Like the cost of living, rental costs vary widely from city to city. So does what your money buys you. That means the cute studio that costs a bundle in New York, NY, might be much smaller than the roomy apartment you can afford in, say, Atlanta, GA.
What’s less obvious? Where the deals are. Trulia examined the 25 largest rental markets in the country to discover where renters can get the most square footage for their rent. These seven affordable rentals are available right now, and they’re all in cities where you can maximize space and minimize cost. They’re also convenient for easy commutes and close to shopping, dining, or cultural activities.
Spruced-up space for a steal: $700/month, Spanish Cove in St. Louis, MO
Spending $700 a month here gets you a remodeled unit with 1,220 square feet and three bedrooms. And it’s all for well below the median rent ($895) in St. Louis. Each unit has an airy, light-filled layout. The community’s swimming pool, playground, and fitness center have all gotten makeovers too. Public transit stops are a short walk away. The townhomes are a brief ride from the boating, trails, and soccer fields at Spanish Lake Park.
Pet-friendly in a prime location: $830/month, Ashford Druid Hills in Atlanta, GA
Strike the right balance between work and play at Ashford Druid Hills. You’ll live a few minutes’ drive from downtown and nearby colleges. Plus you’ll be a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants of Buckhead and Brookhaven. You’ll get a two-bedroom apartment with 980 square feet. And a price point far below the city’s median rent ($1,325 per month)! Units are recently renovated, bright spaces with modern appliances and oversized closets. Fido will have a place to play at the community dog park. And you can enjoy the tennis court and two pools on the beautiful, expansive grounds.
Spacious oasis: $855/month, The Grove Deer Valley in Phoenix, AZ
Like the idea of resort-style living? Consider The Grove Deer Valley, with its swanky pool, a sleek gym, private dog park, and luxe common areas. A two-bedroom apartment here costs less than $900 and boasts 972 square feet. That’s well below the city’s median of $1,300. Perks include an in-unit washer and dryer, spacious walk-in closet, and an enclosed patio or balcony. But you’ll also be close to shopping and urban hiking trails, with convenient access to I-17 and Loop 101.
Lakeside living: $1,043/month, Park at Lake Magdalene in Tampa, FL
Redesigned units at Park at Lake Magdalene include ceramic tile and gourmet kitchens. But the best amenity might be lake views from your screened-in porch or patio. Spend your days playing on the water. Take advantage of the community’s proximity to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo or Adventure Island. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment here is 1,200 square feet, well below the area’s median rent ($1,450).
Beauty just off the beaten path: $1,103/month, Hamilton Springs Apartments in Baltimore, MD
Downtown Baltimore is minutes from the pleasant views from Hamilton Springs Apartments. You’ll pay much less than the city’s median rent of $1,350 for a two-bedroom, 1,108-square-foot apartment. That price includes an in-unit washer and dryer, a balcony or patio in some units, and access to a peaceful pool.
Back to nature: $1,285/month, Montclair Terrace Apartment Homes in Portland, OR
Enjoy living in Portland, OR’s Raleigh Hills neighborhood. A 1,000-square-foot two-bedroom here costs well below the city’s $1,700 monthly median rent. The property spans more than 11 acres of protected wetlands. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, sun deck, fitness center, and picnic areas. Plus, big dogs are welcome! Public transportation is nearby. Downtown Portland and Washington Square Mall are minutes away.
Charm among the pines: $1,303/month, Reserve at Woodwind Lakes in Houston, TX
Space can be had at a bargain price in this Northwest Houston, TX, community. Set within a quiet patch of loblolly pines, Reserve at Woodwind Lakes is a few blocks from Beltway 8. The complex offers easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife. It blends traditional design and resort-style amenities. A three-bedroom, 1,370-square-foot apartment includes a well-equipped kitchen. Designer interiors feature built-ins and handsome molding.
Methodology: Trulia examined the 25 largest rental markets to see where renters can get the most square footage for their rent. To do this, we calculated the median square footage and rent for one-bedroom rentals in each market, then divided the median square footage by rent. These rentals are a selection from some of the top markets.
