Looking for your next great adventure? Short-term renting can be a great way to travel around. Remote work makes it possible to make a living from anywhere in the world, and retirees have the time to take extended vacations. Moving to a new place for a few months allows you to explore the city like a local, and signing a short-term lease can be much more cost-effective than a hotel or vacation rental.
What Is a Short-Term Lease?
A short-term lease is a rental agreement for less than six months. Short-term leases can either be fixed-term or month-to-month; fixed-term leases specify a start and end date, while month-to-month leases require a notice of renewal each month.
Is short-term renting a good idea?
Short-term renting can be a great idea for renters who want to try living in a city before committing to a year-long lease, and it’s growing increasingly popular among digital nomads and retirees who want to explore different cities for more than just a week. Living in a rental for a few months gives you more flexibility to explore new cities, make new friends, and experience new places like a local.
While a nomadic lifestyle can be a great way to see new places, it’s a lot of work. You constantly have to be on the lookout for a rental in your next destination, and you need to pack light. Short-term rentals are also typically more expensive than long-term rentals, so you’ll have to budget more effectively to get the most out of your experience.
Where Should I Live Next?
If you’re interested in a nomadic lifestyle, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to live short-term based on renter preferences and the number of short-term rentals available.
The 10 best cities for short-term renting in 2025 are:
- Asheville, NC
- Austin, TX
- Baltimore, MD
- Burlington, VT
- Chicago, IL
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Portland, OR
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Tucson, AZ
Asheville, NC
Explore trendy breweries in Asheville! A hub for artists and entrepreneurs alike, this artsy town in western North Carolina is unlike any other.
Asheville is still recovering from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, but the city’s community is stronger than ever. Local businesses in Downtown Asheville are up and running, and the Blue Ridge Mountains still offer breathtaking views.
Things to do in Asheville
Tour the Biltmore Estate, the largest mansion in the United States, or stop by Grove Arcade for a shopping day. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer numerous hiking trails, and you can cool off from a day outdoors at one of the city’s many breweries.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 1,228 short-term rentals in Asheville. Downtown Asheville, East End, and West Asheville stand out as hotspots for short-term rentals. These neighborhoods offer proximity to cafes, coworking spaces, and public transportation.
Getting around
Asheville Rides Transit (ART) buses service all of Asheville, especially the downtown area. Several popular breweries are only a short walk from the ART station, where all bus routes lead. The North Routes will take you to Grove Arcade, the Asheville Art Museum, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, and restaurants on Biltmore Avenue. For travel outside the city, the 170 Route will take you to the town of Black Mountain, and the S3 Route will take you to the Asheville Regional Airport.
Budget for your stay
Asheville’s cost of living is only 0.1% higher than the national average rent of $1,625/month, with groceries and transportation lower than the national average. The average rent in Asheville is $1,500/month, but keep in mind that short-term rentals are typically more expensive than long-term rentals.
Austin, TX
Explore Austin, the capital of the Lone Star State! Austin’s not your typical Texas city—it’s more similar to funky cities like Portland, Oregon, and Asheville, North Carolina. If you’re looking for warm weather, live music, and an energetic college town feel, Austin’s the place for you.
Things to do in Austin
Residents love to kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake and bar hop down Rainey Street. The city is famous for barbeque and Tex-Mex; there’s a new place to try around every corner. There’s live music everywhere in Austin, earning it the title of “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 7,605 short-term rentals in Austin. Downtown Austin, East Downtown, and SoCo offer plenty of short-term rentals to choose from, as well as digital nomad-friendly spots like cafes and coworking spaces. These neighborhoods also offer proximity to nightlife and trails along the Colorado River.
Getting around
Downtown Austin is a walkable area, so you can explore the city’s museums, restaurants, and live music venues without bothering with a car. If you prefer to live on the outskirts of Austin, all public transit will lead you to Downtown Austin. For the quickest travel, the CapMetro Rail makes several stops in Austin, like the Highland and East MLK neighborhoods, on its way from Leander to Downtown Austin.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in Austin is 1.9% lower than the national average. The average rent in Austin is $1,433/month, about 12% lower than the national average. Despite being the state capital and one of the most sought-after cities in Texas, Austin’s average rent is only 14% higher than the Texas' average rent of $1,257/month.
Baltimore, MD
Live in the middle of American history in Baltimore, MD! Baltimore is a coastal city along Chesapeake Bay just a short drive to Washington, D.C. There’s plenty to do within the city, and it’s easy to head to D.C. to visit the must-see sites.
