This Is What $1,500 in Rent Will Get You in Every State
In Indiana you get three bedrooms, two and a half baths and access to a fire pit, pool and hot tub. In New York, be prepared to squeeze yourself into one-bedroom less than a half that size. And the fire pit? Fuhgeddaboudit.
When it comes to how much apartment you can afford, the size of your paycheck is hardly the only variable. Where you choose to live can make as big -- or bigger difference. For committed city-dwellers, that means cramming into a teeny living space or, increasingly, moving in with mom and dad. Those drawn to rural and suburban areas can count more space and amenities -- but, of course, less access to night life and public transportation.
Wondering how your rental market stacks up?
To find out, rental listings website Apartment List crunched data in its more than 2 million national listings to calculate the average apartment size renters could expect in every U.S. state, based on a $1,500 monthly budget (about 30% of the median household's $60,000 salary). With help from Apartment List, Money took that data and compared it with the site's current listings, so you can what those square feet look like in real life. That Indiana apartment with the fire pit measures 1,860 square feet, while the unit in New York a measly 740.
In case you're apartment-hunting right now, it's worth noting that the units below were listed as of Feb. 26, 2018 and may be no longer available. Check out the state-to-state examples below, or find your city's average at apartmentlist.com.
Alabama
Average $1,500 apartment size: 2,020 square feet.
What you could rent: A $1,500 three-bedroom Birmingham apartment that clocks in at 1,456 square feet. The apartment comes with two bathrooms, a fireplace, two walk-in closets and a balcony at the Kenley complex.
Alaska
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,200 square feet.
What you could rent: A 1,100-square-foot house in Wasilla, a community north of Anchorage. The three bedroom, two bathroom ranch-style home costs $1,425 per month to rent.
Arizona
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,490 square feet.
What you could rent: A two bedroom, two bathroom unit at Pillar at Westgate, a Glendale complex located 20 minutes outside of Phoenix. The 1,201-square-foot unit with in-unit laundry, garage access and a balcony costs $1,285.
Arkansas
Average $1,500 apartment size: 2,000 square feet.
What you could rent: A $1,493, 1,167-square-foot apartment at Park Avenue Lofts, a complex in Little Rock, the state capital. The unit comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a balcony.
California
Average $1,500 apartment size: 700 square feet.
What you could rent: An apartment in Rancho Cucamonga, a city about an hour outside of Los Angeles. Centre Club Apartments' 700-square-foot units start at $1,485 and come with one bedroom, one bathroom, in-unit laundry and a balcony.
Colorado
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,070 square feet.
What you could rent: A 1,068-square-foot apartment in the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado. Priced at $1,520 per month, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at Outlook Littleton Apartments has in-unit laundry, a deck and storage space.
Connecticut
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,100 square feet.
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in Manchester, a Hartford suburb. The 1,112-square-foot unit at The Pavilions Apartment Homes features walk-in closets, a storage area, a balcony and an open floor plan that combines the living room, dining room and kitchen for $1,500 per month.
Delaware
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,520 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,006-square-foot apartment at Christina Mill in Newark. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit costs $1,420 per month and comes with a patio/balcony, storage, in-unit laundry and a dry bar, as well as access to common areas like the community garden, dog park and gym.
Florida
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,140 square feet
What you could rent: A 970-square-foot apartment in Deerfield Beach, a city just south of Boca Raton on Florida's east coast. The $1,551 unit at Quiet Waters at Coquina Lakes comes with a walk-in closet, open floor plan and balcony, in addition to community pool, gym and hot tub access.
Georgia
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,630 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom Atlanta apartment measuring 1,635 square feet. The unit at Walton Vinings costs $1,495 per month and includes walk-in closets, a balcony and laundry hookups.
Hawaii
Average $1,500 apartment size: 630 square feet
What you could rent: A 650-square-foot apartment in Wahiawa, a city on the island of Oahu. The two-bedroom apartment on the first floor of a house is available to rent for $1,450.
