Orlando Ranks Among U.S. Cities with Worst Rent Affordability

ORLANDO, Fla. — A recent report from WalletHub has identified Orlando as one of the least affordable cities for renters in the United States. Released on April 16, 2025, the study analyzed data from over 180 cities, contrasting median annual rents with median household incomes.

According to the findings, the median annual rent in Orlando is approximately $19,800 while the median household income stands at $69,268. This places rent at about 28.6% of the average household income, ranking Orlando as the 7th least affordable city for renters nationwide.

“In some cities across the country, rent can consume as much as 33% of a family’s income, causing significant financial strain on residents,” said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst. The report indicates that rental affordability continues to be a significant concern in metropolitan areas, with many renters finding it difficult to cover housing costs.

Orlando’s ranking of 176th out of 182 cities places it just six spots from the bottom of WalletHub’s list. The study revealed that the most affordable cities allow residents to spend as little as 15% of their household income on rent, giving them a financial advantage over those in pricier cities.

The study not only assessed Orlando but also highlighted Miami as the least affordable city, with renters spending over 33% of their income on housing costs. For context, Bismarck, North Dakota, was identified as the most affordable city for renters, where just 15.34% of median income is utilized for rent, a stark contrast to Florida‘s major cities.

WalletHub’s analysis noted that the cost of rent has surged by more than 50% over the past decade, while wage growth has not kept pace, worsening the affordability crisis in cities like Orlando and Miami. The organization recommends several strategies for renters to save money, such as choosing smaller apartments, improving budgeting skills, seeking roommates, and looking for apartments that include utilities.

For further insights into rent affordability across various cities, WalletHub encourages residents to visit their website for the complete study and rankings.