Things to do in Baltimore
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, and American Visionary Art Museum all exhibit various art styles, and the National Aquarium at Inner Harbor is a must-see. Visit Fort McHenry, a national monument commemorating the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” For a great meal, head to Fells Point, a historic waterfront neighborhood popular for its shopping and dining options.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 2,071 short-term rentals in Baltimore. Historic Baltimore, Federal Hill, Fells Point, and Mount Vernon stand out for the number of short-term rentals available and their proximity to landmarks and nightlife. The charming historic streets in these neighborhoods make for great photo ops, and the walkable streets make it easy to explore the area.
Getting around
You can go anywhere in Baltimore solely using public transportation. Both the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland offer extensive bus services in Baltimore, but residents find the MTA light rail, subway, and MARC commuter rail most reliable.
If you want to visit Washington, D.C., you have a few options. If you prefer to drive, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway will take you to Washington, D.C. in about an hour, depending on traffic. If you prefer to take public transportation, the MARC Penn-Washington and Camden-Washington lines will take you directly to Union Station in the heart of D.C.
The heart of the city is also walkable and bikeable, and electric scooters and bikes are available to rent throughout the city.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in Baltimore is 0.8% higher than the national average. The average rent in Baltimore is $1,485/month, about 9% lower than the national average. This makes Baltimore a relatively affordable metro area, especially compared to Washington, D.C.
Burlington, VT
If you’re dreaming about quiet New England living, Burlington, VT, is the place for you. Burlington has everything you need to enjoy the best of Vermont, from hiking trails to maple farms.
Things to do in Burlington
Church Street Marketplace is the place to go for shopping, dining, and community events. If you’re looking for an outdoor escape, locals love hiking Eagle Mountain or kayaking on Lake Champlain. Stop by the Burlington Farmers Market every Saturday to stock up on produce for the week.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 55 short-term rentals in Burlington. South End is the place to be, with quiet streets and stunning views of Lake Champlain. This area is close to the activity around Church Street Marketplace and the Burlington Farmers Market, but its location off the beaten path makes it the perfect place for retirees or remote workers looking for a peaceful experience.
Getting around
Burlington is fairly walkable and bikeable, especially closer to Downtown Burlington. Green Mountain Transit buses connect all of Burlington, making it easy for residents who live in neighborhoods outside of downtown to get to Church Street Marketplace without worrying about parking.
For travel outside the city, the Amtrak Ethan Allen Express starts in Burlington and ends in New York City, and the Amtrak Vermonter line stops in Essex Junction nearby.
Budget for your stay
Burlington is one of the most expensive cities in Vermont, and the cost of living in Burlington is 15.3% higher than the national average. The average rent in Burlington is $2,068/month, 27% higher than the national average.
Chicago, IL
As one of the most populous cities in the U.S., the opportunities are endless in Chicago. Walkable streets and extensive public transit let you live out your big-city dreams, and a diverse population means there’s a community for everyone.
Things to do in Chicago
The Bean at Millennium Park and Skydeck at Willis Tower are two great photo ops, and Navy Pier has rides and games for everyone. Spend a day at Magnificent Mile, the city’s commercial district known for its amazing shopping and dining options, attend a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, or see the White Sox play at Rate Field. If you prefer to eat your way through Chicago, make sure you try deep-dish pizza and Italian beef!
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 3,914 short-term rentals in Chicago. River North, West Loop, and South Loop are three great neighborhoods for short-term renters. Nightlife, public transit, and amazing restaurants around every turn will make a few months in Chicago unforgettable.
Getting around
Chicago has one of the best public transportation systems in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. The city’s subway system is extensive, and stations are located within walking distance of major attractions.
The Red Line will take you to Lincoln Park, Wrigley Field, and Rate Field. The Pink, Orange, Green, and Brown Lines will take you to Grant Park, within which you can visit the Art Institute of Chicago, The Bean at Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Chicago Lakefront Trail. The Blue Line runs from Forest Park to Chicago-O’Hare International Airport and makes stops throughout Downtown Chicago.
For a slice of Chicago culinary history, take the Green Line to the Cottage Grove station for a meal at Daley’s Restaurant, a diner that opened in 1892. The Berghoff Restaurant is the second-oldest restaurant in Chicago, dating back to 1898, and is within walking distance of the Red and Blue Lines’ stops at the Monroe Station.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in Chicago is 14.4% higher than the national average. The average rent in Chicago is $1,949/month, about 20% higher than the national average. Chicago is a relatively expensive city to live in, but it’s much more affordable than other major cities.
New Orleans, LA
Get your fill of Creole culture in New Orleans! Living in NOLA for a few months can introduce you to stunning architecture, diverse communities, and amazing food…if you can handle spice.
