---
title: "Average rent by state"
description: "Interactive US map of typical monthly rent by state from Zillow ZORI, updated monthly."
htmlPath: "/average-rent-by-state"
tool: "average-rent-by-state"
keywords:
  - "average rent by state"
  - "rent by state"
  - "typical rent map"
  - "ZORI by state"
  - "monthly rent US states"
---

# Average rent by state

- **URL:** https://financeflow.studio/average-rent-by-state  
- **Markdown:** https://financeflow.studio/ai/average-rent-by-state.md  
- **Primary keywords:** average rent by state; rent by state map; typical monthly rent US  

## Summary

Interactive **US choropleth map** of typical monthly rent for all 50 states plus DC. Figures are derived from **Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI)** at the county level, summarized to a **median county value within each state**, stored in FinanceFlow’s database and **refreshed about once a month**. Users can search a state, view rank and range vs the national median, and jump into rent vs buy or price-to-rent tools.

## What the numbers mean

- **ZORI** reflects typical *observed market rents*, not official government fair-market rents (FMR).  
- State-level medians are broad. Rents vary widely by metro, neighborhood, unit size, and amenities.  
- Use the map for comparison, then check local listings for a specific move and run rent vs buy with local rent and price.

## Features

- Choropleth map (darker = higher typical rent)  
- State search and selection panel (rank, vs median, range share)  
- Ranked table of all states + DC  
- Legend with value scale; data month and source attribution  
- Links to home-cost-by-state, rent vs buy, and price-to-rent  

## FAQs

### What is average rent by state based on?

FinanceFlow uses Zillow’s Observed Rent Index (ZORI) at the county level and takes the median county value within each state. ZORI reflects typical observed market rents, not official government fair-market rents. Data is stored and refreshed monthly.

### How often is rent by state updated?

Zillow Research data is synced about once a month (scheduled on the 8th). The page shows the data month used for the current figures.

### Is this the official average rent for my city?

No. These are state-level typical market estimates. Rents vary widely by metro, neighborhood, unit size, and amenities. Use this map for broad comparison, then check local listings for a specific move.

### How does this relate to rent vs buy?

State rent levels help frame whether ownership costs look high relative to renting. After you pick a state, open FinanceFlow’s rent vs buy or price-to-rent calculators with numbers from your local market.

### Are these results financial advice?

No. FinanceFlow is educational only. Figures are estimates for learning and comparison. They are not a landlord quote, lease offer, or professional advice.

## Related tools

- Average home cost by state: https://financeflow.studio/average-home-cost-by-state — [average-home-cost-by-state.md](https://financeflow.studio/ai/average-home-cost-by-state.md)  
- Rent vs buy: https://financeflow.studio/rent-vs-buy — [rent-vs-buy.md](https://financeflow.studio/ai/rent-vs-buy.md)  
- Price to rent: https://financeflow.studio/price-to-rent — [price-to-rent.md](https://financeflow.studio/ai/price-to-rent.md)  

## Disclaimer

Educational estimates only. Data © Zillow; used under [Zillow Research terms](https://www.zillow.com/research/data/) with attribution. Not a lease offer or financial advice.