One map shows where US renters are feeling the most squeezed

In August 2026, rent consumed over 30% of Americans' average weekly earnings in 31 states, according to the American Affordability Tracker published by the nonprofit think tank, the Urban Institute. North Dakota had the lowest rent-to-earnings ratio at 21.17%, while Hawaii and New York saw rent account for approximately 50% of earnings.

Yonah Freemark, a researcher at the Urban Institute, stated that affordability issues stem from the inability to cover basic daily needs. Younger Americans, in particular, are uncertain about their financial future, as wages have lagged behind inflation since the post-pandemic spike. The tracker revealed that housing and childcare costs have risen faster than earnings over the past decade, tightening family budgets.

However, since January 2025, earnings have grown faster than rents in all but eight states. Freemark attributed affordability pressures to higher transportation costs due to the Iran war, especially in areas lacking public transportation. The average gasoline price in the US was $4.48 per gallon as of September 21, 2026, up 46.9% from January 2025.

Freemark emphasized the need for policy changes, such as offering lower-interest-rate loans for homeownership and remote work options to mitigate high gas prices and commuting costs. He emphasized that addressing affordability remains a persistent challenge, regardless of election outcomes.