Jacksonville Soars to 21st in 2025's Best U.S. Cities for Renters!

Jacksonville, Florida, USA - In a noteworthy shift for Florida’s rental market, Jacksonville has made a leap in the ranking of the best U.S. cities for renters, now positioned at No. 21 for 2025, up from 25th place in 2024. The city showcases its appeal particularly well among Florida cities, where it ranks fourth overall, just behind Sarasota, Orlando, and Miami, according to News4Jax.
This upward movement is largely attributed to a favorable blend of cost of living, housing choices, and quality of life considerations. Specifically, Jacksonville shines in the category of cost of living and housing, where it lands at 15th place. With an average rent of about $1,650—the city’s figures show rents to be nearly 20% lower than the national average of around $2,100—the locals are certainly feeling relieved. Zillow data even indicates a small dip in rent prices, declining by $43 compared to the previous year.
Rental Market Insights
The average apartment size in Jacksonville stands at 978 square feet, with 58% of all rentals classified as high-end. In addition to the appealing space, the city maintains a cost of living that is 7.1% below the national average, making it one of Florida’s more affordable large cities. Interestingly, nearly 43% of households in Jacksonville are occupied by renters, suggesting a vibrant rental community with about 163,765 units available for lease, according to RentCafe.
Among the more affordable neighborhoods in the area, Cedar Hills Estates offers rents as low as $1,001, while popular options like Chimney Lakes average about $1,690. In contrast, the pricier pockets of the city, including Beach Haven and Jacksonville Farms – Terrace, command rents close to $2,000, clearly marking the landscape’s north-south divide in rental affordability.
Quality of Life and Commuting
While the statistics reflect a generally favorable environment for renters, Jacksonville does face challenges, particularly regarding commuting. Approximately 35% of residents report travel times exceeding 30 minutes, which can be a sticking point for many potential renters. The city correlates a score of 37th for quality of life, emphasizing the need for more accessible transport and conveniences close to home.
Maintaining a steady employment rate with a growth of 1.4% and over 259 new business applications per 10,000 residents, the city keeps its economic engines running, much to the satisfaction of its residents. Over the past five years, renter incomes have also surged by nearly 30%, signaling a robust economic climate that complements the living conditions.
Those looking to rent in the area might want to take note of the average rental prices for one-bedroom apartments, which hover around $1,099. Neighborhoods like East Arlington, Beach Haven, and Riverside showcase higher prices, ranging from $1,697 to $1,769, while Southwest Jacksonville and Arlington boast rates starting at $735 for similar accommodations, as per insights from Rent.com.
With Jacksonville’s promising outlook for renters moving forward, the city’s ongoing developments and dynamic rental market make it a well-rounded choice for those seeking fresh opportunities in the Sunshine State. As the cliche says, there’s something to be said for finding the right place to call home—Jacksonville is definitely giving its residents a good reason to stay awhile.
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