Taking the No. 1 spot for a second year in a row, Charleston, South Carolina, is considered the best city to rent in for 2024. Because of its strong local economy and affordability, the city exceeds in quality of life with spacious apartments, quality schools, and ample green spaces.
Atlanta and Sarasota, Florida, followed in second and third place this year. Atlanta ranks high in local economy as well as cost of living and housing on top of being career-minded. Also ranking high in local economy and cost of living and housing, Sarasota offers comfortable affordability and convenience.
RentCafe’s annual rankings look at 20 relevant metrics across 150 cities. The metrics, which include apartment quality, economic strength, traffic, air quality, and natural amenities, were then grouped into three categories including cost of living and housing; local economy; and quality of life.
The South dominated with 38 of the top 50 cities. Within the top 20, there are five North Carolina cities, four Texas cities, and four Florida cities.
The top 20 best places for renters include:
- Charleston
- Atlanta
- Sarasota
- McKinney, Texas
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Round Rock, Texas
- Austin, Texas
- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Miami
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Greenville, South Carolina
- Plano, Texas
- Orlando, Florida
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Durham, North Carolina
San Marcos, Texas—No. 55 on the list—claimed the best cost of living and housing overall, while Miami has the best local economy overall, and Washington, D.C.—No. 48 on the list—has the best quality of life overall.
On the other hand, San Marcos ranked the worst in quality of life overall. Manhattan, New York, ranked as the worst cost of living and housing overall, and Hartford, Connecticut, as the worst local economy.