Queens was ranked 147th out of the top 150 best cities for renters in the United States in 2026 by RentCafe.
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Queens was ranked the 147th best place to live for renters in the United States in 2026 in a report from RentCafe.
The ranking was based on an analysis of 20 key metrics, which were then grouped into three broad categories: cost of living and housing, local economy and quality of life.
Queens ranked 144th in housing and cost of living, which accounts for 40% of the overall score. The cost of living there was 53.8% more than the national average. Its 15.2% share of new apartments was the second-highest of the three New York City boroughs included on the list, ahead of Manhattan’s 4% and right behind Brooklyn’s 15.6%. The average apartment size of 730 square feet in Queens was the smallest among the boroughs and the third-smallest out of the 150 locations. Queens also had the third-highest occupancy rate nationwide, at 97.8%.
The borough ranked much better in the local economy, in 98th place, accounting for 35% of the overall ranking. This is in large part thanks to a 31.4% jump in renter income over the last five years. However, there was just a 0.4% increase in job growth over this period of time. The report also determined that Queens has 148 businesses per 10,000 residents.
Queens placed 76th in quality of life, which factored into 25% of the ranking. The borough performed well in the percentage of renters who use public transportation or who walk, at 46.8%, ranking third in the nation. It also had the best school quality ranking among the boroughs included and the 22nd best in the United States, with a score of 5.64. However, 62.1% of renters in Queens experience long solo commutes, which is the third-highest nationally. Additionally, only 9.6% of apartments there are found in top-rated locations.