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Rent Affordability Index Climbs to $76K, Rent Growth Slows

4/24/2026

41 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The average income needed to afford rent rose 1.7% year-on-year to $76,417 in March 2026, a 35.4% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Rent increased 1.8% year-on-year to $1,910 in March 2026, the slowest rise since 2020.
Higher incomes and slower rent growth gave renters an extra $193 per month in March 2026.
Income growth outpaced rent growth nationwide, increasing renters’ flexibility compared with previous years.

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Story summary

The average income needed to afford rent rose 1.7% year-on-year to $76,417 in March 2026, a 35.4% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
Rent increased 1.8% year-on-year to $1,910 in March 2026, the slowest rise since 2020.
Higher incomes and slower rent growth gave renters an extra $193 per month in March 2026.
Income growth outpaced rent growth nationwide, increasing renters’ flexibility compared with previous years.