U.S. Rent Paid Hits $1,388, Up 38% Since 2019, as Growth Slows
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Grants Pass, Oregon – November 06, 2026 -- Average monthly rent paid across the U.S. reached $1,388 in 2026 year-to-date, up 38% since 2019, even as rent growth slows, according to Rentec Direct's 2026 State of Rent Report.
Rent growth drops to 1% in 2026 after a 5% rise in 2025
Rent paid has increased $375 per month since 2019. After climbing 5% in 2025, the national average is up just 1% in 2026 YTD. Growth is stabilizing nationally, but trends differ by state.
State-level rents span $1,626, from West Virginia to California
In 2025, average monthly rent ranged from $773 in West Virginia to $2,399 in California. While national growth cools, rent growth is accelerating in Connecticut, Hawaii and Idaho.