of living and housing, local economy and quality of life. Those metrics included apartment quality, economic strength, traffic, air quality and access to natural amenities.

Throughout the country, finding affordable rent can be a challenge. In fact, Redfin reported just this week that, while rents have been dropping over recent months, they are still only $63 below their record high.

Here is RentCafe’s top five list of the best cities for renters this year:

1. McKinney, Texas

2. Sarasota, Fla.

3. Atlanta, Ga.

4. Austin, Texas

5. Huntsville, Ala.

McKinney nabbed the top spot due to its high-ranking affordability and quality of life scores. While the cost of living might be low, there are a considerable number of high-end apartments for rent there. Additionally, residents can benefit from job growth in the city and good schools as well as a combination of small town and urban center vibes.

Sarasota also had a strong cost of living score along with a robust local economy. Atlanta’s position slipped compared to last year, but it is still a favorite, especially among younger renters with its access to many Fortune 500 companies. Austin is also a tech hub known for its unique culture and natural beauty, while Huntsville is “an excellent option for renters, seeking a balance between affordability and career stability,” according to RentCafe.

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