Where to Find the Cheapest Rent in America (2025)

If there’s anything we can always do more of, it’s save money. And when we look at our budget breakdowns, one of the heftiest monthlies we face (though there’s not much we can do about it) is our rent. In 2024, nearly half of renters were paying more than they could afford, with the national median rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,379 per month. On the low end of the scale, renters in cities like Fort Wayne, IN, which had the seventh lowest rent in America this year, paid an average of $795 a month. In New York City, NY, on the other hand, the median rent was over $3,350.

While many renters wouldn’t trade their apartments in their high average rent cities for the world, many look to the places where they can save, save, save. We can’t blame them. We looked into 100 major cities across the country to find the 10 cheapest places to live in the US right now.

Wichita is the largest city in Kansas. Known as the “Air Capital of the World,” it’s a hub for aviation, home to major manufacturers like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems. The vibrant city features top attractions, including the Keeper of the Plains monument and a craft beer scene you can get excited about. Outdoor lovers will enjoy over 125 miles of biking trails and 140 parks. Wichita’s economy is underpinned by aviation, healthcare, and IT. Not to mention, it’s one of the cheapest housing markets in the country. The median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Wichita, KS is $695 per month.

Toledo, Ohio is nicknamed the “Glass City” for its ties to glass manufacturing. Situated along Lake Erie, Toledo comes with proximity to attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo Zoo. The city is also a center for industries like healthcare, automotive, and solar energy. Residents enjoy waterfront parks, over 100 miles of trails, and a rental market with a lower-than-average price, making Toledo both affordable and full of opportunity. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toledo, OH is $727 per month.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a dynamic community nestled along the Cedar River. As the state’s second-largest city, it combines small-town charm with big-city quality of life. The metro area has a thriving arts scene and landmarks like the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art to show for it. Outdoors lovers will be excited to find over 100 parks and trails, including the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. With a strong economy driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tech industries, Cedar Rapids offers an opportunity for easy living and low housing costs. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cedar Rapids, IA is $750 per month.

Nestled on the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border, El Paso is a vibrant desert city and the sixth-largest in Texas. Known for its rich blend of Mexican and Texan cultures, it offers everything from authentic cuisine to a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the country, or take advantage of year-round hiking and climbing opportunities. El Paso also boasts a low cost of living well below the national average, with a median rent of $750, making it one of the most budget-friendly U.S. cities. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in El Paso, TX is $750 per month.

Akron, Ohio, once crowned the “Rubber City,” has transformed into a fresh mix of historic and modern vibes. Sitting along the Cuyahoga River, it’s home to must-see spots like the Akron Art Museum and the stunning Stan Hywet Hall. Just minutes away, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers trails and waterfalls perfect for weekend escapes. With a buzzing economy fueled by healthcare, education, and innovation, the Akron metropolitan area is on the rise. Plus, this city delivers an undeniably cool mix of culture and outdoor adventure. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Akron, OH is $770 per month.

Lincoln, Nebraska, blends small-town charm with big-city energy. The Haymarket District is the city’s heartbeat, packed with unique shops, local breweries, and lively events like the farmers’ market. Home to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln comes with innovation and college-town spirit, fueling its tech and education-driven economy. Sports fans can get tickets to see games at Memorial Stadium, and foodies will love to explore the city’s burgeoning culinary scene. Plus, the cost of real estate there boasts an affordability factor. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lincoln, NE is $775 per month.

Fort Wayne, Indiana is a hidden gem of the midwest. Residents of the affordable city enjoy an impressive revitalized downtown, and the city offers other cool spots like the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory and the trendy Electric Works district, a hub for innovation. With a strong economy powered by healthcare, manufacturing, and tech, Fort Wayne is a promising city full of growth — plus it’s a budget-friendly choice for those looking to find an apartment with cheap rent prices. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Wayne, IN is $795 per month.

Huntsville, Alabama is an American city that’s as innovative as it is charming. Huntsville is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, but it’s not all about rockets — Huntsville’s downtown area offers a mix of modern dining, breweries, and boutique shopping. Plus, just 90 miles away is Birmingham, 120 miles is Nashville, and 150 miles Atlanta. Huntsville combines healthy industries with a Southern small-town feel. The median rent for a one-bedroom in Huntsville, AL is $795 per month.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a vibrant city known for its lively arts scene, delicious Creole cuisine, and a unique mix of big-city amenities and small-town warmth. For apartment seekers, Baton Rouge is an affordable option. The city is home to the iconic Louisiana State University, and the Mississippi River and nearby parks provide plenty of outdoor recreation. With easy access to New Orleans (about 80 miles away) and a strong local job market, Baton Rouge offers both convenience and promise for even more growth. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Baton Rouge, LA is $800 per month.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a growing city with a small-town vibe and big-city opportunities, making it a great choice for renters. Sioux Falls offers some of the best value for your coin in the country. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the famous Falls Park, where the Big Sioux River cascades over dramatic cliffs, but it also boasts a fun downtown with boutique shopping, craft breweries, and an active arts scene. Sioux Falls has a strong economy, with job opportunities in healthcare, finance, and tech. Plus, it’s centrally located, with quick access to major cities like Minneapolis, Omaha, and Des Moines, giving renters the perfect mix of urban convenience and outdoor appeal. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sioux Falls, SD is $830 per month.

Below is the list of all of the large cities that we looked at with monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment below the national median of $1,450 and monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment below the national median of $1,595.

For more information on rent prices in cities across America, check out our National Rent Report.

For this report, ApartmentAdvisor analyzed rental listings available on our platform in January, calculating median one-bedroom rent prices in 100 major US cities with populations larger than 100,0000 people, focusing on cities where the median rent for a one-bedroom unit was less than the January 2025 median rent of $1,450 a month. Listings on ApartmentAdvisor come from both small and large property owners and include luxury and non-luxury rental units. Rental data came from ApartmentAdvisor. Population data came from the U.S. Census Bureau.

ApartmentAdvisor also tracks more detailed rental price and inventory data for 100 major cities in the United States, which can be found on our Market Reports page. To learn more about housing costs across the country as well as the national averages for rent prices, refer to our National Rent Report.