The Real Cost of Renting in the U.S.
Recent housing data shows that national median rent prices have hit record highs.
But those numbers don’t tell the full story — many smaller cities and mid-sized towns still offer rents that are nearly half the cost of major metros.
| Apartment Type | U.S. Average (USD/month) | Budget Range (USD/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,150 | $550–$850 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,370 | $650–$900 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,720 | $950–$1,300 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,180 | $1,300–$1,700 |
In the Midwest and Southeast, apartments often rent for 40–50% less than national averages.
Where to Find 1-Bedroom Apartments Under $700
If you’re flexible about location, there are cities where rent still fits a modest budget. Below are 10 U.S. cities where 1-bedroom apartments can be found for under $700 per month, based on early 2025 rental listings.
| City | State | 1-Bedroom Avg Rent (USD/month) | Why It’s Affordable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | Kansas | $640 | Low demand, affordable utilities |
| Toledo | Ohio | $670 | Plenty of renovated older units |
| Amarillo | Texas | $690 | Low property tax and steady job growth |
| Mobile | Alabama | $675 | Coastal city with low living costs |
| Davenport | Iowa | $660 | Great value and low population density |
| Shreveport | Louisiana | $680 | Consistently one of the cheapest metros |
| Springfield | Missouri | $695 | Good quality of life, affordable rent |
| Fort Wayne | Indiana | $690 | Growing city with low competition |
| Sioux Falls | South Dakota | $685 | High availability of entry-level housing |
| Macon | Georgia | $650 | Quiet lifestyle and low rent-to-income ratio |
These are non-luxury units, often in smaller buildings or slightly outside the city core — but clean, safe, and comfortable.
How to Find Cheap Apartments Fast
Finding an apartment under $800 (or even $700) takes patience — but strategy matters more. Here are effective ways to find your next affordable home:
- Expand your search radius: The biggest savings often start just 20 minutes outside downtown areas.
- Use filters wisely: Set your maximum rent and toggle “older buildings” or “utilities included.”
- Check local housing boards: City websites and housing authorities post income-based or low-cost rentals.
- Ask around: Local Facebook groups and community boards often list rentals before they hit the big platforms.
- Negotiate longer leases: Some landlords offer discounts for 18- or 24-month leases.
- Consider basement or garage units: They often rent 20–30% below market average.
Where to Search for Budget Apartments
Here are some reliable platforms and sources for low-cost rentals:
- Zillow – National listings with rent history data.
- Apartments.com – Good for verified property managers.
- Craigslist – Best for small landlords and local deals.
- Facebook Marketplace – Increasingly popular for direct, no-fee listings.
- RentCafe – Shows average rent trends by ZIP code.
- Local housing offices – Many towns run affordable housing programs and publish rental bulletins.
Tip: Always verify the property and avoid paying deposits before touring or video-confirming with a verified contact.
Regional Price Breakdown
Here’s how much you can expect to pay in different U.S. regions based on 2025 rental data:
| Region | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $690 | $730 | $950 | $1,250 |
| South | $720 | $780 | $1,000 | $1,320 |
| Northeast | $1,080 | $1,220 | $1,650 | $2,150 |
| West | $1,270 | $1,460 | $1,950 | $2,550 |
The Midwest and South remain the best bets for renters on a budget. States like Kansas, Arkansas, and Alabama consistently appear among the lowest average rent markets in the country.
Quick Visual: Rent Comparison
| Category | High-Cost City (e.g. Los Angeles) | Affordable City (e.g. Wichita) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Rent | $2,200 | $640 |
| Utilities | $180 | $110 |
| Commute (Monthly) | $140 | $50 |
| Total Monthly Cost | $2,520 | $800 |
That’s nearly $1,700 in monthly savings, or over $20,000 per year, just by moving to a smaller market.
Q&A: Renting Smart in a High-Price Market
Q1: How realistic is it to rent for under $700 today?
It’s possible in 2025, but usually in smaller cities or suburban neighborhoods. Look for local landlords instead of big management companies.
Q2: Is it safe to rent such cheap units?
Yes, as long as you verify ownership, visit in person, and check neighborhood reviews. Many are older but maintained properties.
Q3: How can students or remote workers benefit?
They can relocate more easily to low-rent cities where rent is a fraction of coastal prices.
Q4: What about hidden costs?
Always ask if utilities, parking, and maintenance fees are included. These can add $100–$200/month to your total budget.
Bonus Tips for Serious Renters
If you’re serious about cutting housing costs, these small steps can make a big difference:
- Move during off-season (Nov–Feb): Rent drops 5–10% in most markets.
- Offer advance payment: Some landlords give discounts for pre-paying 3–6 months.
- Look for “owner-managed” listings: They often skip management fees and are open to negotiation.
- Use keyword searches: Try phrases like “basement unit,” “mother-in-law suite,” or “utilities included.”
Final Thoughts
Rent prices keep rising, but affordable housing in the U.S. isn’t gone yet — you just need to know where to look.
From Wichita to Shreveport, some cities still offer safe, comfortable apartments for under $700 a month.
By exploring less popular areas, searching regularly, and negotiating smartly, you can save thousands each year — without giving up your quality of life.
Finding affordable housing isn’t about luck — it’s about having the right strategy.
References
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – www.hud.gov
- Zillow Research 2025 Rental Report – www.zillow.com/research
- Apartment List National Rent Report 2025 – www.apartmentlist.com
- RentCafe 2025 Market Data – www.rentcafe.com
- Statista: Average Apartment Rent by State – www.statista.com
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Housing CPI – www.bls.gov
- https://www.apartments.com/wichita-ks/under-700/
- https://www.apartments.com/toledo-oh/under-700/
- https://www.zillow.com/erie-pa/apartments-under-700/