CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte remains one of the top cities for renters in the U.S., ranking #13 nationwide in RentCafe.com’s Best Cities for Renters 2025 report. While Raleigh climbed to #9 this year — overtaking Charlotte after trailing it last year — both cities offer strong appeal. Raleigh edges ahead with a lower cost of living, but Charlotte leads North Carolina in high-end rentals and boasts stronger renter income growth.
The report looked at 150 U.S. cities and scored them based on the things renters care about most — like affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life.
12 for Housing & Cost of Living
Charlotte offers renters a solid mix of affordability and quality. The cost of living is 1.1% below the national average, and apartments are spacious — averaging 948 sq. ft. What’s more, 72% of rentals are considered high-end — the highest share in North Carolina.
14 for Local Economy
Charlotte’s economy is strong, with 1.8% job growth year-over-year, and a thriving business environment. Plus, 30% of residents hold a college degree, reflecting a well-educated workforce and solid economic potential.
64 for Quality of Life
Charlotte ranks in the middle for quality of life, but there are plenty of positives. Nearly one in four apartments are in top-rated locations, meaning they’re close to parks, shops, and transit. The city also scores well for natural amenities and green space.
However, 35% of renters face commutes over 30 minutes, which impacted this category’s score.
For comparison, Raleigh ranks 9th nationwide — 14th for both housing & cost of living and quality of life, and 23rd for local economy. The cost of living is 2.8% below the national average, renter income growth is 27.6%, and 49% of its apartments are in top locations.
Explore the full list and methodology here.
