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Dream of Renting a Luxury Apartment? You Can Afford To in These 20 Cities
Written by
Gabrielle Olya

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After spending much of the past year at home, many of us have dreamt of upgrading our spaces. And now with many jobs becoming location-independent, you may be less tied down to your current residence.
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If you’re looking to rent a luxury apartment — think, 1,000 square feet or more with top-of-the-line finishes and amenities, too — but you’re on a budget, you might consider moving to a smaller city.
Last updated: May 19, 2021
20. Winter Haven, Florida
- Average rent: $1,107
- Average square feet: 1,022
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 52%
Read More:
19. Mobile, Alabama
- Average rent: $1,225
- Average square feet: 1,126
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 22%
18. Panama City, Florida
- Average rent: $1,216
- Average square feet: 1,113
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 37%
Find Out:
17. Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Average rent: $1,033
- Average square feet: 1,034
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 36%
16. Beavercreek, Ohio
- Average rent: $1,179
- Average square feet: 1,060
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 48%
Discover:
15. Madison, Alabama
- Average rent: $1,168
- Average square feet: 1,050
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 70%
See:
14. Bellevue, Nebraska
- Average rent: $1,245
- Average square feet: 1,149
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 57%
Read:
13. Lebanon, Tennessee
- Average rent: $1,143
- Average square feet: 1,063
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 75%
12. Greenwood, Indiana
- Average rent: $1,102
- Average square feet: 1,059
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 27%
See:
11. Johnston, Iowa
- Average rent: $1,230
- Average square feet: 1,114
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 63%
Read:
10. Greer, South Carolina
- Average rent: $1,152
- Average square feet: 1,094
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 43%
Find Out:
9. Union City, Georgia
- Average rent: $1,161
- Average square feet: 1,104
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 65%
See:
8. Lexington, South Carolina
- Average rent: $1,128
- Average square feet: 1,068
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 89%
Read:
7. Daphne, Alabama
- Average rent: $1,176
- Average square feet: 1,165
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 55%
6. Macon, Georgia
- Average rent: $1,106
- Average square feet: 1,112
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 41%
5. Phenix City, Alabama
- Average rent: $1,162
- Average square feet: 1,276
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 42%
Find Out: Minimum Salary You Need To Be Happy in Every State
4. Columbus, Georgia
- Average rent: $1,129
- Average square feet: 1,229
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 45%
3. Shawnee, Kansas
- Average rent: $1,173
- Average square feet: 1,231
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 28%
2. Warner Robins, Georgia
- Average rent: $1,005
- Average square feet: 1,164
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 43%
Take a Look:
1. Hoover, Alabama
- Average rent: $1,097
- Average square feet: 1,147
- Share of apartments that are high-end: 54%
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Photo Disclaimer: Please note photo is for representational purposes only.
Methodology: Data is sourced from RENTCafé, which analyzed cities with a population of minimum 10,000 (per U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year estimates), at least 1,000 units and 4 properties (completed and classified as high-end) and excluded fully affordable properties. The final rankings that determine “great value” are based on weights attributed to the main metrics: average rent as of February 2021 (35%), average square footage (35%), share of high-end units within a city (15%) and share of high-end units within top locations as defined by Yardi Matrix (15%).
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