Top Cheapest Cities to Rent an Apartment in America

Statistics suggest that it is more affordable to buy a house now than it has been in years. In 2021, we saw a record decline in home prices, and record-low mortgage rates were being offered. Even then, most people could not take advantage of the opportunity because the coronavirus pandemic put millions of people out of work.  As a result, most Americans resolved to stay in their current apartments even if they’d made plans to move.

To help you find the cheapest apartments in America, we have prepared a list of the most affordable cities in America. Take a look:

1) Columbus, Ohio

Average Apartment Rent: $480 USD/month

Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, remains at the top of the list of cities with the cheapest rent.  A vibrant and energetic city located along the Scioto River, Columbus is the 14-most populated city in the U.S.

The city’s economy is diverse and every sector helps to make the city great.  Sectors like insurance, banking, defense, education, government, steel, energy, medical research, health care, and technology are the chief contributors to Columbus’ economy, and that means enormous opportunities for people from all walks of life. If you want to relocate to a new city, let Columbus be the destination.

2) Rogers, Arkansas

Average Apartment Rent: $500 USD/month

Rogers is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country. It’s located in the mighty Ozark Mountains. The city has a lot to offer to those who idolize living close to nature. The best thing about Rogers is that you don’t have to compromise small-town life; the city is a beautiful blend of the latest cuisines, fashion, and stunning natural beauty.

3) Greenville, Texas

Average Apartment Rent: $530 USD/month

Greenville, Texas is a city in Hunt County, located 80 km northeast of Dallas. The city has improved a great deal from the time when it was primarily known for its cotton production.  It’s now a city that’s poised to make aerospace technology a major part of its future. The city is fast becoming a commercial hub as more shops, restaurants and other attractions are opening.

From the affordability point of view, Greenville is worth considering as the average apartment rent is around $500 per month.

4) Wichita, Kansas

Average Apartment Rent: $643 per month

Kansas’ largest city, Wichita, is amazingly affordable. Surrounded by farmlands, this city is a hub for industry and logistics.

Wichita is the center for aircraft manufacturing; nearly 50 aircraft companies are located in and around the city.  Although aircraft companies are the city’s biggest employers, there are also plenty of employment opportunities at companies like Cargill Meat Solutions, Koch Industries, and Coleman Company. Wichita State University and Wesley Medical Center attract students from across the U.S. and are also major employers in the city, which lends to its charm and diversity.

5) Tulsa, Oklahoma

Average Apartment Rent: $685 per month

Tulsa is right there among the cheapest cities in the U.S. when it comes to finding apartments with the cheapest rent in America. Tulsa is located in northeastern Oklahoma at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Historically, the city is a heavy-hitter among companies in the energy sector, and energy companies are located there to fuel the economy. However, in the coming years, the city will evolve into developing in the aviation, telecommunications, and technology sectors.

Tulsa’s signature event, the Tulsa State Fair, is held annually.  This event attracts nearly one million people across the globe. The city has repeatedly been called the “City of Future” and is one of America’s most livable large cities.

6) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Average Apartment Rent: $754 per month

When you talk about places with the cheapest apartments in America, it’s rare to find many big cities on the list. But Oklahoma City is an exception. Oklahoma City is the eighth-largest U.S. city based on its land area. The city’s economy is booming and will more than likely continue to grow in the future.

Oklahoma City has one of the world’s largest livestock markets in the U.S.  That,  coupled with a bustling oil and natural gas industry, means the city has a lot to offer newcomers in terms of both career opportunities and living options.

Oklahoma City’s economy is also well-diversified among logistics, aerospace, and healthcare.

7) Fort Wayne, Indiana

Average Apartment Rent: $760 per month

Centuries ago, Fort Wayne was primarily a trading post. Once the railroad arrived, the city’s industrial growth began to thrive to the point where it became a major manufacturing hub. Companies like General Electric and International Harvester called Fort Wayne home, which created thousands of jobs for the locals.

However, the city’s manufacturing boom did not last long–the city saw the industry collapse in the 1970s and 1980s. The collapse affected the city’s middle class the most, and it took decades for them to establish themselves again.

Over time, Fort Wayne reoriented itself around the logistics, healthcare, and defense industries.  This created a lot of new jobs and boosted the median income for those living there.  Along with higher median incomes, the city is highly affordable and has earned its place among cities with the cheapest rent.

Final Words:

With the way prices continue to increase, home and apartment expenses are consuming the majority of most people’s income. Those who live in metropolitan areas can vouch for the fact that high rent prices are just a part of the experience.

Even though rent rates are higher now than they’ve ever been, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any quality apartments that charge cheap rent. If you plan to move to any of the above-mentioned cities, you are likely to find some of the cheapest apartments in America.