WalletHub Study Reveals Best and Worst Cities for Renters in 2025

A recent WalletHub study has identified Overland Park, Kansas, as the best city for renters in 2025, with Memphis, Tennessee, ranking as the worst. The study analyzed over 180 U.S. cities using 21 metrics, including rental affordability, cost of living, and job availability. Bismarck, North Dakota, stood out for having the highest rental affordability, where median annual gross rent consumes just 15.34% of median annual household income, compared to Hialeah, Florida, where rent takes up 35.22% of income.

Charleston, West Virginia, was noted for having the highest rental vacancy rate, significantly higher than South Burlington, Vermont, which has the lowest. Newark, New Jersey, leads with the highest share of renter-occupied housing units, while Brownsville, Texas, offers the lowest cost-of-living index. For those prioritizing safety, Warwick, Rhode Island, was identified as having the fewest violent crimes per 1,000 residents.

This study provides valuable insights for renters looking for the best opportunities in terms of affordability, quality of life, and safety. For more information, the full study can be accessed here.