Apartment Markets Expecting the Largest Rent Increases in 2026

Average effective asking rents for market-rate apartments in the U.S. are expected to return to growth in 2026. Rents are forecast to climb 2.3% across the nation next year, quite a change from the 0.7% contraction recorded in the year-ending October 2025, according to data from RealPage Market Analytics. Out of the nation’s 50 largest apartment markets, 11 are expecting effective asking rents to increase 3% or more in 2026. Miami is slated to lead the nation with annual rent growth of 3.8% next year. Seattle should see a rent hike of 3.7%, followed by a 3.5% increase in Fort Lauderdale and a 3.2% upturn in Los Angeles. Three markets – Cincinnati, Columbus and San Franciso – are expecting a 3.1% bump in rents, while four markets – Detroit, Kansas City, Philadelphia and West Palm Beach – are forecast to see a boost of 3% in effective asking rents in 2026. Of the 11 markets with the biggest rent increases next year, only San Francisco is expected to see annual rent growth cool, dropping from a nation-leading increase of 7.4% during the year-ending October 2025.