PHOENIX, AZ — If you're renting in the Phoenix metro, odds are you're in one of the country's best places to do it. A new national study also comes as Valley rents continue to ease.
WalletHub's 2026 Best Cities for Renters report ranked four Valley cities among the top 10 out of 182 cities nationwide.
Scottsdale took the No. 1 spot overall, followed by Gilbert at No. 2, Chandler at No. 3 and Peoria at No. 6. Phoenix itself ranked No. 19, making the metro one of the nation's strongest markets for renters.
The rankings are based on 21 measures of rental attractiveness and quality of life, including affordability, cost of living, job market, recreation and weather.
WalletHub collected data for the study as of June 9, 2026, and released the report this week.
Phoenix ranked 39th for rental market and affordability and 27th for quality of life. Scottsdale's first-place finish was driven largely by its No. 1 quality-of-life ranking, along with top marks for its job market and driving environment.
Separate rental data also points to an improving market for tenants. The median asking rent in the Phoenix area fell to $1,442 in May 2026, down 4% from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com. Zillow estimates the average rent across all home sizes and property types in Phoenix at $1,865, down $114 year over year.
The combination of easing rents and strong national rankings could be welcome news for renters after several years of rising housing costs.
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