These 10 Cities Have the Highest Rent in the Country—and Half Are out West

We’re starting to see an ever-so-slight drop in interest rates, but many people continue to prioritize renting their home over buying. Similar to increasingly high home prices, rental costs are almost equally staggering, especially out West. According to a recent study by Storage Sense, five out of the 10 cities with the highest rent per square foot are located in California and Washington.

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The study’s methodology involved assessing several factors, such as the average home size, median one-bedroom rent, and available houses for rent per 100,000 people. It also analyzed the most expensive metros for rent per 100 square feet, which provided the following ranking: 

1. Washington, D.C.: $229.29
2. San Francisco, California: $225.94
3. New York, New York: $190.47
4. Boston, Massachusetts: $176.66
5. San Jose, California: $152.34
6. San Diego, California: $132.92
7. Seattle, Washington: $128.42
8. Los Angeles, California: $119.37
9. Chicago, Illinois: $109.64
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: $95.30

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There were quite a few standout findings, especially concerning prospective or current renters in the Western United States. San Francisco, for instance, has one of the smallest average home sizes but holds the title for the second highest rent per 100 square feet (only $3.35 less than Washington, D.C.). Meanwhile, Los Angeles was home to lower rent compared to other California cities on the list, but inventory was quite low. Up in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle appears to have a higher inventory and more space compared to nearly all other cities featured.

Ready to make your move on a rental? Explore our favorite properties all over the Western U.S. and review our interior designer-approved list of rental-friendly upgrades to personalize any property.