Things to do in New Orleans
Visit a music club along Frenchmen Street for live jazz music, or bar hop down Bourbon Street to experience some great nightlife. If you like ghost stories, tour the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to learn about NOLA’s history, folklore, and superstitions. Enjoy beignets and a café au lait at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter and a classic Cajun crawfish boil at one of the city’s numerous seafood restaurants.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 770 short-term rentals in New Orleans. Waterfront neighborhoods like the Lower Garden District, the Warehouse District, New Orleans CBD, and the French Quarter are the best places to be to experience NOLA for a few months. The best restaurants and jazz clubs are all within walking distance, giving nomadic renters a crash course in NOLA culture.
Getting around
Buses and streetcars run throughout the city, but residents find that walking and biking are more efficient. The city’s attractions are concentrated along the north side of the Mississippi River, and residents can get from the Lower Garden District to Frenchmen Street in 15 minutes on a bike.
The Blue Bikes Nola program stations rental bikes throughout the city, encouraging healthy and sustainable lifestyles while relieving traffic and making it easier to travel throughout New Orleans.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in New Orleans is 11.8% higher than the national average, with goods and services costing more than other cities. The average rent in New Orleans is $1,297/month, making it an affordable option for renters seeking a rich cultural experience.
New York, NY
Need to scratch that New York City itch? Try living in the Big Apple for a month or two! Short-term rentals in NYC let you live the big city life without putting down roots. Shop at bodegas, take the subway, and live like a local in New York City.
Things to do in New York
New York has so much to offer, you’d be hard pressed not to find something that appeals to you.
Before anything else, make sure you hit the major spots: walk around Times Square at night, ascend the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty to get a view of the entire city, explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Museum Mile, and see a Broadway show.
If you prefer to explore off the beaten path, dine underground at the 50th Street subway station’s pizzeria, or enjoy a coffee or cocktail at the other two spots at the station. Stop by the Brooklyn Flea Market, an open-air market in DUMBO each weekend where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures. Tour the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Downtown Manhattan.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 2,535 short-term rentals in New York. Manhattan and Brooklyn are the best boroughs to live in short-term thanks to the plethora of available rentals and coworking spaces.
In Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan and the West Village will put you close to everything in the city. If Brooklyn is more your speed, Downtown Brooklyn and Williamsburg are great places to experience the borough’s charm.
Getting around
New York has the best public transportation in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. Most New Yorkers get around by walking and taking the subway.
Get to Central Park’s north entrance on the 2 and 3 trains or the American Museum of Natural History at Theodore Roosevelt Park on the C train. The 6 train will take you within a few blocks of Museum Mile, where you can visit the Jewish Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Met. The D and F trains will take you to Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, and several different trains stop at Times Square.
The main subway system extends to Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The F train places you within a 5-minute walk to the Brooklyn Flea Market on Pearl Street, and the Q and S trains make multiple stops at Prospect Park. Get to Yankee Stadium in Queens on the 4 train or the New York Botanical Garden on the 2 train.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in New York is 129.6% higher than the national average, and New York’s average rent of $3,991/month is 145% higher than the national average. New York is an expensive city to live in, but there are plenty of cheap short-term rentals in New York that can help you stay within a budget.
Portland, OR
Enjoy the Pacific Northwest in Portland, Oregon, a city just south of the U.S.-Canada border. The surrounding mountains and lakes offer endless opportunities for nature lovers, and the city’s downtown area is perfect for the cosmopolitan renter.
Things to do in Portland
Spend a day at Washington Park, where you can stop and smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden and Hoyt Arboretum or experience the Portland Japanese Garden and the Oregon Zoo.
Stop and smell the roses at the or experience the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. Visit the Portland Saturday Market to find your new favorite local artist or restaurant. Fill your bookshelf at Powell’s City of Books, a four-story bookstore on an entire block in Downtown Portland.
For the perfect photo op, ride the Portland Aerial Tram. The tram takes you 500 feet in the air and gives you panoramic views of the Willamette River, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and all of Portland.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are1,642 short-term rentals in Portland. All the city’s activity is concentrated in Downtown Portland and Southeast Portland, and living in a short-term rental in these areas allows renters to explore Portland’s arts scene and nightlife backdropped with the Willamette River.
Getting around
The TriMet transportation system services all of Portland, and the MAX Light Rail is the quickest way to travel around the city.
