How Much $2,000 in Rent Gets You in America's Biggest Cities
It's no secret that rental costs have risen over the years. Back in 2016, a typical apartment went for $1,210 -- that's a national average. Today, a 908-square-foot apartment costs around $1,741 on average, according to RentCafe.
If you had $2,000 to spend on rent, you'd likely be able to find something that suits you. But exactly what you're getting depends on where you choose to live. Using RentCafe data and America's 20 biggest cities by population (2026), here's what $2,000 in rent will get you.
(Note: Rental prices in certain big cities, like New York, were beyond the limit and thus excluded from the main list.)
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Los Angeles
Studio apartment: $1,967 on average
Square footage: 526
Population: 3,869,891
Leftover sum: $33
Chicago
Studio apartment: $1,744 on average
Square footage: 469
Population: 2,709,364
Leftover sum: $256
Houston
Three-bedroom apartment: $1,831 on average
Square footage: 1,367
Population: 2,435,715
Leftover sum: $169
Phoenix
Two-bedroom apartment: $1,619 on average
Square footage: 981
Population: 1,703,449
Leftover sum: $381
San Antonio
Three-bedroom apartment: $1,797 on average
Square footage: 1,369
Population: 1,570,314
Leftover sum: $203
Philadelphia
One-bedroom apartment: $1,835 on average
Square footage: 702
Population: 1,560,480
Leftover sum: $165
Dallas
Two-bedroom apartment: $1,838 on average
Square footage: 1,068
Population: 1,337,417
Leftover sum: $162
Fort Worth, Texas
Three-bedroom apartment: $1,985 on average
Square footage: 1,320
Population: 1,050,336
Leftover sum: $15
Jacksonville, Florida
Three-bedroom apartment: $1,851 on average
Square footage: 1,376
Population: 1,038,787
Leftover sum: $149
Austin, Texas
Two-bedroom apartment: $1,797 on average
Square footage: 1,062
Population: 1,007,435
Leftover sum: $203
Charlotte, North Carolina
Two-bedroom apartment: $1,749 on average
Square footage: 1,086
Population: 977,740
Leftover sum: $251
Columbus, Ohio
Three-bedroom apartment: $1,670 on average
Square footage: 1,277
Population: 956,661
Leftover sum: $330
Indianapolis
Three-bedroom apartment: $1,565 on average
Square footage: 1,287
Population: 893,619
Leftover sum: $435
Seattle
Studio apartment: $1,644 on average
Square footage: 454
Population: 801,192
Leftover sum: $356
Hempstead (Long Island), New York
Studio apartment: $1,733 on average
Square footage: 432
Population: 800,777
Leftover sum: $267
Denver
One-bedroom apartment: $1,701 on average
Square footage: 719
Population: 734,718
Leftover sum: $299
Where $2,000 Isn't Enough
Excluded from this list were the following four cities (with average apartment rental prices):
New York City ($2,464)
San Diego ($2,958)
San Jose, California ($3,118)
San Francisco ($3,580)
If you're looking to rent in one of these cities, or you're looking for more bang for your buck, consider renting with roommates. Or live outside the city limits and commute via public transit (if available).
Know that the apartment's quality or overall conditions can impact cost. Neighborhood safety and desirability do as well. Always compare prices and locations before choosing a place to live -- even if it's temporary.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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