Studies & Reports
Original rent-market research from the RentDataNow Data Team. Every study includes the underlying numbers, methodology, and sources so readers can verify or extend the analysis.
Minimum Wage vs. Rent: How Many Workers It Takes to Afford a One-Bedroom in the 50 Largest U.S. Cities
Across the 50 largest US cities, no full-time minimum wage job covers a one-bedroom at 30% of income. In Atlanta, it would take 5 minimum wage earners to afford a single unit.
US cities where a teacher can't afford rent, ranked
A typical elementary school teacher in San Francisco, CA would spend +62.2% of income on the median rent — the steepest of any large US city, and rent-burdened in 198 cities nationwide.
The most and least expensive ZIP codes to rent in America
ZIP code 81611 in Aspen, CO is the most expensive in America at $18,041/month — about 26× the cheapest US ZIP, 65613 in Bolivar, MO.
How much rent has risen in 5 years: every major US city ranked
Rent in Miami Gardens, FL jumped +54.6% over the past five years — the largest increase of any large US city, versus a +28.0% typical rise nationwide.
The most undervalued and overheated US rental markets
Cape Coral, FL is America's most undervalued rental market, renting 21% below its 10-year trend, while Cedar Rapids, IA is the most overheated.
The most rent-burdened cities in America
In New York, NY, the typical renter spends +58.6% of household income on rent — among the highest rent burdens of any large US city.
US cities where rent is rising the fastest
Abilene, TX leads US rent growth at +30.8% year-over-year, fueled by tight housing supply and continued in-migration.
US cities where rent is dropping the fastest
Ann Arbor, MI leads US rent declines at -9.2% year-over-year — a sign that the post-2022 multifamily construction wave is finally reaching renters.
The most expensive US cities to rent in, ranked
San Francisco, CA is the most expensive large US city to rent in at $4,101/month, 116% above the national median.
The cheapest US cities to rent in, ranked
Davenport, IA is the most affordable large US city to rent in at $952/month, 50% below the national median.