The Hottest and Coldest Cities in the US

Some people dream of year-round sunshine. Others want snow piled so high it practically doubles as holiday decor. And then there are the cities that said, “Why not turn the thermostat all the way up… or all the way down?” Whether you’re craving triple-digit summers or winters that make your eyelashes freeze together, the U.S has a city for every climate personality type. 

From Arizona heat that can melt your steering wheel into modern art to Alaskan cold snaps that sound genuinely made up, these cities are home to some of the most extreme temperatures in the country. But surprisingly? People still love living there. Because once you’ve got the right apartment setup, even the wildest weather can start to feel cozy. 

So whether you’re chasing sunshine, escaping humidity, or trying to become the type of person who casually says, “Oh, it’s only negative 20 today,” here are the hottest and coldest cities in the U.S. — plus what it actually costs to live in these climate extremes. 

The Hottest Cities in the U.S. 

1. Phoenix, Arizona

• Record high in 2025–2026: 118°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 78°F 

Phoenix doesn’t do “warm.” Instead, it commits to heat like it signed a contract with the sun. Summers regularly climb well into triple digits, and locals have mastered the art of making the most out of the climate. 

Still, renters flock here for the endless sunshine, desert scenery, and surprisingly active lifestyle scene. From hiking at Camelback Mountain or visiting one of the 160 golf clubs in the region, it’s a premier destination regardless of whether you like the hot or cold. Just don’t touch your car’s seatbelt buckle in July unless you enjoy small acts of chaos. 

2. Palm Springs, California 

• Record high in 2025–2026: 120°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 76°F 

Palm Springs makes the extreme heat feel glamorous. Mid-century homes, resort pools, mountain views, and endless sunshine help make the heat worthwhile. Palm Springs is a premier Southern California oasis that is known for the San Jacinto Mountains, upscale dining and shopping scene, and its proximity to the popular Coachella music festival. Residents lean hard into indoor-outdoor living here, with pools, shaded patios, and strong AC systems functioning as survival tools. 

3. Yuma, Arizona 

• Record high in 2025–2026: 116°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 76°F 

Here are a couple of fun facts you didn’t know about Yuma: it is known as the Winter Vegetable Capital of the World (it produces 90% of U.S leafy greens from November to March), and it also holds the Guinness World Record for the Sunniest City on Earth. The reason it possesses that accolade is because the heat never takes a day off. Winters are gorgeous in Yuma, though, which makes it a magnet for snowbirds and renters looking to trade icy sidewalks for sandals year-round. 

4. Tucson, Arizona 

• Record high in 2025–2026: 113°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 73°F 

Tucson had its second warmest year on record in 2025, along with its 12th driest year on record. The city’s desert climate means scorching summers, dramatic sunsets, and monsoon storms. The upside? Incredible hiking, stunning mountain views, and winters that make the rest of the country deeply jealous. 

5. El Paso, Texas 

• Record high in 2025–2026: 109°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 55°F 

El Paso saw a true year of extremes in 2025, with dramatic temperature swings throughout the year. Located along the western tip of Texas, the city blends desert heat with mountain views and a lower cost of living than many other major warm-weather destinations. El Paso may be hard to reach from a major airport standpoint, but that only makes it feel more like a hidden Texan gem. It is home to over 100 miles of hiking and scenic views, Tex-Mex delights, and a deep, shared history with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico — which is only about a 25-minute drive away! 

The Coldest Cities in the U.S. 

1. Fairbanks, Alaska 

• Record low in 2025–2026: -49°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 31°F 

Fairbanks takes winter seriously. In March 2026, temperatures plunged to -49°F, kicking off nearly two straight weeks not apt for the faint of heart. During that time, temperatures hovered between -46°F and -41°F. It’s almost satire that it’s situated only a few minutes away from a town called North Pole! 

Residents here are built differently due to the climate, and they stay because of what Fairbanks has to offer. Fairbanks offers an incredible view of northern lights, outdoor adventure year-round, and a community that treats block heaters like basic household necessities. 

2. Bismarck, North Dakota 

• Record low in 2025–2026: -39°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 44°F 

Bismarck winters are cold enough to make you know that layering isn’t a choice; it’s a lifestyle. However, as North Dakota’s capital, Bismarck shines for its outdoor recreation and museums. Also, its capitol building is not only a major employer, but it’s also known as the “Skyscraper on the Prairie,” which lets potential renters know that Bismarck strikes a rare balance between urban life and nature.  

