Published: 02:15 BST, 24 October 2025 | Updated: 02:15 BST, 24 October 2025

The cost of rent is soaring in many major cities, but Americans can still find low-cost options in up-and-coming spots in the South.

In 13 of the 100 largest US metros, more than one third of apartment listings are priced below $1,000 a month, according to new analysis from Zillow.

And just because a city is cheaper doesn't necessarily mean it has less to offer residents.

Wichita, a trendy city in Kansas, has the highest share of apartment listings with monthly rent under $1,000 — at 54 percent.

In Wichita, $1,000 can afford renters apartments in luxury buildings with pools, fitness centers, and pet parks.

Renters who aspire to own property of their own some day might also want to consider moving out of expensive cities, and into cheaper areas.

'It's no secret that rents and home prices have sprinted ahead of incomes. For many renters, that makes saving for a down payment feel out of reach,' said Zillow senior economist Kara Ng.

'Moving to a more affordable area can really boost long-term financial health — and in pricier cities, renting a room has become one of the few ways to keep housing costs manageable.'

Wichita is a trendy city in Kansas where 54 percent of apartments have monthly rental prices under $1,000