Idaho
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,710 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at Kensington at North Pointe in Boise. The 1,333-square-foot apartment is available to rent for $1,500 and includes a balcony, walk-in closet and access to the community spa, steam room and pool.
Illinois
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,070 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,081-square-foot apartment in a Chicago suburb. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at The Apartments at Kirkland Crossing in Aurora comes with a patio, air conditioning and in-unit laundry for a monthly rent of $1,540.
Indiana
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,740 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, 1,860-square-foot apartment in Indianapolis. The $1,482 unit at Stone Ridge Apartments and Townhomes has 2.5 bathrooms, in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, a balcony and access to community features like a pool, hot tub and fire pit.
Iowa
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,550 square feet
What you could rent: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at R & T Lofts in Des Moines. The 1,198-square-foot unit features a walk-in closet, open concept kitchen/living room and access to a community gym and recreation area for $1,500.
Kansas
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,790 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at WaterSide Residences on Quivira. The 1,303-square-foot residence in Lenexa, a town near Kansas City, comes with an open-concept living room and kitchen, a balcony and in-unit laundry and will cost renters $1,613 per month.
Kentucky
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,690 square feet
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at The Vinings of Hustbourne, a complex just east of Louisville. The apartment is priced at $1,485 per month and has 1,155 square feet of living space.
Louisiana
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,420 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in Inniswold, a community 20 minutes southeast of Baton Rouge. The $1,500 apartment at The Gates At Citiplace measures 1,575 square feet and comes with a balcony, pantry and community recreational facilities.
Maine
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,100 square feet
What you could rent: A 960-square-foot apartment in South Portland. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at Liberty Commons, which tenants can rent for $1,413, comes with a porch, in-home laundry and an open living area, as well as access to a community fitness center and clubhouse.
Maryland
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,070 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,080-square-foot apartment at Princeton Estates in Temple Hills, a community in the western half of the state. The $1,500 apartment has three bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, air conditioning, walk-in closets and a balcony.
Massachusetts
Average $1,500 apartment size: 650
What you could rent: An 850-square-foot apartment in West Village, a Mansfield apartment complex an hour outside of Boston. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit with a walk-in closet, balcony and in-unit laundry can be yours for $1,596.
Michigan
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,450 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,400-square-foot unit at Oaks at Hampton Apartments in Rochester Hills, a city just outside of Detroit. The $1,365 three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit has a foyer, front porch and plentiful storage space.
Minnesota
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,180 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,020-square-foot apartment with a balcony, in-unit laundry and plentiful closets. The $1,490 unit is part of Royal Oaks Apartments in Eagan, a city half an hour outside of Minneapolis.
Mississippi
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,910 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,200-square-foot apartment at Lakeshore Pointe, a complex in Brandon. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit comes with access to a community basketball court, clubhouse, fire pit, gym and pool, among other amenities. The unit, which costs $1,475 per month, is located 15 minutes outside of Jackson.
Missouri
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,680 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,604-square-foot one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom unit in downtown St. Louis. The $1,500 apartment is located in the Bogen complex and comes with access to a 24-hour gym, grill area, hot tub and pool.
Montana
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,550 square feet
What you could rent: A unit at Avenue C, a complex in Billings. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment features an open layout and in-unit washer and dryer for $1,495 per month.
Nebraska
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,590 square feet
What you could rent: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at Capitol District Apartments in Omaha. The 720-square-foot unit with an open design costs $1,500 to rent.
Nevada
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,600 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at Esplanade, a Las Vegas apartment complex. Renters can lease the 1,713-square-foot apartment with a loft, garage, two balconies and community pool access for $1,590.
New Hampshire
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,090 square feet
What you could rent: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit at Timberwood Commons, a Lebanon apartment complex just east of the Vermont border. The 697-square-foot apartment features a master suite, deck and access to the community clubhouse and fitness center for $1,505 per month.
New Jersey
Average $1,500 apartment size: 800 square feet
What you could rent: A 701-square-foot unit at Steward's Crossing in Lawrenceville. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment 15 minutes north of Trenton has a deck, HVAC system and in-unit laundry.
