{
  "id": 16293908,
  "title": "The 10 most affordable metros for living alone",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/the-10-most-affordable-metros-for-living-alone",
  "topic": null,
  "section": null,
  "published": "2026-10-23T16:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discovered",
    "slug": "discovered",
    "url": "https://aol.com/articles/10-most-affordable-metros-living-160010000.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Living alone on a budget can be challenging, but some cities make it easier than others. Apartments.com analyzed the median renter household income and one-bedroom asking rents in the 50 largest U.S. metros to identify the most affordable places for renters who prefer to live alone. The analysis used data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates and CoStar Group's 2025 reports.\n\nAustin, Texas topped the list as the most affordable metro for single renters. With a median renter household income of $70,008 and a one-bedroom monthly asking rent of $1,348, renters in Austin spend only 23.1% of their income on rent, the lowest share among the 50 largest U.S. metros. The city's growing tech industry, tax incentives, and strong job market all contribute to its affordable housing market.\n\nOklahoma City, Oklahoma ranked second on the list. Renters in Oklahoma City earn a median income of $47,630 and pay $931 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, which is 23.5% of their income. Despite a slight increase in rents over the past year, the city's cost of living remains well below the national average. Oklahoma City's population growth, annual wage increases, and lower-than-average utilities and expenses make it an attractive option for single renters.\n\nIn third place is Phoenix, Arizona. Renters there have a median income of $66,322 and pay $1,393 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, which is 25.2% of their income. With a strong job market, low unemployment, and relatively flat income tax, Phoenix offers a balance of affordability and quality of life for single renters.\n\nRaleigh, North Carolina came in fourth. Renters in Raleigh earn a median income of $64,948 and pay $1,374 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, which is 25.4% of their income. The city's construction boom, with new apartment developments accounting for 47% of residential building permits, has helped keep rents in check. The presence of major employers like Duke University and Duke Health Systems also provides ample employment opportunities for renters.\n\nFinally, Salt Lake City, Utah rounded out the top five most affordable metros for single renters. With a median income of $65,411 and a one-bedroom monthly asking rent of $1,386, renters in Salt Lake City spend 25.4% of their income on rent. The city's lower-than-average unemployment rate, decreasing asking rents, and a growing tech sector known as \"Silicon Slopes\" make it an attractive option for single renters.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}