Small Space Smackdown: What it Costs to Rent a 500-Square-Foot Apartment in 5 Different U.S. Cities

Written by

Taryn Williford
Taryn Williford
Taryn is a writer, editor, content strategist, and homebody from Atlanta. I might have helped you declutter your apartment through the magic of a well-paced email newsletter. Or maybe you know me from The Pickle Factory Loft on Instagram.
published Oct 13, 2016
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(Image credit: Zillow)

Whether you’re considering a move soon, or you’re just curious about how the rest of the country lives, this should prove to be a fun adventure: Take a quick tour of the country—five apartments at a time—to discover how rent can fluctuate from city to city and coast to coast.

First up, a sampler of 500-square-foot units. New York City isn’t the only place you can find yourself inside a shoebox apartment, but living small in a place like Pittsburgh gives you a lot more money to play with after rent is due.

(Image credit: Zillow)

In Pittsburgh, PA: $900

A 1 bedroom/1 bathroom, 506-square-foot unit in this newly revamped historic building in Pittsburgh’s Northside offers all the charm of its past for a small sub-$1K price tag.

(Image credit: Zillow)

In Miami, FL: $1,650

This 501-square-foot, 1/1 loft in the Coconut Grove neighborhood comes with a balcony, covered parking spot, in-unit washer and dryer and a pool out back.

(Image credit: Zillow)

In Boston, MA: $2,200

This 499-square-foot 1 bedroom in Boston’s South End boasts a fireplace, a private deck and plenty of light.

(Image credit: Zillow)

In Manhattan, NYC: $2,450

This newly renovated apartment near the East Village clocks in at exactly 500 square feet, with a proper bedroom to boot.

(Image credit: Zillow)

In San Francisco, CA: $3,495

Here’s a 491-square-foot studio that’s Painted-Ladies-adjacent in Alamo Square, San Francisco. But the prime location in one of America’s most expensive cities will certainly cost you a mint.

Want to compare more cities and more spaces?