Cheapest Rent in the States: Where to Find Budget Flats Now

Sticker shock hits hard these days—rents have jumped almost everywhere. But there are still places where you can score a flat for less than $700 a month. You just have to know where to look, and what to expect.

Location plays a huge role. Smaller cities in states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and even West Virginia are still holding out with budget-friendly rents, sometimes half of what you’d see in big coastal cities. But it’s not just about price. You’ve got to think about jobs in the area, local amenities, and whether you’ll feel out of place in a town that shuts down at 8 p.m.

Relying on national rent averages can be misleading. Take Wichita, Kansas—for years it’s been famous for two-bedroom rentals under $800. But even within Kansas, jump a few miles and your rent can double. It’s all about neighborhood, building age, and sometimes just plain luck.

• Why Rent Prices Differ So Much
• The Top States for Cheapest Rent
• The Cheapest Cities and Towns: Breakdown
• Real-World Examples and What You Get
• How to Spot Good Deals and Dodge Pitfalls
• Moving Smart: Final Tips and Local Insights

Why Rent Prices Differ So Much

If you’ve ever wondered why the cheapest rent seems like a moving target, you’re not alone. The thing is, a bunch of different factors drive rent up or down, and it’s rarely just “location, location, location” (though that definitely matters).

First off, supply and demand is huge. In big cities where jobs are everywhere, there just aren’t enough places to live for everyone who wants to move in. That pushes flats for rent way up. Smaller towns, where fewer people are making the move, usually have a glut of empty flats and eager landlords willing to cut deals.

Some other big factors:

• Wages and local economy: Cities with higher average incomes often have higher rents. In places where pay is lower, landlords can’t charge as much without scaring off renters.
• Availability of new buildings: If a city has been growing fast and building new apartments (think Texas or Arizona), the extra supply can cool rental prices—even in hot job markets.
• Local rules: Rent controls and zoning regulations mess with prices. For example, parts of New York freeze rent hikes, while others let landlords charge whatever they can get away with.
• Neighborhood vibe: Gentrification, upcoming college campuses, or new companies (like Tesla plopping down in Texas) can skyrocket the flats for rent price overnight.

Here’s a quick look at median rent in different states as of early 2025. Notice the wild swings:

So to chase down budget apartments, you can’t just pick a state; you have to be choosy about the neighborhood, city limits, and even timing. Old-school advice like “move in winter for a deal” still holds up in some areas, but not everywhere. The right question isn’t just where, but why—and whether the local market is about to swing in your favor.

The Top States for Cheapest Rent

If you’re serious about finding the cheapest rent in the US, you need to zero in on the right states before digging into specific towns and neighborhoods. Here’s the good news: some states consistently top the charts for low rent year after year. And it’s not just one-off cities—whole regions stay budget-friendly, which means more options for people apartment hunting.

Oklahoma usually lands in the top two or three every single time. In 2025, the average rent for a two-bedroom there is around $850, and you can still find places in Tulsa and Oklahoma City for less.

Right behind Oklahoma, Arkansas offers lots of cheap flats for rent. Hot Springs, Little Rock, and a bunch of smaller towns have rentals going for $600 to $800 a month. The cost of living is low, so every dollar stretches further, and utilities rarely break the bank here.

Don’t sleep on West Virginia—Morgantown, Huntington, and Beckley usually make the lists of places with the lowest rent. Expect to pay $700 to $900 for most standard flats. Another perk: scenic mountain views come free.

Then there’s Mississippi. It often gets overlooked, but cities like Jackson and Gulfport have average rents under $950, and it isn’t rare to spot studio apartments under $600.

For a quick look, here’s a snapshot of average rent for a two-bedroom flat in these states (spring 2025):

These numbers seem wild compared to what you’ll see on the coasts, where the same size apartment can cost triple. If saving money is your top priority, and you’re flexible about the city vibe, these are definitely the states where your cash goes furthest.

The Cheapest Cities and Towns: Breakdown

If you’re serious about chasing the cheapest rent, a couple of cities and towns just keep popping up on every list. Let’s get real about where your dollar actually stretches furthest when you’re looking at flats for rent.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is often the first stop for bargain hunters. Average rent here is hovering around $790 for a one-bedroom, and you’re not stuck in a remote spot—there’s a downtown vibe and a growing food scene. For about the price of a single room in San Francisco, you’ll score your own apartment, sometimes with a washer and drier included.

Wichita, Kansas, is another standout, where you’ll regularly find one-bedrooms for $675 a month. The economy is steady, driven by manufacturing and healthcare, so it’s more than just cheap—it’s stable. Crime rates are lower in certain neighborhoods near the city center, so check local websites for an up-to-date map before you decide.

Shreveport, Louisiana, lands on the cheapest rent lists every year. Rents average $750 for similar apartments, and the city is big on southern charm. It’s not huge, but there’s a lot of culture—music, food, and festivals—without blowing your paycheck on rent.

If you’re open to less typical picks, look at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Des Moines, Iowa. Both offer lots of bang for your buck, and median rents stick around $800 for a nice one-bedroom. Plus, there’s a strong sense of community in both places, perfect if you’re tired of big-city hustle or want quieter streets at night.

Don’t sleep on small towns either. In places like Pine Bluff, Arkansas, or Wheeling, West Virginia, rents can go below $600, though job options and nightlife will be more limited. Here’s a tip: If you’re working remote or just need a low-key place with rock-bottom rent, these towns can be a goldmine. Just put extra effort into checking local amenities and healthcare access before signing a lease.