The MAX Blue and Red Lines stop at Washington Park, within which you can visit the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the International Rose Test Garden. The MAX Blue and Red Lines also stop in Old Town-Chinatown, placing you a 5-minute walk to Lan Su Chinese Garden. Take the MAX Yellow or Green Line to the SW 6th & Madison station to get to the Portland Art Museum, or stop at the SW 6th & Pine station to get to Powell’s City of Books.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in Portland is 19.4% higher than the national average, with groceries, transportation, and goods and services costing more here than other cities in the U.S. The average rent in Portland is $1,524/month, slightly below the national average rent of $1,625/month.
St. Petersburg, FL
Just outside of Tampa is St. Petersburg, a beach city between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. With a walkable downtown area, colorful cottages, and miles of sandy beaches, St. Petersburg is the perfect place to soak up the sun.
Things to do in St. Petersburg
See iconic surrealist art at the Salvador Dalí Museum and walk through the blown glass exhibits at the Chihuly Collection within the Morean Arts Center. Window shop in Downtown St. Petersburg or spend a day sunbathing at St. Pete Beach.
Baseball fans will enjoy watching the New York Yankees’ spring training at Steinbrenner Field, and the stadium currently hosts the Tampa Bay Rays as well. Tropicana Field is currently undergoing repairs from Hurricane Milton, but the Rays will return to their permanent home in 2026.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 729 short-term rentals in St. Petersburg. Downtown St. Petersburg is the heart of the city, and nightlife along Central Avenue is something you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for a more peaceful beachside experience, Bayview and Pinellas Point are the areas with stunning waterfront views. If you can’t decide between the city center and the beach, Westminster Heights is about equidistant to Downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach.
Getting around
The SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit is the quickest mode of public transportation in St. Petersburg. The SunRunner starts at St. Pete Beach and ends at the USF St. Petersburg campus along Tampa Bay. The SunRunner makes multiple stops in Downtown St. Petersburg, placing passengers just a few blocks from the Chihuly Collection and great nightlife. Once Tropicana Field reopens, residents will be able to take the SunRunner to 1st Ave S and 13th Street S.
In addition to the SunRunner, St. Petersburg also has bike rentals and electric scooter rentals throughout the city, making it easy to travel around the St. Petersburg while enjoying the Florida sun.
Budget for your stay
The average rent in St. Petersburg is $1,767/month, about 9% higher than the national average. However, there are plenty of cheap short-term rentals in St. Petersburg that will leave more room for you to explore the city.
Tucson, AZ
Live out your Southwestern dreams in Tucson, Arizona! This metropolitan city is a valley in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, located in the southern part of Arizona. With mountain ranges surrounding the city, residents have unlimited access to hiking trails and breathtaking vistas.
Things to do in Tucson
Tucson is a hiker’s paradise—Catalina State Park and Sabino Canyon Recreation Area are two favorites among outdoorsy residents. See the saguaro cacti at Saguaro National Park, and head to Gates Pass or Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway for breathtaking mountain views.
Experience Arizona history at Mission San Xavier del Bac, a Spanish Catholic church established in 1692, or the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Walk through Tohono Chul or the Tucson Botanical Gardens, two botanical gardens exhibiting native plants.
Best neighborhoods for short-term renters
As of May 2025, there are 2,739 short-term rentals in Tucson. Downtown Tucson and Ward 2 both offer plenty of cafes and coworking spaces where you can work remotely while enjoying mountain views, and short-term rentals in these areas offer a cozy retreat while you experience all the city has to offer.
Getting around
Tucson’s Sun Tran system is free and easy to use. There are several Sun Tran bus routes that service Downtown Tucson, and the Sun Link Streetcar makes multiple stops throughout the downtown area. Sun Tran Route 9 takes passengers to the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Sun Shuttle Route 440 connects Ward 5 to Mission San Xavier del Bac.
The city has also been making concerted efforts to improve Tucson’s bikeway and walkway networks to encourage sustainable modes of transportation. Tucson’s gridded streets make it easy to navigate, and including more bike lanes and sidewalks will make it even more pedestrian friendly.
Budget for your stay
The cost of living in Tucson is 3.6% higher than the national average, but housing here is significantly cheaper than average. The average rent in Tucson is $1,006/month, making it an affordable option for a short-term adventure.
Find a Short-Term Rental with Apartments.com
Apartments.com has the tools to help you find a rental house easily while you tour the country. Navigate housing across cities and neighborhoods with our customized search engine. Once you find the perfect location, narrow the search by selecting “Short-Term” and a lease length under the “Additional Specialties” section of the filters popup.
Wherever your journey takes you, find the perfect place with Apartments.com.
Data provided by CoStar Group’s May 2025 reports.
