The Most Budget-Friendly Rental Cities in the US for 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
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Source: Businessinsider
Most Affordable City: Bismarck, North Dakota, is ranked as the most affordable U.S. city for renters in 2026, with 15% of median income allocated to rent, according to a WalletHub report.
Rent Trends: While some markets are experiencing cooling rent prices, others continue to see rising rents, indicating a varied rental market across different cities.
Study Methodology: The WalletHub study evaluated 182 U.S. cities based on the percentage of median income spent on rent, using U.S. Census Bureau data to calculate affordability.
General Rent Guidelines: Experts suggest that rent should not exceed 30% of a renter's median income to ensure affordability and comfort in housing expenses.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
