Finding an affordable place to rent can be a challenge.
The last thing you want is to spend a disproportionate amount of your paycheck on rent. The good news is that there are still many cities in the United States where you can afford to rent a place and enjoy a decent standard of living.
Here is our list of seven of the best budget-friendly cities for renters in the U.S.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Average rent: $685 per month
Tulsa’s cost of living is among the lowest in the country, which makes it an ideal choice for renters. It has been consistently rated as one of the most livable and most affordable cities in the country.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average rent: $754 per month
Oklahoma City has a virtually endless supply of cheap land, owing to the fact that it is the eighth largest city in the country in terms of land area. The low cost of living and the availability of employment opportunities in the energy sector make Oklahoma City an ideal place for renters.
Omaha, Nebraska
Average rent: $905 per month
Omaha’s cost of living is considerably lower than the national average. So, you should not have any problems in finding a reasonably spacious apartment at a rate you can afford.
Omaha has been rated as one of the friendliest cities in the country and is widely considered as one of the best places to raise a family in.
Memphis, Tennessee
Average rent: $788 per month
Memphis is known for its pleasant weather, excellent food, and friendly people. Aside from the affordable housing market, the cost of utilities and essential commodities is also lower in Memphis compared to most other cities in the country, which makes it a perfect choice for renters as well as those who are looking to buy a house of their own.
St. Louis, Missouri
Average rent: $887 per month
St. Louis is one of the few places in the country that offer big-city amenities at relatively affordable rates. Known as a family-friendly city, St. Louis has everything you can ask for — good schools, a variety of tourist attractions, and a thriving job market. For book lovers, the city also offers a free (and awesome) public library.
Tucson, Arizona
Average rent: $955 per month
Although it has a reputation of being a popular destination for retirees, Tucson is seeing an influx of young people from different parts of the country of late, thanks to its low cost of living.
Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson has plenty of low-cost apartments and independent housing units for single people and families alike.
Columbus, Ohio
Average rent: $918 per month
Low cost of living, beautiful neighborhoods, great colleges, and plenty of employment opportunities — Columbus has got it all.
The city is also known for its ease of doing business and boasts of a vibrant startup economy. So, if you are thinking of doing something on your own, Columbus might just be the place to be. The city is also known for its fantastic food and drink scene.
