Finding an affordable place to live is becoming increasingly difficult across the United States. Recent data highlights a significant surge in housing costs, pricing many people out of popular metropolitan areas.
According to a new report from SmartAsset, which ranked US cities based on the one-year increase in typical rent between February 2025 and 2026, coastal hubs and tech centers continue to dominate the top spots. This rapid rise is largely driven by limited housing supply, strict zoning laws, and a high concentration of wealthy industries.
In this gallery, we list the 30 most expensive cities for renters this year. Click to find out which cities feature on the list.
All figures in USD.