Bottom line, when searching for affordable flats for rent, focus on the Midwest and certain southern cities. Look for places with a steady job market, low average rent, and reasonable amenities—it pays off in both money and peace of mind.

Real-World Examples and What You Get

If you’re hunting for the cheapest rent in the country, you’ll want real numbers and a clear idea of what your money buys. Here’s exactly what’s out there right now.

In Wichita, Kansas, $650 will get you a clean, two-bedroom flat. These usually come with off-street parking, basic appliances, and sometimes even a small balcony. You’ll probably be looking at older buildings, but you get way more space than anywhere on the coasts. The job market is decent if you’re into healthcare, manufacturing, or transportation.

Head to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and you’re looking at $750 for a nice one-bedroom in a safe neighborhood. Some complexes even toss in extras like a pool or on-site laundry. Around 2024, a major rent website ranked Tulsa among the top cities for affordable flats for rent, with average rents hovering just under $800. That grabs a lot of attention from remote workers and young families who want to save but not feel stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Arkansas, especially in places like Fort Smith and Little Rock, is on the radar for budget movers. Flats in Fort Smith go for $600–$750 a month, and you’ll usually get a kitchen with appliances and a basic amenity package. The trade-off? You’ll want a car, because public transport is patchy.

If you want numbers side-by-side, check out this stat breakdown for April 2025:

One thing to keep in mind: the lowest rents show up in older buildings, often in less trendy neighborhoods. If you’re looking for new appliances, thicker walls, or upgraded fitness centers, you might need to bump your budget by $100 or more. But if saving cash is your top goal, it’s hard to beat these states for budget apartments with enough space to live, work, and relax without breaking the bank.

How to Spot Good Deals and Dodge Pitfalls

Looking for cheapest rent deals on flats can be a bit of a minefield. Cheap doesn’t always mean cheerful. The lowest prices often come with trade-offs, so knowing how to separate the gems from the headaches can save you a ton of stress (and money).

First up, don’t just trust listing sites. Photos can hide a lot, like mold or leaky ceilings. If a rent price seems too good to be true, it probably is—or there’s a catch, like hidden fees or a dangerous neighborhood. According to data from Apartment List, nearly 20% of US renters regret not looking deeper into their building’s condition before signing. Lesson learned: always tour a place in person or send a friend you trust if you can’t be there yourself.

Look out for these red flags when hunting for a rental:

• Super low rent compared to similar places in the area
• No photos or only old, blurry ones in the listing
• Landlord seems in a rush, pushes for a deposit right away
• The lease is super short or weirdly vague
• Sketchy location with no info on public transport, grocery, or jobs nearby

But, there are still great finds. The trick is to compare listings side-by-side—not just prices, but what’s actually included. Maybe rent is dirt cheap, but utilities, parking, or laundry cost a bomb. Here’s a quick comparison:

It pays to look closely at the total cost—not just rent. A $650 flat with $200 in monthly utilities ends up pricier than a $700 "all-in" deal. Ask lots of questions, like about neighborhood safety, average heating bills, and parking rules.

Scams are an ugly reality these days. Here’s a quick safety playbook:

1. Never send money before seeing a flat (even if they say you’ll "lose it to someone else").
2. Make sure the person renting to you actually owns or manages the property—ask for proof.
3. If a landlord asks for payment in gift cards, or wants all communication through one app, walk away.

Don’t rush because you saw the flats for rent tag trending. Take a breath, do a bit of homework, and trust your gut. A recent RentCafe report puts it best:

“If the deal looks too good to be true, do a quick search for the same photos or address elsewhere. Scammers often copy real listings to lure renters.”

Bottom line—chase those affordable cities and low rents, but don’t let a too-good-to-be-true deal trip you up. It’s your money and your safety on the line.

Moving Smart: Final Tips and Local Insights

So you found the cheapest rent—now what? There’s more to scoring an affordable flat than signing a lease. Every city with low rents has its quirks and hidden costs. Let’s break down what you need to know if you’re thinking about packing your bags.

First, research local job markets. Places like Little Rock, Arkansas, and Toledo, Ohio don’t just have budget apartments, but also decent entry-level jobs in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. North Dakota’s oil boom areas offered crazy low rents for years, but prices are rising as jobs fill up. Check local Facebook groups for honest chatter about living costs and job hunting.

Internet and utilities can throw you a curveball. In cities with affordable flats for rent, you may not get the fastest Wi-Fi, and heating bills in colder states like Nebraska can spike in winter. Ask landlords for typical monthly costs before you sign anything. Here’s a quick look at average utilities in some popular low-rent cities:

Scout neighborhoods in person if you can. In places like Tulsa, Oklahoma, one block can make a big difference in safety and vibe. Ask locals about noise, traffic, and recent rent trends. Some towns offer big incentives for new residents—think cash bonuses or tax breaks—so don’t be shy about asking city offices or checking nearby chamber of commerce websites.

If you’re tight on cash, avoid big apartment complexes with lots of amenities. You’ll often find lower prices in older buildings or small privately-owned rentals. And here’s a trick: Look for listings posted by owner instead of companies—these usually have more wiggle room for negotiation.

Finally, stay short-term at first. Even if the rent is cheap, you might not vibe with the area. Six-month or even month-to-month leases are common in smaller towns and will keep you flexible if you want to try somewhere else.

Moving for low rent is smart if you plan ahead. Check the data, chat with locals, and keep your options open—there’s real value waiting outside the big cities, if you know how to spot it.