Apartment Search

Cheerful young woman sitting on the sofa in her modern apartment, smiling while browsing online—possibly searching for a great deal on a rental or exploring new opportunities from the comfort of home.

How to Score a Great Deal on a Rental in the Big City Jungle

The big city is where dreams are made, traffic never sleeps and rent prices can make your wallet cry a…

A young person hugging a large dog on a sunny afternoon.

Breed Restrictions: What Should You Know When Renting With Pets?

Pets are family, and your four-legged buddies are a big factor in major decisions, including renting an apartment. The entire…

Cleveland skyline along the Cuyahoga River in autumn—highlighting the city's seasonal beauty and offering insight into the cost of living in this vibrant urban area.

Cost of Living in Cleveland: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Relocating to a new city can be exciting, especially when you’re starting fresh in a new apartment. But, before packing…

An aerial shot of Ann Arbor, MI, a city where renters can find some affordable neighborhoods with rent prices below the local average.

5 Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters to Keep in Mind in Ann Arbor, MI

If you’re looking for a rental apartment in a city that blends culture, education and natural beauty, Ann Arbor, MI,…

Discover What’s New on RentCafe.com: Simple Updates to Make Your Renting Experience Easier

Because we’re always on a mission to make your real estate journey not only smarter, but also smoother, RentCafe.com is…

prospective renters checking an apartment before moving in

Red Flags to Keep in Mind when Moving to Another Apartment in a Rush

Renters know that finding the right apartment building can be tricky. From loud neighbors to smelly roommates, a lot can…

Application Process Couple Moving Couch

A Step by Step Guide Through the Rental Application Process

You’ve taken the first steps to renting an apartment: You’ve looked at apartments online, scored walkthroughs in and around the…

average utilities costs by state

What Are Apartment Utilities & How Much Will They Cost Me?

This article was updated in May 2025. What Is the Average Electric Bill? Tips for Saving Money on Your Electricity…

A person returning keys to their landlord.

When (& How) Should You Return Keys to Your Landlord?

Returning the keys to your rental apartment may seem like a small step in the moving-out process, but it can…

San Diego skyline at sunrise with Coronado Bridge and Coronado Island in view, showcasing the coastal city's beauty and offering perspective on the cost of living in this vibrant urban landscape.

Cost of Living in San Diego: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Figuring out where to live is just part of relocating to a new city. The real challenge? Understanding how much…

A shot of the skyline in the Financial District of Boston, as seen from Boston Harbor.

What’s the Cost of Living in Boston? Here’s What to Expect as a Renter

Understanding the cost of living in Boston is key for renters planning a move to the city. From housing to…

Low-angle view of two high-rise apartment buildings in Miami framed by palm trees, emphasizing the importance of asking about energy efficiency, mold prevention, and building maintenance when renting in the city.

Apartment Hunting in Miami? Ask These 5 Essential Questions First

Searching for apartments in Miami might feel like a full-time job, especially since Miami has long been the hottest rental…

Several closed and open cardboard boxes of varying sizes are piled in a bright, airy living room with large windows, a lamp, a ladder, and potted plants, suggesting the process of packing and moving out household belongings.

How to Tell Your Landlord You’re Moving Out

You’ve researched, crunched the numbers, toured the listings, and finally found the one — a rental apartment that checks all…

An aerial image of the Tower Bridge and State Capitol Building in Sacramento on a beautiful day after a rainstorm, highlighting the city's scenic charm and the appeal of apartments in Sacramento.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Sacramento, CA

If you’re searching for an affordable California city with career opportunities, outdoor access and a strong sense of community, Sacramento…

Couple sitting on the living room floor of their apartment using a laptop together—engaged in their apartment search.

The ‘Sweet Spot’ Timing: When to Start Your Apartment Search for a Summer Move

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, school, or simply craving a change of scenery, summer is one of the…

An aerial shot of the skyline in Fort Worth, TX, a city where you’ve got quite a few options for affordable neighborhoods.

5 Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas — and it’s easy to see why. It offers a…

The Unisphere and observation towers in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a landmark near some of Queens' most affordable neighborhoods in NYC.

Apartment Hunting on a Budget in NYC? Here Are 5 Affordable Neighborhoods to Explore in Queens

The dream of living in New York City often comes with a hefty price tag, and finding an affordable apartment…

The skyline of Chicago during sunset, capturing the city's iconic architecture and vibrant urban life—perfectly showcasing the appeal of apartments in Chicago.

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Chicago

If you’re thinking about moving to Chicago, you’re not alone: In 2025, the city continues to attract renters from all…

A shot of the skyline in Houston, as seen from a bridge in a park.

Cost of Living in Houston: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Moving to a new city comes with a lot of planning, especially for renters who need to figure out where…

Diverse apartment buildings in The Bronx, NY, representing affordable options for renters exploring neighborhoods in New York City.

Finding Affordable Neighborhoods in New York City: 5 Areas to Consider in the Bronx

New York — the city of big dreams, bright lights, and… sky-high rents. Finding an apartment that doesn’t consume your…

looking for an apartment

Looking for an Apartment to Rent? Here’s the Ultimate Checklist

Searching for an apartment for rent can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. Luckily,…

close-up of a man's hands holding a cardboard box with the words 'moving day' written on it

Your Go-To Guide for Moving to a New City During Peak Rental Season

Moving to a new city during peak rental season is almost like hopping on a rollercoaster — it’s exhilarating, heart-pounding,…

Aerial view of New Orleans, Louisiana, on a bright winter morning—highlighting the city's charm and ranking it among the best affordable neighborhoods for comfortable living.

Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city like no other. With its vibrant culture, historic charm and unbeatable food scene, it’s no…

A keypad access system on an apartment wall, highlighting modern apartment safety tips and essential building security features.

Evaluating Building Security: What to Look for Beyond the Doorman

Safety is a top concern for many renters, regardless of whether you live in a rental apartment. No matter if…

An aerial view of Cleveland, a city where renters can find affordable neighborhoods with rent prices below local and national averages.

5 Affordable Neighborhoods to Check Out in Cleveland

Looking for a place to rent in Cleveland that won’t stretch your budget? You’re not alone. Cleveland has long been…

Apartment Hunting Just Got Easier: Check Out What’s New on RentCafe.com

Finding your next apartment should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. At RentCafe.com, we’re committed to making your…

most affordable neighborhoods in philadelphia

Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, continues to be a magnet for renters in the Northeast, offering a lively urban…

Aerial view of Sacramento showcasing a mix of modern and historic architecture, the State Capitol, lush greenery, and the distant Sacramento River, highlighting the city’s charm and its affordable neighborhoods.

Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in Sacramento, CA

If you’re searching for an affordable place to call home in California, Sacramento is a great place to start. Known…

A breathtaking sunset cityscape of Phoenix, Arizona, with vibrant twilight colors and a dramatic desert skyline, capturing the beauty of downtown and reflecting on the region’s cost of living.

Cost of Living in Phoenix: What to Expect When Living Here as a Renter

Finding the right apartment is only part of the journey of moving to a new city. Before signing that lease,…

A close-up of a person, holding a pen, about to sign their name on a rental form. But, what’s the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?

The Difference Between a Lease & a Rental Agreement: What Renters Need to Know

When you’re renting an apartment (or a house, for that matter), it’s important to know exactly what kind of contract…