In these cities, rent eats up a disproportionate share of household income. When more than 30% of income goes to housing, it puts pressure on every other budget category, from groceries to retirement savings. If you are considering a move to one of these areas, factor in the full cost picture before committing.
| # | City | Rent-to-Income | Median Rent | Median Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kiryas Joel, NY | 43.8% | $1,575 | $43,171 | 36,572 |
| 2 | Monsey, NY | 43.5% | $1,780 | $49,095 | 27,787 |
| 3 | West Lafayette, IN | 41.3% | $1,152 | $33,497 | 44,802 |
| 4 | Lauderdale Lakes, FL | 41.1% | $1,518 | $44,333 | 35,924 |
| 5 | Leisure City, FL | 39.2% | $1,590 | $48,640 | 26,917 |
| 6 | Lauderhill, FL | 39.1% | $1,620 | $49,685 | 73,961 |
| 7 | Hallandale Beach, FL | 39.1% | $1,580 | $48,518 | 41,224 |
| 8 | University CDP (Hillsborough County), FL | 39% | $1,185 | $36,483 | 48,868 |
| 9 | Dania Beach, FL | 38.5% | $1,636 | $50,948 | 31,739 |
| 10 | North Lauderdale, FL | 36.9% | $1,950 | $63,423 | 44,650 |
| 11 | Kissimmee, FL | 36.3% | $1,553 | $51,277 | 79,504 |
| 12 | Tamarac, FL | 36.3% | $1,791 | $59,216 | 71,887 |
| 13 | Bell Gardens, CA | 35.9% | $1,658 | $55,372 | 38,661 |
| 14 | Atlantic City, NJ | 35.9% | $1,084 | $36,220 | 38,486 |
| 15 | Spring Valley, NY | 35.8% | $1,673 | $56,151 | 32,995 |
| 16 | North Miami, FL | 35.7% | $1,543 | $51,909 | 59,429 |
| 17 | Fountainebleau, FL | 35.7% | $1,948 | $65,568 | 56,453 |
| 18 | New Brunswick, NJ | 35.7% | $1,790 | $60,248 | 55,744 |
| 19 | Ithaca, NY | 35.6% | $1,441 | $48,617 | 31,792 |
| 20 | Bridgeton, NJ | 35.6% | $1,367 | $46,124 | 26,836 |
| 21 | Westmont, CA | 35.4% | $1,413 | $47,899 | 34,291 |
| 22 | Hialeah, FL | 35.2% | $1,558 | $53,079 | 221,901 |
| 23 | Deerfield Beach, FL | 35.2% | $1,670 | $56,976 | 86,742 |
| 24 | Aventura, FL | 35.1% | $2,423 | $82,777 | 39,372 |
| 25 | Ives Estates, FL | 35% | $1,979 | $67,841 | 26,154 |
| 26 | Golden Glades, FL | 34.7% | $1,444 | $49,932 | 35,042 |
| 27 | Camden, NJ | 34.3% | $1,157 | $40,450 | 71,471 |
| 28 | Lakewood, NJ | 34.3% | $1,647 | $57,576 | 69,884 |
| 29 | San Luis Obispo, CA | 34.3% | $1,906 | $66,711 | 48,039 |
| 30 | Inkster, MI | 34.1% | $1,127 | $39,632 | 25,602 |
| 31 | Doral, FL | 34% | $2,510 | $88,474 | 76,490 |
| 32 | North Miami Beach, FL | 33.9% | $1,626 | $57,633 | 43,104 |
| 33 | Seaside, CA | 33.7% | $2,314 | $82,303 | 31,964 |
| 34 | Miami Gardens, FL | 33.6% | $1,709 | $60,979 | 111,264 |
| 35 | Sun City, AZ | 33.6% | $1,457 | $52,111 | 38,018 |
| 36 | Miami, FL | 33.5% | $1,657 | $59,390 | 446,663 |
| 37 | Perth Amboy, NJ | 33.4% | $1,629 | $58,490 | 55,278 |
| 38 | Sunrise, FL | 33.3% | $1,999 | $72,107 | 96,633 |
| 39 | Buenaventura Lakes, FL | 33.3% | $1,713 | $61,822 | 32,310 |
| 40 | Newark, NJ | 33% | $1,330 | $48,416 | 307,188 |
| 41 | Margate, FL | 32.8% | $1,662 | $60,852 | 58,418 |
| 42 | West Little River, FL | 32.7% | $1,411 | $51,834 | 33,147 |
| 43 | Poinciana, FL | 32.6% | $1,712 | $63,042 | 71,665 |
| 44 | Greenacres, FL | 32.6% | $1,709 | $62,917 | 43,871 |
| 45 | Chester, PA | 32.6% | $1,080 | $39,809 | 33,209 |
| 46 | Paterson, NJ | 32.5% | $1,457 | $53,766 | 157,660 |
| 47 | Lawrence, MA | 32.5% | $1,569 | $57,903 | 88,297 |
| 48 | Hartford, CT | 32.3% | $1,221 | $45,300 | 119,970 |
| 49 | El Cajon, CA | 32.3% | $1,790 | $66,478 | 104,909 |
| 50 | Kendale Lakes, FL | 32.3% | $1,863 | $69,150 | 52,141 |
Key Takeaways
- Kiryas Joel, NY ranks #1 with a rent-to-income ratio of 43.8%.
- The top 5 cities are: Kiryas Joel, NY; Monsey, NY; West Lafayette, IN; Lauderdale Lakes, FL; Leisure City, FL.
- The gap between #1 (43.8%) and #50 (32.3%) shows significant variation even within the top 50.
- Median household income in the top-ranked city is $43,171, with a population of 36,572.
Methodology
Rankings based on US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. All cities with valid data and populations above 25,000 are included. Rent-to-income ratio is calculated as (median gross rent x 12) / median household income. Data reflects the most recent available estimates.