Rent prices are rising across the US – with the historically affordable Midwest seeing some of the biggest hikes.

According to a new report based on information gathered by Zillow, it was found that half of the top ten cities experiencing the most rapid increases in rent prices are situated in the Midwest. The data was analyzed by SmartAsset, a reputable source for financial insights.

Once viewed as a more affordable option, the Midwest has seen a spike in rent prices as demand increases.

Experts have pointed out that stable insurance prices, lower property taxes and a steady housing market are major contributing factors for the move to the Midwest, the Economic Times reported. 

The SmartAsset report noted that the cities analyzed are not the most expensive overall, as destinations such as New York City and Los Angeles continue to dominate.

Boston and San Francisco saw some of the worst housing shortages in 2024, according to a 2024 Zillow report. Boston saw the highest average rent, $3,495, after experiencing 4.1 percent increase in rent costs. 

While coastal cities still remain among the most expensive in the country – New York or San Francisco had average rent prices of $3,350 a month – costs are jumping in some unexpected places. 

Scroll down for a list of the top ten cities with rising rents. 

Experts have pointed out that stable insurance prices, lower property taxes, and a steady housing market are major contributing factors for moves to Midwest cities like Detroit (pictured)

Average rental prices in Rochester, NY (pictured) in February of 2024 sat at $1,396 compared to this year’s $1,472 per month

10. Rochester, New York

The western New York city saw the lowest increase out of the top ten, with a 5.5 percent change in a year. 

Average rental prices in February of 2024 sat at $1,396, compared to this year’s $1,472 per month. 

9. Lexington, Kentucky 

Lexington, with a population of about 320,000, saw a 5.7 percent increase over last year.

Rent prices in February 2024 were at $1,340 and rose to $1,416 for the same time in 2025.  

8. Detroit, Michigan 

Detroit saw a 5.8 percent increase, with its average rent in February of last year reaching $1,266. 

At the same time this year, Detroit’s average rent sat at $1,339.

7. Toledo, Ohio

Toledo saw a 5.9 percent increase since February 2024. 

Last year, average rent prices sat at $1,034, while this year the average rent sat at $1,095.  

Average rent prices in St. Petersburg, Florida (pictured), rose by 6.1 percent since last year

Average rental prices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (pictured), in 2024 were at $1,296 and climbed to $1,376 in 2025

6. St. Petersburg, Florida  

Average rent prices in St. Petersburg, Florida, rose by 6.1 percent since last year. 

In February 2024, the average rent in the area cost $1,952 which rose to $2,070 in 2025.  

5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, with a population of over 577,000 people, saw a 6.2 percent rise in rent costs. 

Average rental prices in 2024 were at $1,296 and climbed to $1,376 in 2025.  

4. Fort Wayne, Indiana 

Fort Wayne had a 6.2 percent increase in rents. 

Average rent sat at $1,144 last year and reached $1,215 in 2025.

Columbia, South Carolina (pictured), saw 6.7 percent in rental prices over last year

Cleveland (pictured) saw a 7.3 percent increase in rent prices

At the number one spot, Newark saw an 8.1 percent increase in rental costs 

3. Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, with about 147,000 people, ranked third with a 6.7 increase in rental prices.

Average costs in 2024 sat at $1,409 and increased to $1,504 this year.  

2. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland saw a 7.3 percent change in rent prices. 

The average cost of rental properties rose from $1,215 to $1,303 in one year.  

1. Newark, New Jersey 

At the number one spot, Newark saw an 8.1 percent increase in rental costs. 

Rental properties increased from an average $2,073 to $2,241 since last year.   

The analysis comes as house hunters revealed that the Midwest is also home to some of cheapest overall living costs.  

Data from this year’s Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com Housing Market Ranking indicated that 12 of the 20 markets on the list are located in the Midwest.

The study showed that Midwest states dominate when it comes to climate resiliency, low home prices, and cost of living.

Fort Wayne, Indiana, has one of the lowest average unemployment rates in the country

Four areas that stick out from others on this list were the Wisconsin cities Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Appleton, as well  as Fort Wayne in Indiana.

Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Appleton have average unemployment rates of 3.8, 3.3, and 3.1 percent, respectively, all below the national average.

Fort Wayne also sits below the national average at 4.1 percent.

The list comes amid worry over a potential repeat of the 2008 real estate crash, which was part of the Great Recession.

Weather has become a more crucial factor in one’s living situation over the years due to devastation from wildfires and other natural disasters.

Insurance companies have also been increasing premiums, making it pricier to live in certain areas.

Some states with increasing premiums resulting from devastating weather include California and Florida.

Over 55 million Americans will relocate to places less susceptible to climate risks by 2055, with 5.2 million doing so this year, according to a First Street Report.

With insurance costs set to surge by 29.4 percent over the next 30 years, house hunters are fleeing to the Midwest to live in states with lower risks of damage from climate-related events.