Many renters complain that the price of rent is often too high; but where is really it the highest in the United States? Here we take a detailed look into the actual rental real estate data behind the most expensive rent prices within the United States residential rental market, spotlighting various states and key metropolitan areas that stand out in terms of high rental costs.
Most Expensive State Rent
Hawaii (HI)
$2,8161
Most Expensive Metro Rent
Santa Cruz, CA Metro
$4,3451
Most Expensive City Rent
San Francisco, CA
$4,1691
1Based on average of Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for 0-4 bedroom residential rental units throughout United States excluding Puerto Rico for calendar year 2026.
10 Most Expensive Rent States 2026
| Rank | State | Average Rent2 |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii (HI) | $2,816 |
| #2 | California (CA) | $2,525 |
| #3 | New Hampshire (NH) | $2,278 |
| #4 | New Jersey (NJ) | $2,212 |
| #5 | Vermont (VT) | $2,173 |
| #6 | Massachusetts (MA) | $2,120 |
| #7 | Rhode Island (RI) | $2,032 |
| #8 | Connecticut (CT) | $1,953 |
| #9 | Maine (ME) | $1,862 |
| #10 | Washington (WA) | $1,854 |
10 Most Expensive Rent Metros 2026
| Rank | Metro | Average Rent2 |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metro | $4,345 |
| #2 | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Metro | $3,740 |
| #3 | San Francisco, CA Metro | $3,688 |
| #4 | Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA Metro | $3,661 |
| #5 | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA Metro | $3,410 |
| #6 | San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA Metro | $3,318 |
| #7 | New York, NY Metro | $3,139 |
| #8 | Oakland-Fremont, CA Metro | $3,115 |
| #9 | Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH Metro | $3,039 |
| #10 | Jersey City, NJ Metro | $2,990 |
10 Most Expensive Rent Cities 2026
| Rank | City3 | Average Rent2 |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Francisco, CA | $4,169 |
| #2 | New York City, NY | $3,706 |
| #3 | Boston, MA | $3,442 |
| #4 | Honolulu, HI | $3,250 |
| #5 | Miami, FL | $3,203 |
| #6 | San Diego, CA | $3,087 |
| #7 | San Jose, CA | $3,019 |
| #8 | Los Angeles, CA | $2,887 |
| #9 | Washington, DC | $2,803 |
| #10 | Jersey City, NJ | $2,798 |
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Average Rent Prices by State
Analyzing U.S. rent prices by each state is an important aspect of market research that can unveils rental economic trends. With this information, real estate investors can better identify investment opportunities and understand market dynamics. Click on a State below to see its fair market residential rent price breakdown:
Cheapest Rent in the United States
The cheapest rent in the U.S. is an appealing topic for thrifty tenants and investors seeking lower price point properties.
Average Rent in the United States
Average rent prices across the United States provide excellent insights into highs, lows, and emerging market trends.
Rent Prices by State in the United States
Data on rents across the United States can provide excellent insights into highs, lows, and emerging market trends.
Online Rent Price Calculators
Need help with rent-related math? Use our rental property calculators to handle everything from price adjustments to fee calculations in just a few clicks.
1Based on average of Fair Market Rents (FMRs) for 0-4 bedroom residential rental units throughout the United States, excluding Puerto Rico.
Methodology
Areas with insufficient inventory or populations less than 25,000 were excluded from this analysis. Averages are based on the combined average of 0-4 bedroom residential rental properties throughout the United States excluding Puerto Rico.
Data
Rent prices are based on aggregated data from one and/or several sources noted below:
Disclaimer
The information included is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial, legal, or any material advice. Data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals before making any material decisions.