3. Watertown, New York 

• Record low in 2025–2026: -34°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 51°F 

Located near Lake Ontario, Watertown gets hit with serious lake-effect snow in addition to brutal winter temperatures. Still, renters who love cozy winters, outdoor recreation, and a slower-paced lifestyle often find the area worth every icy commute. A true highlight of this city is the Black River, which runs through the town and is known for exciting whitewater kayaking.  

4. Minot, North Dakota 

• Record low in 2025-2026: -33°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 41°F 

Minot experiences long, intensely cold winters where wind chill becomes part of everyday conversation. Residents rely on heavy-duty heating systems and garages. The tradeoff is locals get to enjoy the North Dakota State Fair right in the heart of town and everything its Scandinavian roots have to offer. 

5. Butte, Montana 

• Record low in 2025–2026: -31°F 

• Average temperature in 2025: 41°F 

Butte combines mountain-town charm with winters that absolutely do not mess around. Snowfall, icy mornings, and freezing overnight lows are all part of the package. Fortunately, cozy apartments, mountain scenery, and strong local community vibes help balance things out. Additionally, Butte locals enjoy its rich history. In its heyday, Butte produced over 25% of the world’s copper. It was known as “The Richest Hill on Earth” due to its late-19th century copper, gold, and silver mining hubs. 

What It Costs to Live in the Hottest and Coldest Cities in the US

Living somewhere extremely hot or cold often comes with utility bills that reflect local needs. Hot-weather cities like Phoenix and Palm Springs usually see higher summer electricity costs thanks to near-constant AC use. Rent prices can also climb in popular sunbelt destinations where demand stays high year-round. 

Cold-weather cities, meanwhile, often deal with steep heating costs during winter months. Gas, oil, or electric heat can add up quickly when temperatures stay below freezing for weeks at a time. However, rent prices tend to stay low and stable when compared to the rest of the country. 

The good news is that no matter the price fluctuation, all cities with weather extremes are below the national average rent as of May 2026. Here’s how the hottest and coldest cities in the U.S generally compare to national averages when it comes to rent: 

Apartment Features That Matter in Hot vs. Cold Cities 

Best Apartment Features for Hot Cities 

• Central air conditioning  

• Ceiling fans  

• Smart thermostats  

• Pools or cooling amenities  

• Shaded parking or covered garages  

• Energy-efficient windows  

• Good insulation to keep cool air inside  

In hot climates, your AC unit quickly becomes less of an appliance and more of a trusted companion. 

Best Apartment Features for Cold Cities 

• Reliable heating systems (forced air or radiator heat)  

• Double-pane windows  

• Covered parking or garages  

• Mudrooms or entry storage for winter gear  

• In-unit laundry  

• Thick insulation  

There’s something deeply luxurious about not having to haul laundry through a snowstorm. 

Hot vs. Cold and Renters Insurance Needs 

Extreme weather can also affect what renters should look for in a renters insurance policy. 

Risks in Cold Cities 

• Burst pipes during freezing temperatures  

• Fire risks from space heaters  

• Ice damage and winter-related water leaks  

Risks in Hot or Humid Cities 

• Water damage from storms or flooding  

• Mold growth in humid climates  

• Heat-related appliance strain  

Before signing a lease, it’s worth checking what your renters insurance policy covers. With that knowledge, you’ll learn whether weather-related damage common to the area should be a financial worry. 

Hot and Cold About Your Next Place? Apartments.com Helps Make That Decision Easy 

At the end of the day, choosing between the hottest and coldest cities in the U.S really comes down to personal preference. Do you want summers so hot that your flip-flops fuse to the pavement? Or winters so cold your nose hairs freeze instantly? Either way, the right apartment can make even the most extreme weather feel manageable. Whether you’re team “desert sunshine” or team “human burrito under six blankets,” Apartments.com can help find the perfect place to shelter away from extremes.  

Methodology 

Temperature data and climate records were sourced from NOAA and the Climate Center using 2025–2026 temperature reports and historical climate tracking data. Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group’s May 2026 reports.