NEW HAVEN, Conn. - s4story -- Plootus today released its 2025 Average Rent by City Report, analyzing rental costs across 30+ major U.S. metros using HUD FY2025 Fair Market Rent data, Census ACS, and current market data from Dwellsy and Apartments.com. The report reveals a market that, while cooling from its 2022 peak, remains deeply unaffordable for millions.

The national average rent stands at $1,636/month as of June 2025 — up 0.9% year-over-year. The national median rent of $1,363/month sits 5.5% below its mid-2022 peak, offering modest relief — but not enough for the 22.4 million renter households HUD classifies as "cost-burdened."

"The rental market has stabilized — but at a level that is simply unworkable for a large share of American renters," said the Plootus Research Team. "The true financial impact goes far beyond the monthly check."

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Key Findings:

• Most Expensive Market: New York City at $3,545/month for a 1-bedroom, followed by San Francisco and Boston.
• Most Affordable Major City: Houston at $1,078/month.
• Most Expensive States: Hawaii ($2,400+), California ($2,200), and Massachusetts ($2,100).
• Most Affordable State: Oklahoma at $903/month.
• Cost-Burden Scale: 22.4 million renter households spend more than 30% of income on rent.

The report also highlights actionable strategies, including signing leases in winter — when rents run 5–8% lower — and using HUD Fair Market Rent data as a negotiating benchmark.

"Most renters don't think of their lease as a retirement planning decision — but it is," the Plootus Research Team added. "Choosing a neighborhood two miles from the most in-demand ZIP code can save 10–25% on rent, potentially translating into tens of thousands of dollars in retirement savings over time."

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The full report, including city-level data tables, state comparisons, and renter strategies, is available at https://www.plootus.com/rent-by-city

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