Cheapest Cities to Rent in Georgia

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|10 min read

If you’re planning to move to Georgia, relocating within the state, or considering an investment in real estate, you’ll find our list of the most affordable cities to rent in Georgia valuable. This guide will help you navigate the diverse rental market in the Peach State.

Georgia is well-regarded for its year-round warm climate, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural diversity. According to US News, it has a flourishing economy and ranks commendably in higher education nationwide. Given these benefits, it’s easy to see why Georgia is a favored destination for many.

The state’s rental market reflects its size and diversity. Over recent years, Georgia has seen a steady increase in population, largely due to its lower cost of living, vibrant city cultures, and promising job opportunities.

While the demand for affordable rentals is high, not all cities in Georgia can be classified as cheap. However, there are areas where the average rent is notably lower than in the rest of the state. Continue reading to discover which cities offer the best rental deals in Georgia.

Georgia Rental Statistics

Before we dive into the most affordable cities to rent in Georgia, let’s look at a few general rental facts and statistics:

  • The average rent in Georgia is $1,080 per month, compared to $2,016 nationwide
  • Across the U.S., rental rates have increased by 31% in the past ten years
  • Approximately 109 million Americans reside in rental housing
  • The state with the highest number of rental units is California
  • About 31.5% of households in Georgia rent their homes, with a rental vacancy rate of 6.7%

It’s clear that Georgia is a more affordable living option than the national average and presents attractive opportunities for renters and real estate investors alike.

From an investment perspective, the strong demand for rental housing, coupled with below-average rental rates and a moderate rental vacancy rate, positions Georgia as a promising market. Real estate investors can potentially reap significant returns by providing affordable housing options to the sizable percentage of Georgians who prefer to rent.

Cheapest Cities to Rent in Georgia

This list of the most affordable cities to rent in Georgia does not just focus on rental prices alone. We’re taking a comprehensive approach, examining various factors contributing to the overall cost of living and quality of life in each city. This includes:

  • Population: The size of the city’s population can impact the availability and pricing of rental properties.
  • Median Home Listing Price: This gives us a sense of the overall real estate market in the city.
  • Average Number of Days on the Market: This helps us understand how quickly properties are rented or sold.
  • Median Household Income: This figure offers a glimpse into the earning potential in the area.
  • Average Rent Price: Most crucial to our analysis, this tells us the typical cost of renting in the city.

Whether you’re a potential renter seeking the most value for your money or an investor scouting for high-return opportunities, our analysis will provide the insights you need to explore these affordable Georgia rental markets.

Here are the top ten cheapest cities to rent in Georgia, let’s dive in!

1. Valdosta

  • Population: 55,567
  • Median home listing price: $250,000
  • Average number of days on the market: 38 days
  • Median household income: $35,188
  • Average rent price: $647

Valdosta, affectionately known as “Azalea City,” is home to over 55,000 residents. The city hosts the annual Azalea Festival in March and provides a blend of southern charm, historic heritage, and modern growth.

Valdosta State University gives the city a youthful energy, and the average rent is a very affordable $647.

With various shopping and dining options, and even an amusement park, Wild Adventures, Valdosta is a vibrant city that still retains its laid-back, small-town feel.

2. Cumming

  • Population: 7,235
  • Median home listing price: $619,900
  • Average number of days on the market: 29 days
  • Median household income: $63,438
  • Average rent price: $662

Cumming is a small city in Forsyth County. Known for its excellent schools, it’s a great place to raise a family.

The average rent is $662, and the city provides a friendly, close-knit community atmosphere.

Cumming is also located near Lake Lanier, which offers numerous outdoor activities for residents, from boating and fishing to hiking and camping.

3. Rincon

  • Population: 11,016
  • Median home listing price: $355,200
  • Average number of days on the market: 24 days
  • Median household income: $66,355
  • Average rent price: $734

Rincon, a city in Effingham County, is known for its friendly community and its quaint, small-town atmosphere. The average rent is $734.

It’s a growing city with plenty of charm, good schools, and great access to Savannah for those seeking job opportunities or city attractions.

Rincon also offers a variety of recreational activities for its residents with many parks and nature trails.

4. Warner Robins

  • Population: 81,446
  • Median home listing price: $259,900
  • Average number of days on the market: 33 days
  • Median household income: $58,379
  • Average rent price: $735

Warner Robins, with a population of over 81,000 and an average rent of $735, is a city with a rich history and a strong sense of community.

