NYC is one of the least pet-friendly places to rent: report
Owning a pet in New York City can be a costly affair for renters. According to a study by RentCafe, the total pet-related spending in the US reached $152 billion in 2024, with 94 million households owning at least one pet. The study ranked the most pet-friendly cities for budget-conscious renters, taking into account the availability of pet-friendly apartments and the cost of adding pets to the lease.
New York City, known for its pampered pets and pet-friendly amenities, ranked seventh in the Northeast region for pet friendliness in rental housing. The average cost of pet deposits and extra fees paid by NYC renters amounted to $822.92, almost $300 higher than the national average. Jersey City came in close with a staggering $900 in rental pet fees.
Despite the high costs, New York City residents are willing to pay for their furry companions. The average pet rent in the city is $64.42 per month, which is almost equivalent to the cost of a monthly subway pass for commuters. However, with 75% of available rentals in the city identified as pet-friendly, pet owners have plenty of housing options to choose from.
In comparison to other US cities, New Yorkers pay more in pet rent and fees. The national average for pet rent is around $35, with refundable pet deposits averaging just over $300 and nonrefundable pet fees averaging $315. Southern and Midwestern metros are particularly welcoming to renters with pets, with pet-friendly rental stock shares of approximately 83%.
For pet owners looking for the most pet-friendly cities, Oak Park, Illinois, stands out as a paradise for pet lovers. With low average fees of $250 and a 95.51% share of welcoming apartments, Oak Park earned the highest pet-friendly score in the study. Fargo, North Dakota, and Decatur, Georgia, followed closely behind in second and third place.
Overall, while owning a pet in New York City may come at a premium, the city offers a wide range of pet-friendly housing options for renters. With the majority of rentals accommodating pets, residents can enjoy the company of their four-legged friends in the bustling metropolis.
