Average U.S. Rent Costs (2019 Benchmark)

National Averages from BLS Data

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019):

• One-bedroom apartment: $1,062/month
• Two-bedroom apartment: $1,241/month

Critical Context: Extreme Geographic Variation

These are national medians. Actual rents vary wildly by metro area:

• Highest: San Francisco, NYC, San Jose, Boston, San Diego (1-bed often >$2,500–$3,500).
• Lowest: Midwestern/Southern smaller metros (Wichita, Toledo, Memphis, Tulsa) often <$700 for 1-bed.
• Suburban vs. Urban: Suburbs of expensive cities can be 20–40% cheaper than downtown.

Post-2019 Trends

Rents surged 20–40%+ in many markets during 2021–2023 before moderating slightly in 2024. Current 2024 national median 1-bed is ~$1,500 (per Rent.com/Apartment List). Always check hyperlocal, current data for decisions.