News Summary
McKinney, Texas has been recognized as the top city for renters in a recent report by RentCafe, which evaluated 150 U.S. cities’ renter-friendliness. The report highlighted cities in the South for their affordability and quality of life, with McKinney leading due to its low cost of living, robust job market, and high-quality rental options. Sarasota, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, followed in the rankings. Overall, the report showcases a shift in rental trends as Southern cities become increasingly attractive to tenants seeking better living conditions and lifestyle balances.
McKinney, Texas has been ranked as the best city for renters in the 2025 report released by RentCafe, which assessed the renter-friendliness of 150 U.S. cities based on cost of living, local economy, and overall quality of life. Notably, this year’s report did not include New York City and its surrounding areas, which has shifted the focus to Southern cities that have achieved remarkable success in the rankings. Southern metro regions took all ten of the top spots and accounted for three-quarters of the top 50 cities overall.
McKinney’s reputation as a leading city for renters is supported by its relatively low cost of living, robust job market, and ample green spaces. Approximately 35% of McKinney’s rental inventory has been built in the last five years, indicating a thriving housing market that is accommodating to new renters. Additionally, 83% of the rental units in the city are characterized as “high-end,” catering to those in search of quality living spaces.
Following McKinney, Sarasota, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, secured the second and third spots, respectively. A notable characteristic of the South’s ranking success lies in its improved affordability and strong post-pandemic recovery. The increased prevalence of work-from-home opportunities has further enhanced the appeal of Southern cities, making them attractive for renters seeking lifestyle balances between work and recreation.
The rankings utilized three primary metrics: cost of living and housing, local economy, and quality of life. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, achieved top honors for cost of living and housing, demonstrating that affordability remains a critical factor for many renters. Meanwhile, Miami was recognized for its thriving local economy, which benefits prospective renters looking for job opportunities and economic stability.
For the second consecutive year, Washington, D.C. led the rankings in quality of life, illustrating that even for cities with higher costs, there are unique benefits that attract renters. Popular East Coast cities such as Philadelphia and Boston continue to draw renters despite their higher living costs, reflecting that a vibrant local culture and economic opportunities can justify the expenses. However, it is important to note that Manhattan ranked last in terms of housing affordability and cost of living, highlighting the struggles faced by potential renters in high-priced urban centers.
Although Manhattan did not fare well in affordability, it ranked fifth for quality of life and seventh regarding economic benefits, showing that diverse metropolitan areas offer a mix of advantages and challenges. The report also pointed out that Brooklyn and Queens are near the bottom of the list when it comes to housing affordability, reinforcing the trend of rising costs in these popular boroughs.
Overall, the report highlights significant growth for Southern cities concerning affordability, job opportunities, and living conditions for renters. With the increasing focus on the benefits that Southern cities can provide, renters may find a more appealing and accommodating living situation as work and lifestyle choices evolve in a post-pandemic world.
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Additional Resources
- Men’s Journal: 10 Best Cities for Renters 2025
- New York Post: Best US Cities for Renters in 2025
- KTLA: Most Expensive California Cities for Renters
- The Real Deal: Millionaire Renters Flock to Southern Cities
- Consumer Affairs: Most Popular Cities for Renters in Early 2025
- Wikipedia: Rental Market
- Google Search: Best Cities for Renters 2025
- Google Scholar: Rental Trends 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renting
- Google News: Best US Cities for Renters
