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Summer travel is well underway, and as people explore places near and far, a question inevitably arises: “Should I move here?” Sure, you might be seeing your surroundings at their best—when the weather report is full of blue skies and you’re sitting on a patio on a random Tuesday—but a gut feeling that says a move might be a better idea than you realize. And that’s especially true if you’re contemplating a budget-saving shift before the end of the year.
RentCafe recently released its annual list of the most affordable places for renters to live, and there are quite a few recommendations where people go to get away. Sarasota, Florida, came in at number two, right in front of Atlanta in the third position and Austin rounding out number four. Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, also made the top ten. The number one spot is a little more off the beaten path, which means you can avoid tourist traps much more easily: McKinney, Texas.
Set about 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney, Texas, was chosen as the number one place to rent a home in 2025 because of its lower-than-average cost of living and amenities that promote happiness—the city has 40 parks and great schools. Better yet? The city also boasts steady job growth and a solid share of luxury rentals. Perhaps it’s time to pack your bags to stay.
RentCafe conducted its nationwide search by looking at places that had at least 10,000 apartment units, narrowing its research down to 150 cities by the final rankings. The cities that were ultimately chosen were compared by cost of living, housing affordability, quality of life, and the local economy. Here are the top 10:
- McKinney, Texas
- Sarasota, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Round Rock, Texas
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Orlando, Florida