Average 1-Bedroom Rent in 2026: $1,399/mo
Compare 1-bedroom apartment rent prices across 97 US cities — from $816/mo (cheapest) to $2,982+/mo. Free affordability calculator included.
Average 1BR Rent by City (2026)
HUD Fair Market Rent for a 1br in the 15 largest US metros, compared to the $1,399/mo national average across 97 metros.
| City | 1BR Rent | vs US Avg | Income Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $2,655/mo | +90% | $106,200/yr |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2,085/mo | +49% | $83,400/yr |
| Chicago, IL | $1,581/mo | +13% | $63,240/yr |
| Dallas, TX | $1,648/mo | +18% | $65,920/yr |
| Houston, TX | $1,323/mo | -5% | $52,920/yr |
| Washington, DC | $2,015/mo | +44% | $80,600/yr |
| Miami, FL | $1,995/mo | +43% | $79,800/yr |
| Philadelphia, PA | $1,520/mo | +9% | $60,800/yr |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,660/mo | +19% | $66,400/yr |
| Boston, MA | $2,476/mo | +77% | $99,040/yr |
| Phoenix, AZ | $1,583/mo | +13% | $63,320/yr |
| San Diego, CA | $2,459/mo | +76% | $98,360/yr |
| San Francisco, CA | $2,977/mo | +113% | $119,080/yr |
| Seattle, WA | $2,146/mo | +53% | $85,840/yr |
| Detroit, MI | $1,122/mo | -20% | $44,880/yr |
Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent (40th-percentile gross rent, utilities included). Income needed = rent × 40 (30% rule). Every city is listed A–Z further down this page.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost per month in 2026?
The average 1-bedroom apartment in the US rents for $1,399/month in 2026, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across 97 metros. Prices range from as low as $816/mo in Cedar Rapids to $2,982/mo in San Jose, with most mid-tier cities landing between $900 and $1,600/month. To afford the $1,399/mo national average under the 30% rule, you need roughly $55,960/year in gross income. The cheapest region is the Midwest (avg $1,202/mo), while the West Coast is the priciest (avg $2,308/mo).
About 1 Bedroom Apartments
Apartments with a separate bedroom from the living area. One bedroom apartments typically range from 500-800 sq ft and are ideal for single professionals, couples without children, remote workers needing home office space.
Typical Amenities
- ✓ Separate bedroom
- ✓ Living room
- ✓ Full kitchen
- ✓ One bathroom
- ✓ Closet space
Best For
- ✓ Single professionals
- ✓ Couples without children
- ✓ Remote workers needing home office space
- ✓ Anyone wanting privacy between living and sleeping areas
Studio vs 1-Bedroom vs 2-Bedroom: What the Extra Space Costs
Nationwide in 2026, a 1-bedroom apartment costs about $107/mo more than a studio (+8%) for a separate, private bedroom — while stepping up from a 1-bedroom to a 2-bedroom adds roughly $263/mo (+19%). If you live alone or work from home, the 1-bedroom premium usually buys the most value; splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate is often the cheapest cost-per-person option of all.
Cheapest 1BR
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Most Expensive 1BR
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Great cities, affordable rent
Tips for Finding a 1 Bedroom Apartment
Perfect for those who work from home and need separate spaces
1BR apartments often offer the best value per square foot
Look for units with in-unit laundry to save time and money
Corner units often have more windows and natural light
Consider proximity to public transit to reduce commute costs
Browse by Apartment Size
1-Bedroom Rent by US Region (2026)
Average 1-bedroom rent varies dramatically by region — West Coast cities run 2× the Midwest average. Use this breakdown to compare your target market against national and regional benchmarks.
| Region | Avg 1BR Rent |
|---|---|
| West Coast | $2,308/mo |
| Northeast | $2,035/mo |
| South | $1,700/mo |
| Southwest / Mountain | $1,557/mo |
| Midwest | $1,202/mo |
West Coast — Avg $2,308/mo
CA · OR · WA — highest rents in the US
Northeast — Avg $2,035/mo
NY · MA · DC · PA · MD — second most expensive
South — Avg $1,700/mo
FL · GA · TN · NC — above national avg, no state income tax in FL/TX
Southwest / Mountain — Avg $1,557/mo
TX · AZ · CO · NV — near national average
Midwest — Avg $1,202/mo
IL · MN · IN · OH · MO · WI — most affordable region for 1-bedroom apartments
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 1 bedroom apartment cost on average?
The national average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $1,399/month in 2026. Prices range from $816/month in Cedar Rapids to $2,982/month in San Jose.
Is a 1 bedroom worth the extra cost over a studio?
A 1 bedroom apartment offers a separate bedroom from the living area, which is valuable for privacy, better sleep, and remote work. The difference typically ranges from $100-400/month more than a studio, but provides 500-800 sq ft of space compared to 300-500 sq ft for studios.
Who should rent a 1 bedroom apartment?
1 bedroom apartments are ideal for single professionals, couples without children, remote workers needing home office space, anyone wanting privacy between living and sleeping areas. They provide the perfect balance of space and affordability for solo renters or couples.
Where are the cheapest 1 bedroom apartments?
The most affordable cities for 1 bedroom apartments include Cedar Rapids, Wichita, Saginaw, Lafayette, Fort Wayne. These cities offer 1BR apartments well below the national average of $1,399/month.
1-Bedroom Rent in Every City (A–Z)
Looking for a specific city? Browse the average 1-bedroom rent for all 97 US metros we track and jump straight to that city's full rent breakdown.