MoneyLion
Sign In
Join Free
MoneyLion
Sign InJoin Free
Sep 22, 2026

9 Major US Cities Where Rent Remains Below $1,500

Written by Heather Taylor
|
Edited by Cory Dudak
9 Major US Cities Where Rent Remains Below $1,500

It’s tough to find major U.S. metros with affordable monthly rent. While the typical asking rent is nearing or has long surpassed $2,000 a month across most cities, a recent Zillow study revealed there are nine popular locales where rent costs are under $1,500.

Interestingly, each city is in its own state, so there’s no one state dominating the most rent-friendly cities. These cities are sprinkled throughout the Midwest, South and East Coast regions of the United States. However, some cities like Pittsburgh are on the cusp of hitting the $1,500 threshold, so it’s possible this list will shrink down by 2027.

Making $60K vs. $120K: Here's How Different Life Actually Looks

Take Action: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking

If you’re looking for cheaper rent this year, consider relocating to one of these major metros, organized below by how much rent typically costs by location.

9. Pittsburgh

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,499

  • Rent year over year: 3.4%

  • Concession share: 25.4%

  • Renter affordability: 21.6%

8. Cleveland

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,476

  • Rent year over year: 4.3%

  • Concession share: 24.7%

  • Renter affordability: 23.6%

7. Buffalo, New York

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,446

  • Rent year over year: 3.3%

  • Concession share: 8.2%

  • Renter affordability: 22.6%

6. Birmingham, Alabama

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,456

  • Rent year over year: 1.4%

  • Concession share: 39.9%

  • Renter affordability: 21.6%

5. St. Louis

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,445

  • Rent year over year: 4.3%

  • Concession share: 29.2%

  • Renter affordability: 19.9%

4. San Antonio

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,425

  • Rent year over year: -1.8%

  • Concession share: 56.8%

  • Renter affordability: 20.4%

3. Memphis, Tennessee

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,422

  • Rent year over year: 1.2%

  • Concession share: 40.3%

  • Renter affordability: 23.5%

2. Oklahoma City

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,390

  • Rent year over year: 2.4%

  • Concession share: 30.2%

  • Renter affordability: 21.2%

1. Louisville, Kentucky

  • Typical rent (Zillow Observed Rent Index): $1,357

  • Rent year over year: 1.8%

  • Concession share: 43.3%

  • Renter affordability: 20.5%

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

More From MoneyLion:

Written by
Heather Taylor
Edited by
Cory Dudak