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Summary

Rental Prices Are Skyrocketing In These Southern Cities, Here’s Where To Find Cheaper Living

Rental prices are at an all-time high, but you can avoid breaking the bank.

"For Rent" sign in front of a house.

"For Rent" sign in front of a house.

Georgia Contributing Writer

If you rent in the U.S., you know rental prices have been increasing steadily over the past few years. A 2022 study by Redfin reveals that the price of rent is up over 30% in "many major metro areas."

The data revealing which Southern cities made the list of "Top 10 Metro Areas With Fastest-Rising Rents Year Over Year" may come as a surprise to some.

Austin, TX claimed the #1 spot with rental prices increasing 40% over the course of the year. Several Florida cities also made the cut. The list includes Miami at #6, West Palm Beach at #7, Fort Lauderdale at #8, and Jacksonville at #9.

This rapid increase has left some locals to reconsider their options when deciding to renew their lease or even relocate to a more affordable area.

Others have no choice but to move when they face 2x the increase in rent, as per this Tweet.

For those seeking a lower cost of living, relocation is a priority. Data from a study by GoodHire reveals the most affordable places to live and work in the U.S. this year.

Southern cities that made the "Top Ten Most Affordable" list include Huntsville, AL (#5), Charleston, SC (#6), Fayetteville, AR (#7), and Spartanburg, SC (#10).

It is also worth considering the top cities with the best job markets. Goodhire's list includes Spartanburg, SC (#2), Savannah, GA (#3), Naples, FL (#6), Phoenix, AZ (#9), and Palm Bay, FL (#10).

These hubs are worth considering when factoring in income, compared to the overall cost of living in the South.

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    • Contributing Writer Maeve Browne (she/her) is a journalist living in her hometown Savannah, Georgia. Maeve is an award-winning reporter and expert on all things "Lowcountry." She has a knack for internet culture, food, wine and travel writing, as well as breaking news in Georgia's major cities. She has been freelancing for digital publications for seven years and was Narcity USA's first full-time Staff Writer.

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