The sad truth, however, is that it'll go a lot farther in some cities than others. A one-bedroom apartment in New York City, for instance, goes for about $2,000 more than the same-sized apartment in Dallas.
With the help of real-estate marketplace Zumper and its December national rent report, we've compiled a sampling of one-bedroom listings in the 20 most expensive markets in the US.
Each listing is within $100 of the respective city's median rental price.
20. AUSTIN, TEXAS: Luxury one-bedroom apartments are available at The District at Soco for just over $1,100.
Rent: $1,166/month
Neighborhood: South Congress
Each unit features a gourmet kitchen with a built-in island countertop, a dishwasher, and stainless-steel appliances.
19. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: This updated apartment is just three blocks from Lake Calhoun.
Rent: $1,145/month
Neighborhood: Cedar Isles
This apartment building has laundry rooms on every floor and a brand-new fitness center with a sauna and indoor pool. The units feature a spacious bedroom and bathroom.
18. DALLAS, TEXAS: Rent a one-bedroom in a gated community with a fitness center, clubhouse, and pool for less than $1,200 a month.
Rent: $1,175/month
Neighborhood: Deep Ellum District
These units have contemporary finishes, custom kitchens, and in-unit washer-dryer connections. The surrounding community is home to Baylor students and young professionals.
17. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA: For $1,200 a month, you can rent this fourth-floor condo in the city's downtown area.
Rent: $1,200/month
Neighborhood: Downtown Long Beach
This unit has one bedroom, plus a built-in Murphy bed in the living room. The green-tiled kitchen, however, could probably use some renovating.
16. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: This quirky lofted one-bedroom goes for just over $1,200 a month.
Rent: $1,270/month
Neighborhood: Washington Square
The kitchen is small, but the lofted bedroom space makes up for it. There are wood floors throughout, plus a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace.
15. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: One-bedroom units in a renovated Victorian row home rent for just over $1,200 a month.
Rent: $1,250/month
Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon/Penn Station
In the building's entryway, there's a grand staircase and a marble fireplace. All units boast laundry machines, keyless entry, and bathrooms featuring a rain-head shower, heated floors, and designer light fixtures.
14. ATLANTA, GEORGIA: In downtown Atlanta, you can rent a 19th-floor apartment with a stunning skyline view for about $1,400 a month.
Rent: $1,380/month
Neighborhood: Downtown
The kitchen and living room are one in this open-floor apartment located near the highway.
13. DENVER, COLORADO: The historic Norman Building offers up a retro-looking one-bedroom with mountain views for under $1,400 a month.
Rent: $1,350/month
Neighborhood: Washington Park
The small kitchen has checkered floors and red walls with tons of cabinet space. There's crown molding throughout.
12. PORTLAND, OREGON: For just under $1,400 a month, you can rent a house with a garage and a large, unfinished basement.
Rent: $1,395/month
Neighborhood: Bridlemile
This 700-square-foot house is outdated but charming, with hardwood floors, large windows, and even an eating nook in the kitchen.
11. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: You can get a 660-square-foot apartment in sunny San Diego for less than $1,600 a month.
Rent: $1,595/month
Neighborhood: North Park
While it's not the hippest place you can live in San Diego, North Park is on a path to revitalization. Plus, the apartment's living room is spacious, and the bathroom and kitchen are modern with all-black cabinetry.
10. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: You can rent one-bedroom units in the Sidney, a 15-year-old building located in the city's most densely populated neighborhood, for just under $1,700 a month.
Rent: $1,695/month
Neighborhood: Belltown
The complex boasts charming courtyards and frequent social events, and the apartments are unique. Tenants have the option of adding hardwood floors for an extra $100 a month.
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9. MIAMI, FLORIDA: You can rent this completely remodeled apartment with ocean and city views for just under $2,000.
Rent: $1,900/month
Neighborhood: Brickell
Save for the awkward fridge placement in the granite countertop kitchen, this unit is pretty nice, with wood floors and in-unit laundry.
8. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: You can rent an apartment for under $2,000 on a palm-tree-lined street near Beverly Hills.
Rent: $1,850/month
Neighborhood: Mid-city
The apartment seems to have an awkward layout, but the kitchen has a dishwasher, and there's a private balcony.
7. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: This bright one-bedroom located in the heart of the theater and financial district is available for just $2,000 a month.
Rent: $2,000/month
Neighborhood: The Loop
This doorman building is full of 24-hour amenities, like a massage-therapy room, fitness center, media and game rooms, and even a library.
6. SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA: This bright and spacious one-bedroom condo is available for slightly over $2,000 a month and is minutes from Cambrian Park.
Rent: $2,195/month
Neighborhood: Cambrian area
There's tons of counter space in the kitchen, a spacious balcony, and a pool in the complex.
5. WASHINGTON, D.C.: You can rent this one-bedroom in a building with a rooftop pool and grill for $2,150 a month.
Rent: $2,150/month
Neighborhood: Dupont Circle
The kitchen is a bit outdated, but the apartment is cozy and has brand-new flooring throughout. The building has a nice entry and a 24-hour front-desk attendant.
4. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: For just over $2,000 a month, you can get this condo with a private balcony and a gated garage parking spot.
Rent: $2,095/month
Neighborhood: Oakland Ave.
There's a laundry room on every floor, and building amenities include a swimming pool and clubhouse.
3. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: You can get this garden level one-bedroom for just under $2,400 a month, including the cost of air conditioning, heat, and water.
Rent: $2,350/month
Neighborhood: Back Bay
Located in a newly renovated brownstone, this unit has oak-wood floors, stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and full-closet shelving done by California Closets.
2. NEW YORK, NEW YORK: In the second-most expensive rental market in the country, you can get this laundry-less, dishwasher-less one-bedroom for $3,200 a month.
Rent: $3,200/month
Neighborhood: West Village
This corner unit in a newly renovated building has a small kitchen, but the appliances and cabinets are newly replaced.
1. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: For about $3,500 a month, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood, sometimes known as "Stroller Town" for its high number of young families.
Rent: $3,495/month
Neighborhood: Noe Valley
There is hardwood flooring, in-unit laundry, and a newly remodeled kitchen with stainless-steel appliances.