New Mexico
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,720 square feet
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at Olympus Encanta, an Albuquerque apartment complex. The 1,308-square-foot apartment's rent will cost tenants $1,460 per month.
New York
Average $1,500 apartment size: 620 square feet
What you could rent: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Yonkers. The $1,500 unit in the Glenwood Gardens complex measures 740 square feet.
North Carolina
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,680 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at Crystal Lake Townhomes. The multistory Greensboro unit measures 1,500 square feet and costs $1,452 per month. Tenants also have access to a 24-hour gym, basketball court, clubhouse, pool, community theater and other amenities.
North Dakota
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,650 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,203-square-foot apartment in Regency Apartments. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in Williston, a city in the northwest part of the state, costs $1,500 per month.
Ohio
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,660 square feet
What you could rent: A four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Eastlake. The 1,868-square-foot free-standing house will cost renters $1,400 per month.
Oklahoma
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,870 square feet
What you could rent: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at The Landing OKC, an Oklahoma City apartment complex. The 1,326-square-foot apartment with a patio will cost renters $1,319.
Oregon
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,050 square feet
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with a patio and in-unit laundry that will cost renters $1,465 per month. The 1,045-square-foot Cascade Summit Apartment Homes residence is located in West Linn, an area 30 minutes south of Portland.
Pennsylvania
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,250 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,350-square-foot Philadelphia apartment with two bedrooms and one bathroom. The $1,453 unit in the city's Alden Park complex has in-unit laundry, air conditioning and a patio.
Rhode Island
Average $1,500 apartment size: 990 square feet
What you could rent: A 790-square-foot apartment in Newport. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in the Harbor Village at the Commons complex costs $1,544 and comes with a master bedroom, open floor plan and balcony.
South Carolina
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,470 square feet
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in Charleston. The 1,150-square-foot apartment in the Riverland Woods complex costs $1,423 per month to rent and comes with access to a community putting green, pool and volleyball court.
South Dakota
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,700 square feet
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit in Sioux Falls. The 1,150-square-foot apartment, located at The Bluffs at Willow Run, costs renters $1,480 per month.
Tennessee
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,580 square feet
What you could rent: Three bedrooms and two bathrooms at Walden Legacy, a Knoxville apartment complex. The 1,643-square-foot apartment costs $1,326 per month and comes with an in-unit washer and dryer.
Texas
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,400 square feet
What you could rent: An Austin apartment with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The unit, located in the Riata complex, measures 1,214 square feet and costs $1,370 per month to rent.
Utah
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,530 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,347-square-foot unit at Rockledge at Quarry Bend Apartments in Sandy. The apartment, located 30 minutes south of Salt Lake City, comes with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and costs $1,575 per month.
Vermont
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,080 square feet
What you could rent: A two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom apartment at Keen's Crossing, a complex just north of Burlington. The $1,595 unit measures 1,305 square feet and has an on-site gym.
Virginia
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,210 square feet
What you could rent: A four-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom apartment in Woodbridge, a community an hour south of Washington, D.C. Monthly rent for the Glen Arbor Apartments unit, which measures 1,200 square feet and includes access to a community pool and playground, costs $1,500.
Washington
Average $1,500 apartment size: 910 square feet
What you could rent: A 700-square foot apartment at Garden Pointe, a Seattle complex. Renting the unit, which comes with one bedroom, one bathroom, a patio and storage space, will cost tenants $1,335 per month.
West Virginia
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,890 square feet
What you could rent: A recently renovated ranch with a two-car garage and deck in Jefferson County. The 1,512-square-foot home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms will cost tenants $1,300 per month to rent.
Wisconsin
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,350 square feet
What you could rent: A 716-square-foot unit in Madison. The apartment, part of the University Row complex, comes with one bedroom and one bathroom. The unit costs $1,355 per month to rent.
Wyoming
Average $1,500 apartment size: 1,740 square feet
What you could rent: A 1,300-square-foot unit at The Preserve at Rock Springs in Rock Springs. The $1,300 residence has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.