Plootus Report: US Renters Face Persistent Cost Burden as National Average Rent Holds 30% Above Pre

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - EntSun -- Plootus today released its 2025 Average Rent by City Report, analyzing rental costs across 30+ major U.S. metros using HUD FY2025 Fair Market Rent data, Census ACS, and current market data from Dwellsy and Apartments.com. The report reveals a market that, while cooling from its 2022 peak, remains deeply unaffordable for millions.

The national average rent stands at $1,636/month as of June 2025 — up 0.9% year-over-year. The national median rent of $1,363/month sits 5.5% below its mid-2022 peak, offering modest relief — but not enough for the 22.4 million renter households HUD classifies as "cost-burdened."

"The rental market has stabilized — but at a level that is simply unworkable for a large share of American renters," said the Plootus Research Team. "The true financial impact goes far beyond the monthly check."

More on EntSun News

• Omnitronics Unveils 100% Software omniGateDMR and omniGateP25 RoIP Gateways
• KRE PRIME Launches Adaptive Convertible Jumpsuit
• USA Med Bed Helping Home Care Patients with Refurbished Hill Rom Hospital Beds
• Sobreseimiento de Nicolás dos Santos y Jorge Méndez expone demandas millonarias a Paraguay y boicot a la Hidrovía
• Kentucky Picture Cars Brings Bluegrass Soul to the Silver Screen

Key Findings:

• Most Expensive Market: New York City at $3,545/month for a 1-bedroom, followed by San Francisco and Boston.
• Most Affordable Major City: Houston at $1,078/month.
• Most Expensive States: Hawaii ($2,400+), California ($2,200), and Massachusetts ($2,100).
• Most Affordable State: Oklahoma at $903/month.
• Cost-Burden Scale: 22.4 million renter households spend more than 30% of income on rent.

The report also highlights actionable strategies, including signing leases in winter — when rents run 5–8% lower — and using HUD Fair Market Rent data as a negotiating benchmark.

"Most renters don't think of their lease as a retirement planning decision — but it is," the Plootus Research Team added. "Choosing a neighborhood two miles from the most in-demand ZIP code can save 10–25% on rent, potentially translating into tens of thousands of dollars in retirement savings over time."

More on EntSun News

• "Songs of Slavery and Emancipation" Tour Comes to John Brown's Hometown
• CAPHRA warns Southeast Asia not to repeat Australia's nicotine policy failure
• Milo3D.ai Launches Free AI 3D Model Generator That Turns Text and Images Into Game-Ready 3D Assets in Seconds
• UK Financial Ltd Executes 100% Success Rate on All ERC-3643 Transfers to Coin Holders of MayaCat Regulated Security Token and Maya Preferred PRA
• Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute Brings Eras Tour Magic To Cities Across America

The full report, including city-level data tables, state comparisons, and renter strategies, is available at https://www.plootus.com/rent-by-city

ABOUT PLOOTUS

Plootus is a free, AI-powered retirement planning platform that helps Americans analyze and optimize their 401k, 403b, 457, and other workplace retirement plans.

Analyze Future LLC (dba Plootus) is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Disclaimer: Analyze Future LLC (dba Plootus) may receive compensation for referrals to third-party products and services listed on its Partners page. These referrals are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Plootus has not conducted due diligence on, nor assumes responsibility for, any third-party offerings. Users are encouraged to evaluate these options independently before making any decisions.