The Sun Belt continues to shine when it comes to the best cities for renters in 2025, according to RentCafe’s latest report, with the top 10 cities and three-quarters of the top 50 all located in the South.
McKinney, Texas, takes the top spot for renters to live in 2025, followed by Sarasota, Florida, and Atlanta.
RentCafe’s rankings were based on 20 key metrics, including the selection and quality of apartments available, commute times, occupancy rates, and opportunities of job growth. All the metrics were given certain weights and were gathered under three main categories: cost of living and housing; local economy; and quality of life.
According to RentCafe, McKinney, located on the northeastern corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, stands out for its lower-than-average cost of living, a large share of high-end apartments, and consistent job growth. Nearly 35% of its inventory is comprised of new apartments built in the last five years. It also boasts ample trails and parks.
“Altogether, McKinney strikes the perfect balance between affordability and suburban comfort, thereby earning its place as the best city for renters in 2025,” noted the report.
Runner-up Sarasota appeals across demographics, with a strong local economy and coastal appeal. Its apartments are spacious, averaging 969 square feet, and they receive high satisfaction ratings.
Atlanta, which came in second place in 2024, slips to third. It stands out for being a well-rounded rental market with a strong economy, a wide selection of high-end apartments, and a renter-majority population.
Rounding out the top 5 are Austin, Texas, which remains a magnet for renters seeking opportunity and affordability, and Huntsville, Alabama, with its stable local economy, low cost of living, and accessible housing options.
Other highlights on RentCafe’s rankings include:
• Gilbert, Arizona, ranks No. 12, leading the best cities for renters in the West. Boise, Idaho, and Scottsdale, Arizona, also are Western hotspots for renters;
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota, leads the way for the Midwest, followed by Minneapolis and Lincoln, Nebraska;
• Stamford, Connecticut, takes the top spot for the best cities for renters in the Northeast, followed by Pittsburgh and Boston;
• In the cost of living and housing category, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the top-ranked city, and Manhattan comes in at the bottom of the rankings;
• In the local economy category, Miami tops the list, while Detroit is the worst ranked; and
• In the quality of life category, Washington, D.C., comes in first, while San Marcos, Texas, ranks the lowest.
