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n the United States, finding a rental for under $1,000 in a major city such as New York or Los Angeles is almost impossible, whereas the same price point is common in many smaller Midwestern and Southern markets. A Zillow analysis, highlighted by the New York Times, surveyed the country’s 100 largest metros to determine where three‑figure rents are a reality rather than a myth.

    Only 13 of those 100 cities have more than one‑third of their rental inventory priced below $1,000. The majority of these “affordable” hubs are in the Midwest and South, where housing costs remain comparatively low. Wichita, Kansas, tops the list with 54 % of its listings under the $1,000 mark, followed by the COVID‑era boomtown of McAllen, Texas. Other notable metros include Little Rock, Arkansas; Toledo, Ohio; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, each offering over 40 % of apartments for less than a grand.

    In contrast, East Coast cities such as Boston, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Charleston, South Carolina, have a negligible supply of low‑priced units—only about 1.7 % or fewer of their multifamily stock falls under $1,000 per month, according to Zillow.

    Room‑share rentals provide a more flexible option for budget‑conscious renters. Zillow found that 86 of the 100 surveyed metros have single‑bedroom rooms available for under $1,000, even in expensive markets like Seattle. Entire homes priced below $1,500 can still be found in Wichita, McAllen, Toledo, and Akron, Ohio, offering a more affordable alternative to apartment living.

    The study underscores a broader trend: housing expenses have outpaced income growth for years, forcing many renters to save for extended periods before they can afford a down payment. On average, households need to set aside 5 % of their income for nearly nine years to accumulate a 10 % down payment on a typical home.

    Despite the challenges, the findings provide a glimmer of hope for renters on a tight budget. Affordable rentals are concentrated in smaller, less expensive metros, and the availability of low‑cost rooms and homes in these areas makes homeownership a more attainable goal for many.