Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

These Are the 2 States to Avoid If You're A Millennial Renter, According to a New Report A new study by FilterBuy examined the renter wage gap for millennials in the largest U.S. metro areas -- and two states stood out.

By Emily Rella

Getty Images
Getty Images

A common complaint about millennials and their spending habits is that many tend to live beyond their means, focusing on spending versus saving and having an aptitude towards renting instead of purchasing a property.

But as real estate in major cities becomes more and more unaffordable, the gap between the median price of a one-bedroom apartment and the necessary salary in order to afford one is growing larger — in some cities, even too large to fathom.

A new study by FilterBuy examined major U.S. metros and the renter wage gap among millennial renters, who constitute the largest portion of renters in the country. Millennials in this study are those currently in the age range of 26-41.

The study examined in each metro the median millennial renter salary, the median price of a one-bedroom apartment, and the annual salary a millennial would need to make to afford that 1-bedroom, and then determined the millennial renter wage gap.

The results were predictably frightening, especially for millennials hoping to make moves to California or Florida.

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA had the largest millennial renter wage gap coming in at -49.5%, where a salary of $72,560 would be needed to afford an apartment at the median price of $1,814. Of renters in the area, 36% are millennials.

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL came in second, with a -40% wage gap where the median millennial renter salary is $31,414, yet the salary needed to afford a median-priced one-bedroom is $52,320.

San Diego-Carlsbad, CA came in third, followed by Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA round out the top six.

Though it might seem unsurprising that the NYC metro didn't crack the top five, it's to be noted that the median salary of a millennial worker in the area is higher than many others on the list.

The metro with the highest median price for a one-bedroom was in the No. 7 ranked San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA where it'll cost you a whopping $2,663 for a humble abode.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business Culture

How to Foster a Strong Culture With a Remote or International Workforce

A strong culture requires an intentional approach when teams aren't in the office.

Leadership

How a $10,000 Investment in AI Transformed My Career and Business Strategy

A bold $10,000 investment in AI and machine learning education fundamentally transformed my career and business strategy. Here's how adaption in the ever-evolving realm of AI — with the right investment in education, personal growth and business innovation — can transform your business.

Growing a Business

I Exited My Company in Just 7 Years — Here's 3 Things You Need to Do to Have a Successful Exit

Discover the 3 crucial factors you need to know to ensure a successful exit.

Leadership

How to Break Free From the Cycle of Overthinking and Master Your Mind

Discover the true cost of negative thought loops — and practical strategies for nipping rumination in the bud.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Leadership

Want to Enhance Your Influence as a Startup Leader? Here's What You Need to Know.

Discover the foundational influence styles of "pushers" and "pullers," and learn practical tactics to refine your natural influencing approach. Enhance your performance in startup environments by adopting the most effective elements of both styles.