NORTH CAROLINA, USA — With consumer prices increasing and inflation not slowing as quickly as desired by some, rising prices for rental properties is just one more financial difficulty facing Americans right now.
A recent study by Lawn Love showed the most expensive metro areas for renters, comparing nearly 200 of the U.S.'s largest metros. The study used factors such as the average overall rent price, the average overall rent price change in the last year, how much rental insurance costs, the state's foreclosure rate and the amount of renters paying more than 30% of their income on rent and insurance.
The study noted with both Carolinas being a popular moving destination in 2023, most of the metro areas saw modest rent price changes, and one -- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, saw a nearly 3.5% decrease in rent prices since 2023.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
This is how the major cities in both North and South Carolina fared of the 196 ranked cities (NOTE: the higher ranked, the more expensive it is; the lower the ranking, the less expensive it is):
20. Hilton Head, SC
Overall score out of 100: 57.34; rent prices rank out of 196: 14; rent affordability rank out of 196: 111; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 42.
26. Charleston, SC
Overall score out of 100: 54.56; rent prices rank out of 196: 30; rent affordability rank out of 196: 52; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 36.
36. Asheville, NC
Overall score out of 100: 51.81; rent prices rank out of 196: 16; rent affordability rank out of 196: 70; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 162.
41. Greenville, NC
Overall score out of 100: 50.86; rent prices rank out of 196: 15; rent affordability rank out of 196: 124; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 171.
48. Columbia, SC
Overall score out of 100: 48.18; rent prices rank out of 196: 72; rent affordability rank out of 196: 43; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 39.
66. Myrtle Beach, SC
Overall score out of 100: 45.25; rent prices rank out of 196: 93; rent affordability rank out of 196: 65; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 41.
71. Spartanburg, SC
Overall score out of 100: 44.46; rent prices rank out of 196: 83; rent affordability rank out of 196: 117; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 43.
85. Wilmington, NC
Overall score out of 100: 42.34; rent prices rank out of 196: 70; rent affordability rank out of 196: 46; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 167.
87. Fayetteville, NC
Overall score out of 100: 41.97; rent prices rank out of 196: 56; rent affordability rank out of 196: 101; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 162.
99. Greensboro, NC
Overall score out of 100: 40.57; rent prices rank out of 196: 68; rent affordability rank out of 196: 105; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 160.
106. Burlington, NC
Overall score out of 100: 40.08; rent prices rank out of 196: 58; rent affordability rank out of 196: 149; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 170.
122. Greenville, SC
Overall score out of 100: 37.99; rent prices rank out of 196: 150; rent affordability rank out of 196: 115; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 40.
136. Charlotte, NC
Overall score out of 100: 36.02; rent prices rank out of 196: 100; rent affordability rank out of 196: 144; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 149.
137. Durham, NC
Overall score out of 100: 35.80; rent prices rank out of 196: 114; rent affordability rank out of 196: 116; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 161.
151. Winston-Salem, NC
Overall score out of 100: 33.28; rent prices rank out of 196: 113; rent affordability rank out of 196: 136; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 166.
179. Raleigh, NC
Overall score out of 100: 27.27; rent prices rank out of 196: 172; rent affordability rank out of 196: 149; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 158.
190. Hickory, NC
Overall score out of 100: 22.51; rent prices rank out of 196: 175; rent affordability rank out of 196: 192; and cost inflators rank out of 196: 169.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.