Jacksonville rises in 2025 rankings of best cities for renters, new construction slows (Courtesy of the Florida Times-Union) — Jacksonville is quickly becoming one of the most desirable rental markets in Florida, according to a new report.
The city now ranks No. 21 nationwide in RentCafe’s Best Cities for Renters 2025 report, up from No. 25 last year. It has climbed to the fourth-best place to rent in Florida — just behind Sarasota, Orlando and Miami — due to factors including affordability, space and modern amenities.
The rise in ranks comes from Jacksonville’s ability to balance cost of living with quality housing. Apartments in Jacksonville average about 978 square feet with the majority described as “high-end,” giving renters more room and updated features than many other metros. At the same time, the overall cost of living sits at 7.1% below the national average, making Jacksonville one of Florida’s most budget-friendly large cities for those seeking both comfort and value.
The economic picture adds to that appeal as Jacksonville posted a 1.4% job growth rate last year, with renter incomes climbing nearly 30% over the past five years. Business activity is robust, too, with 259 new applications per 10,000 residents — a signal that opportunity is expanding.
Lifestyle factors are also part of the draw. More than a third of apartments in Jacksonville are in top-rated locations near parks, transit and shopping, offering convenience alongside access to the natural amenities that define the region.
Commutes can still be a challenge, with about 35% of residents traveling more than half an hour to work, but the tradeoff for space and affordability continues to make the city attractive to newcomers.
Jacksonville’s momentum has been fueled in part by a building boom. Last year the metro delivered 8,248 new apartments, and that record-setting pace is projected to cool only slightly with 5,040 units expected to open.
Nationally, the slowdown is part of a broader trend, but the South continues to dominate rental construction with ore than half of all new apartments expected this year opening in the region and Texas and Florida together accounting for nearly 30% of the national total.
As Jacksonville grows, its challenge will be to keep the balance that made it climb the national rankings — offering affordability and space without losing the momentum that has made it one of Florida’s most appealing rental markets.
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