Scottsdale Among Top U.S. Cities For Spacious Rentals — But Expect To Pay For It

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale renters are getting some of the most square footage of any major city in the country, but the lifestyle comes at a price.

A new analysis by Rentometer, based on nearly 650,000 single-family rental listings from 2025, ranks Scottsdale among the top large U.S. cities for rental home size, with a median of just under 2,000 square feet.

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That puts it in elite company alongside Irvine, California and Plano, Texas, at the top of the national rankings.

The catch is the rent. At a median of $3,500 per month, Scottsdale is one of the priciest rental markets outside of California, a reflection of strong demand driven by its upscale neighborhoods, resort-style amenities and year-round appeal that draws residents from across the country.

For context, nearby cities in the Valley offer a notably different equation. Gilbert renters get a median of 1,874 square feet at around $2,285 per month, and Chandler comes in at 1,837 square feet for about $2,335.

Both cities offer spacious homes by national standards, just without the Scottsdale premium.

The broader trend driving demand for larger rentals nationally is playing out in Scottsdale as well. Hybrid and remote work have made home office space increasingly essential, and Millennials entering family-forming life stages are pushing demand for extra bedrooms.

Single-family rentals have become an appealing middle ground for people who want the space and neighborhood feel of homeownership without the financial commitment of buying.

Arizona as a whole benefits from the regional trend. Nevada, Utah and Colorado dominate the national rankings for rental square footage, all products of newer construction cycles where larger, open-concept floor plans have become standard.

Arizona's Sun Belt cities have followed a similar pattern, giving renters in the Phoenix metro consistently more space than they would find in older coastal or Midwestern markets.

For renters who want maximum space at a more accessible price point, the data suggests the surrounding Valley cities deliver strong value. But for those prioritizing lifestyle alongside square footage, Scottsdale remains one of the few large U.S. cities where both are available in the same package.