Rental Affordability Drives Renters To Midwest And Arizona Cities

Rental affordability is strongest in the Midwest and Arizona, where renters get more space and better quality of life for less.

July 10, 2025

Valerija I.

Overland Park, KS ranks as the best US rental market, offering the largest average home size and strong affordability metrics.
Three of the top five markets are in Arizona—Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert—highlighting quality of life and economic opportunity despite higher rental costs.
Midwestern cities dominate the most affordable rankings, while coastal and older industrial cities remain among the least affordable.

Key Takeaways

Renters are looking to stretch their dollars in today’s high-cost housing market, reports GlobeSt. A new WalletHub study shows they’re finding more value in the Midwest and parts of the Southwest. The personal finance site ranked over 180 US rental markets using 21 key indicators including affordability, housing quality, local economy, and quality of life.

Kansas Leads With Space And Affordability

Overland Park, Kansas, takes the top spot in the nation for renters. With the highest average home size at 2,809 SF, residents there spend just 17% of their income on rent, well below the national average. Only 18% of households are considered rent-burdened (paying more than 50% of income on housing). Strong schools and low crime levels also contributed to the city’s top score.

Arizona’s Triple Threat

Three Arizona cities—Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert—claimed second, third, and fourth place, respectively.

Scottsdale stands out for its job market, weather, and recreation options, though rents are on the higher side.
Chandler offers a balance of size and affordability, with renters spending 21% of income on rent and an average home size of 1,909 SF.
Gilbert rounded out the trio with strong livability scores and a growing housing supply.

Other Top Performers And Bottom Markets

Bismarck, ND secured fifth place, driven by low rents and a favorable cost-of-living environment. Rounding out the top 10 were Sioux Falls (SD), Huntsville (AL), Peoria (AZ), Lewiston (ME), and Nashua (NH).

At the other end of the spectrum, the least renter-friendly cities included Memphis, Detroit, Cleveland, and Newark, where affordability is poor and quality-of-life metrics lag behind.

Why It Matters

As inflation keeps pushing rents higher—up 5.1% year-over-year nationally—tenants are increasingly looking beyond traditional hot markets. Cities in the Midwest and smaller metros are emerging as attractive alternatives for renters prioritizing space, affordability, and stability.

What’s Next

The data suggests a shifting rental landscape where regional affordability and lifestyle factors are outweighing big-city allure. For renters willing to look beyond the coasts, the Midwest and Southwest could offer both financial breathing room and a higher quality of life.