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cross the United States, 94 million households own at least one animal, driving pet‑related spending to $152 billion in 2024. RentCafe ranks cities that balance affordable pet deposits with ample pet‑accommodating units. New York City tops the Northeast list, yet its pet fees are the highest in the region. Renters pay an average deposit of $822.92, nearly $300 above the national mean, and monthly pet rent of $64.42, about the cost of a subway ride. About 75 % of NYC rentals allow pets, close to the regional 80 % and slightly below the 83 % in Southern and Midwestern metros. Nationwide, tenants spend about $35 per month on pet rent, with refundable deposits averaging just over $300 and non‑refundable fees around $315. NYC’s pet culture—parades, dog‑biscuit bakeries, parks—coexists with steep costs. Jersey City follows NYC closely, with pet fees reaching $900. Oak Park, Illinois, is a pet lover’s haven: 95.51 % of apartments welcome animals, with an average fee of $250. Oklahoma leads the country with 92 % of its rental stock permitting pets, followed by Nevada (92.16 %) and Arkansas (91.23 %). Southern and Midwestern metros are especially welcoming, and Oak Park offers the lowest fees and highest pet‑friendly ratio nationwide.