Most Rent-Burdened States
States ranked by estimated rent burden — Zillow rent as a share of income. This captures rent-vs-income pressure, where renting strains budgets most.
| # | State | Est. rent | Income | Rent burden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $3,288/mo | $98,317 | 40% |
| 2 | New York | $2,578/mo | $84,578 | 37% |
| 3 | Florida | $2,151/mo | $71,711 | 36% |
| 4 | California | $2,777/mo | $96,334 | 35% |
| 5 | Maine | $1,949/mo | $71,773 | 33% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $2,765/mo | $101,341 | 33% |
| 7 | Mississippi | $1,475/mo | $54,915 | 32% |
| 8 | New Jersey | $2,627/mo | $101,050 | 31% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $2,201/mo | $86,372 | 31% |
| 10 | Vermont | $1,990/mo | $78,024 | 31% |
| 11 | Delaware | $2,103/mo | $82,855 | 30% |
| 12 | Nevada | $1,869/mo | $75,561 | 30% |
| 13 | North Carolina | $1,755/mo | $69,904 | 30% |
| 14 | South Carolina | $1,683/mo | $66,818 | 30% |
| 15 | Alabama | $1,513/mo | $62,027 | 29% |
| 16 | Connecticut | $2,300/mo | $93,760 | 29% |
| 17 | District of Columbia | $2,532/mo | $106,287 | 29% |
| 18 | Georgia | $1,818/mo | $74,664 | 29% |
| 19 | Louisiana | $1,462/mo | $60,023 | 29% |
| 20 | New Hampshire | $2,310/mo | $95,628 | 29% |
| 21 | New Mexico | $1,522/mo | $62,125 | 29% |
| 22 | Tennessee | $1,648/mo | $67,097 | 29% |
| 23 | Arizona | $1,800/mo | $76,872 | 28% |
| 24 | Colorado | $2,148/mo | $92,470 | 28% |
| 25 | Idaho | $1,746/mo | $74,636 | 28% |
| 26 | Illinois | $1,934/mo | $81,702 | 28% |
| 27 | Arkansas | $1,338/mo | $58,773 | 27% |
| 28 | Kentucky | $1,394/mo | $62,417 | 27% |
| 29 | Virginia | $2,069/mo | $90,974 | 27% |
| 30 | Alaska | $1,913/mo | $89,336 | 26% |
| 31 | Michigan | $1,518/mo | $71,149 | 26% |
| 32 | Ohio | $1,507/mo | $69,680 | 26% |
| 33 | Oklahoma | $1,365/mo | $63,603 | 26% |
| 34 | Oregon | $1,753/mo | $80,426 | 26% |
| 35 | Texas | $1,658/mo | $76,292 | 26% |
| 36 | Washington | $2,078/mo | $94,952 | 26% |
| 37 | Missouri | $1,448/mo | $68,920 | 25% |
| 38 | Montana | $1,458/mo | $69,922 | 25% |
| 39 | Pennsylvania | $1,594/mo | $76,081 | 25% |
| 40 | Indiana | $1,383/mo | $70,051 | 24% |
| 41 | Kansas | $1,457/mo | $72,639 | 24% |
| 42 | West Virginia | $1,154/mo | $57,917 | 24% |
| 43 | Maryland | $1,983/mo | $101,652 | 23% |
| 44 | Minnesota | $1,693/mo | $87,556 | 23% |
| 45 | Utah | $1,735/mo | $91,750 | 23% |
| 46 | Wisconsin | $1,406/mo | $75,670 | 22% |
| 47 | Nebraska | $1,342/mo | $74,985 | 21% |
| 48 | South Dakota | $1,261/mo | $72,421 | 21% |
| 49 | Wyoming | $1,325/mo | $74,815 | 21% |
| 50 | Iowa | $1,240/mo | $73,147 | 20% |
| 51 | North Dakota | $1,256/mo | $75,949 | 20% |
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-06 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
How this ranking is built
Rent burden is the Zillow ZORI rent index (state = median of city ZORI) divided by income, annualized. Every figure is an educational estimate. See the full methodology, then customize the math on the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does this ranking's data come from?
Home values and rent are from Zillow Research (ZHVI/ZORI), 2026-06; income is from the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-year 2023). Figures are estimates, not appraisals.
How is the ranking calculated?
Rent burden is the Zillow ZORI rent index (state = median of city ZORI) divided by income, annualized. Full details are on the methodology page.
How do I adjust the assumptions?
Open the Home Payment Atlas calculator to set your own down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, and PMI.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-06). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-06. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.