The city is known for the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, the state’s largest industrial complex.

This city has a variety of parks and recreational areas, a vibrant downtown area, and a thriving cultural scene with a performing arts center and museum.

5. Athens

  • Population: 127,358
  • Median home listing price: $391,800
  • Average number of days on the market: 36 days
  • Median household income: $48,409
  • Average rent price: $740

Home to the University of Georgia, Athens is a vibrant city with a lively music scene, diverse arts community, and rich history.

With an average rent of $740, Athens offers an eclectic mix of southern heritage and progressive ideas.

The city’s downtown area is a hotspot for dining, shopping, and entertainment, making Athens an attractive place to live for both students and professionals.

6. Albany

  • Population: 69,048
  • Median home listing price: $175,000
  • Average number of days on the market: 31 days
  • Median household income: $38,826
  • Average rent price: $758

Albany, situated in Southwest Georgia, is a city known for its civil rights history and beautiful natural scenery, especially the Flint River.

With an average rent of $758, Albany offers numerous outdoor activities, including the Flint RiverQuarium and Chehaw Park.

The city’s cultural offerings include theaters, art galleries, and a symphony orchestra, making it a diverse and vibrant place to live.

7. Forest Park

  • Population: 19,798
  • Median home listing price: $219,900
  • Average number of days on the market: 36 days
  • Median household income: $37,370
  • Average rent price: $773

Forest Park is a city in Clayton County with an average rent of $773. Located just nine miles south of Atlanta, it provides easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

The city is home to the Atlanta State Farmers Market, one of the largest of its kind in the world, offering residents fresh produce and local goods.

8. Clarkston

  • Population: 14,538
  • Median home listing price: $321,000
  • Average number of days on the market: 23 days
  • Median household income: $48,643
  • Average rent price: $781

Known as “the most diverse square mile in America,” Clarkston is a city in DeKalb County, known for its multicultural atmosphere.

With an average rent of $781, Clarkston has been a welcome home for refugees from around the world, leading to a vibrant, diverse community.

This city offers various cultural activities, and its close proximity to Atlanta provides residents with numerous opportunities for work and leisure.

9. Cartersville

  • Population: 23,222
  • Median home listing price: $377,500
  • Average number of days on the market: 35 days
  • Median household income: $62,510
  • Average rent price: $804

Cartersville is a city in Bartow County with an average rent of $804. It offers a blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.

The city is rich in history, evident in its well-preserved downtown area, and offers numerous recreational activities with parks and a river flowing right through the city.

Cartersville also features several museums and is home to the world’s first outdoor Coca-Cola sign.

10. Dalton

  • Population: 34,285
  • Median home listing price: $276,000
  • Average number of days on the market: 31 days
  • Median household income: $49,656
  • Average rent price: $809

Dalton, known as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” has an average rent of $809. The city is home to many of the nation’s floor-covering manufacturers.

Beyond its booming industry, Dalton offers rich history, diverse cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, given its location within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The city’s attractions include historic sites, art galleries, and the Dalton Freight Depot.

Final Thoughts

Which cheapest city to rent in Georgia is calling you? All of these cities have thriving communities, healthy real estate markets, and strong economies.

All of them attract new residents thanks to affordable rent, strong employment opportunities, good public schools, and proximity to outstanding attractions known around the world. Many of these people will be looking for communities that have affordable rent prices and a thriving economy.

Cities like Valdosta, Cumming, Rincon, Warner Robins, and Athens provide some of the best that Georgia has to offer without the high price tags!

Ready to Rent in One of the Cheapest Cities in Georgia?

If you’d like to explore these communities further and see if investing in property in one of these cities is right for you, we invite you to reach out to FastExpert.com. As a company that connects people buying or selling a home with top real estate agents, we can match you with the perfect real estate agent who understands your motivation for investing in Georgia.

We make it easy for you to hire the right real estate agent, and we provide convenient options to easily compare top agents to simplify your selection. Give us a try and discover why over 400,000 happy clients choose FastExpert!

Mark Katigbak

Mark has been working with FastExpert since 2019. He graduated from California State Fullerton with a degree in Business Administration and a focus on Marketing. He has worked in many industries, from customer service to hospitality to real estate. He enjoys working and writing about real estate because of the opportunities to help others, form good relationships, and educate people on this wide topic.

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