While 2026 has brought a slower pace to the national real estate market, Miami continues to dominate.

This spring rental season, the “Magic City” is seeing slightly softer competition, yet it remains the most difficult market in the country for prospective tenants to crack.

Rental Market Snapshot

Miami RCI Score: 90.5 (Ranked #1 among large markets).

National Average RCI: 75.4.

Average Stay: Miami renters stay 36 months; U.S. average is 28.

Competition: 13 renters per vacant unit in Miami.

The apartment renewal rate has gone down from 76% a year ago to 71.4% now, in part due to an increase in new construction.

Less future tenants are looking for apartments as well, with 13 renters per vacant unit, down one from 14 last year.

Apartments are still leasing in just over a month–taking two days more than the 36 average days last year.

It seems Miami renters hold on to their properties, however, often staying in the same apartment for 36 months (three full years) in comparison to the national baseline of 28 months.

By the Numbers: The Miami Shift

Renewal Rates: Apartment renewals dropped to 71.4%, down from 76% last year, largely due to a surge in new construction.

Demand: There are currently 13 renters competing for every vacant unit, a slight dip from 14 last year.

Leasing Speed: Apartments are leasing in 38 days on average, just two days slower than the 2025 average.

This stability makes the market that much more difficult to crack, as available apartments are almost always limited.

Miami took the cake for the highest Rental Competitive Index, according to RentCafe.com’s recent Rental Competitive Report. Miami’s RCI score of 90.5 out of 100 outperforms the national average of 75.4, and is the highest among the large U.S. markets.

Though Miami has slowed down, other neighbors sped up.

Broward County’s RCI score gained 4.7 points this year, now racing 85.1, or #7 nationally. There are 9 to 10 renters competing for each vacant unit, growing in competitiveness.

Palm Beach County has also seen growth in this aspect, with a drop in new supply pushing its RCI score up 5.3 points to 84.2. With 9 renters per vacant unit, it is now the 14th most competitive small rental market in the U.S.

Though the Miami market stays hot, it seems renters are looking at other options in the meantime.

For the full report, click here.