5 US Cities Where You Get the Most (and Least) Apartment Space for $1,500
Written by
Rebecca Neubauer
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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How much apartment space you can rent for $1,500 a month depends almost entirely on location. In some U.S. cities, that budget stretches to more than 1,300 square feet — enough for a roomy three- or four-bedroom apartment. In others, $1,500 barely covers a studio-sized footprint.
A new analysis from RentCafe, based on Yardi Matrix data from March 2025, compared the nation’s 200 largest cities to see where renters get the most and least space for $1,500. The results highlight a stark divide: the Midwest and South dominate the “most space” list, while coastal hubs — particularly New York and California — offer the least.
Where $1,500 Gets You the Most Space
Southern and Midwestern cities dominate this list, thanks to more available land, lower population density and less restrictive zoning. In fact, RentCafe notes that 12 of the top 20 large cities offering the most space are in the South, with the rest in the Midwest.
Wichita, Kansas — 1,329 sq. ft.
Wichita tops the list for large cities, where $1,500 rents an average of 1,329 square feet. That’s often enough for a three- or four-bedroom apartment. Wichita’s low cost of living, aerospace industry, and wide availability of land make it one of the most affordable housing markets in the country.
Toledo, Ohio — 1,268 sq. ft.
Renters in Toledo can expect more than 1,200 square feet for $1,500, typically a spacious two- or three-bedroom apartment. With affordable housing and a revitalizing downtown, Toledo is drawing interest from families and remote workers seeking value.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — 1,247 sq. ft.
In Oklahoma City, $1,500 covers around 1,247 square feet — often a three-bedroom unit. The city’s growing energy, aerospace and tech sectors, combined with low housing costs, make it one of the best-value metros for renters.
Tulsa, Oklahoma — 1,231 sq. ft.
Just like its neighbor, Tulsa offers more than 1,200 square feet for $1,500. Tulsa has actively attracted remote workers with relocation incentives, and its affordable housing market is a major selling point.
Lubbock, Texas — 1,230 sq. ft.
Home to Texas Tech University, Lubbock provides renters with large apartments at affordable prices. For $1,500, residents can expect a three- or four-bedroom rental, making it ideal for families or students sharing housing.
Where $1,500 Gets You the Least Space
California cities dominate the “least space” list. RentCafe’s analysis found that 32 of the 50 cities with the least apartment space for $1,500 are in the Golden State, where limited housing supply and high demand keep square footage small.
Manhattan, New York — 216 sq. ft.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, $1,500 in Manhattan rents just 216 square feet, which is smaller than many bedrooms. With average studio rents closer to $3,700, this budget doesn’t go far in the nation’s most expensive rental market.
Brooklyn, New York — 297 sq. ft.
Brooklyn renters get just under 300 square feet for $1,500 — not enough for a standard studio. Despite its cultural vibrancy, demand for housing keeps prices high and spaces small.
Boston, Massachusetts — 311 sq. ft.
Boston’s mix of universities, hospitals and tech employers drives demand, leaving renters with only 311 square feet for $1,500. That’s typically insufficient for a studio apartment.
San Francisco, California — 325 sq. ft.
San Francisco’s tech economy has long fueled high rents. For $1,500, renters get just 325 square feet — a compact studio at best.
Jersey City, New Jersey — 331 sq. ft.
Across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Jersey City offers slightly more space at 331 square feet. Still, the city’s popularity as a commuter hub keeps housing costs elevated.
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