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.
