12 U.S. Cities Where Rent Got Cheaper in May 2025

For many people, rising rent costs are a constant worry. But there’s good news! New data shows that rents actually went down in some U.S. cities this past month. This offers a bit of relief for renters in these areas.

This news piece looks at fresh information from the Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index. We will highlight 12 U.S. cities where the average rent decreased from April to May 2025. This trend shows a different side of today’s rental market.

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Key Takeaways: Rents Got Cheaper in May (2025)

• Rents Decreased in Many Cities: While overall trends can vary, 12 specific U.S. cities saw a drop in average rent from April to May.

• Widespread Relief: These cities are found across different regions of the U.S., not just one area.

• Month-Over-Month Data: The changes shown are from one month to the next, not over a whole year.

• What This Means: A drop in rent is good for renters’ budgets. It could also mean more choices in the market.

Related: 11 Cities Where Renters Need to Earn More Than $100,000

A Look at Monthly Rent Changes

The Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index tracks how much rents change each month in 100 large U.S. cities. For May 2025, the overall U.S. rent average saw a small increase. However, when we look closer at individual cities, we see some interesting changes.

In several cities, the average rent actually went down from April to May. This is known as a “month-over-month” decrease. This is good news for renters living in or moving to these areas. It might also show that the rental market in these places is becoming more balanced.

Related: Top 20 most Affordable Cities for Renters in 2025

12 U.S. Cities Where Rent Decreased in May 2025

Here are the U.S. metro areas where the average rent decreased from April to May 2025, according to the Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index. The cities are listed by the size of the monthly rent drop, from largest to smallest.

(Source: Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index, data as of April 2025, via American Real Estate Society)

What This List Shows:

• Florida Cities: Several Florida cities, like North Port, Cape Coral, and Tampa, saw rents go down.

• Across the Map: Cities in South Carolina, Oklahoma, New York, Arizona, Ohio, Louisiana, and Georgia also had lower rents in May.

• Small Drops Still Matter: Even small decreases can add up over time. They offer a break for renters.

• Market Balance: These drops might mean that in these cities, the number of homes for rent is starting to match or even exceed the number of people looking.

Related: Top 10 Cities Where Renting is Getting More Expensive

Why Rents Can Get Cheaper

Several reasons can cause rents to fall in a city:

• More Homes Available: When many new apartments or houses are built, or fewer people are moving in, there are more empty rentals. This gives landlords a reason to lower prices to attract tenants.

• Slower Demand: If a city’s job market slows down, or if more people decide to buy homes instead of renting, fewer people are looking for rentals. This reduced demand can lead to lower rents.

• Economic Shifts: Broader economic changes can also play a role. If people have less money to spend, they might look for cheaper housing options, pushing overall rents down.

These factors create a more balanced market. This can be a welcome change for renters after years of rising costs.

Related: U.S. Housing Markets With The Biggest House Price Declines

Conclusion: A Welcome Shift for Renters

The U.S. rental market is always moving. The Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index for May 2025 shows a positive trend for renters in 12 specific U.S. cities. While national trends vary, these local decreases offer a glimpse of relief in the cost of living.

For anyone looking for a rental or facing lease renewals, knowing about these cities where rents are falling can be helpful. It highlights opportunities to find more affordable housing options.

Related: Best U.S Housing Markets for First Time Real Estate Investors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on U.S. Cities with Cheaper Rents

Here are common questions about falling rent prices in U.S. cities.

Q: Does “rent got cheaper in May” mean prices fell over the whole year?

A: No, it means the average rent decreased from April 2025 to May 2025 (month-over-month change). It doesn’t necessarily mean rents fell over a full year.

Q: Which report provides this data?

A: This data comes from the Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index, which tracks monthly rent changes in major U.S. cities.

Q: Why would rents go down in some cities?

A: Rents can go down if more new homes are built, if fewer people are moving to the city, or if buying a home becomes more affordable. When there are more rentals than people looking, landlords might lower prices.

Q: If rents are falling in a city, is it a good time to move there?

A: Falling rents can make a city more attractive for renters because it means better deals and potentially more choices. It could be a good time to move if other factors like job opportunities match your needs.

Q: Does this trend affect both apartments and houses for rent?

A: The Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index considers apartments, condos, and single-family homes. So, these trends generally apply to the overall rental market in these metro areas.

Q: Will rents keep falling in these cities?

A: Rental markets are always changing. While rents fell in May for these cities, future trends depend on many factors. These include new construction, job growth, and population changes. It’s always good to check the latest updates.

Q: How can I find monthly rent changes for my own city?

A: You can often find current rental data and month-over-month changes on major real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com. Reports from real estate research groups also provide this kind of information.