City Report · FL

West Palm Beach

Pop. 122,290·92nd most expensive in Florida·West Palm Beach rents are up 6.1% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,392/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.1%
Month-over-Month
+1.1%
vs US Median
+$427
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
West Palm Beach · $2,392
More expensive than 76% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what West Palm Beach's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,392/mo
Expected by trend
$2,585/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Palm Beach's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,539
1 BR
$1,720
2 BR
$2,054
3 BR
$2,684
4 BR+
$3,207
Research median
$2,054/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$28,704/yr
At $2,392/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.1% YoY, +1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

West Palm Beach, FL is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, 39.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
122,290
Median income
$73,446
Median age
41.1
Renters
49.5%
Age distribution
17.7%
23.3%
25.3%
12.2%
21.5%
Under 1817.7%
18–3423.3%
35–5425.3%
55–6412.2%
65+21.5%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
39.8%
32.8%
24.6%
White39.8%
Black32.8%
Hispanic24.6%
Asian2.7%
Education (25+)
12.8%
21.4%
26.6%
39.2%
No HS diploma12.8%
HS diploma21.4%
Some college26.6%
Bachelor's+39.2%
Housing tenure
50.5%
49.5%
Owner50.5%
Renter49.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How West Palm Beach, FL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,575 → $2,392
up 51.9%
Income
$56,549 → $73,446
up 29.9%
Population
115,877 → 122,290
up 5.5%
Renter share
50.8% → 49.5%
-1.3 pts
Bachelor's+
36.8% → 39.2%
+2.4 pts
Median age
40.4 → 41.1
+0.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in West Palm Beach, FL has climbed from $1,575 to $2,392, a 51.9% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $73,446 today, compared with $56,549 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 5.5% since 2021, moving from about 115,877 residents to roughly 122,290. College-educated residents now make up 39.2% of adults here, versus 36.8% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View West Palm Beach rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in West Palm Beach on your salary?

At $2,392/mo, how West Palm Beach rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

West Palm Beach rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in West Palm Beach. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Palm Beach

About renting in West Palm Beach, FL

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in West Palm Beach is $2,392/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,539/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,054/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,720/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,684/mo.

At 39% of local median household income ($73,446/yr), West Palm Beach ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Palm Beach an affordable city for renters?

West Palm Beach is considered moderate for renters. At $2,392/mo, rent takes approximately 39% of the local median household income ($73,446/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Palm Beach slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in West Palm Beach?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $96,000/year (~$46/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,392/mo in West Palm Beach. The local median household income is $73,446/yr, meaning the typical West Palm Beach household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in West Palm Beach?

Rent in West Palm Beach has increased 6.1% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which West Palm Beach neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in West Palm Beach are 33409 ($1,982/mo), 33413 ($2,083/mo), and 33415 ($2,190/mo). Citywide, the median rent in West Palm Beach is $2,392/mo.

How does West Palm Beach rent compare to other cities in Florida?

West Palm Beach is one of the pricier cities in Florida for rent, ranking #92 out of 288 tracked cities at $2,392/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than West Palm Beach?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than West Palm Beach ($2,392/mo): Century Village ($1,406/mo), Palm Springs ($2,168/mo), Lake Worth Beach ($2,375/mo).

What percentage of West Palm Beach residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.5% of West Palm Beach households are renters, while 50.5% are owner-occupied. West Palm Beach leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does West Palm Beach rent compare to the national average?

West Palm Beach's median rent of $2,392/mo is $427 (22%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #92 out of 288 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
39%
MODERATE

At $2,392/mo, rent takes ~39% of West Palm Beach's median household income ($73,446/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Palm Beach 39%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near West Palm Beach, FL

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