Renters From Chicago Fuel Gains in Midwest Markets
In-migration from major cities is driving up rental costs in St. Louis and Minneapolis as of September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Apartments
Live Poll
Is finding affordable housing in your local area becoming more difficult compared to previous years?
As of September 2026, renters relocating from Chicago are contributing to rising rental prices in St. Louis and Minneapolis. While the national median asking rent decreased 0.4% from a year earlier, these specific Midwestern markets have seen sustained demand.
Why it matters
Renters are increasingly leaving major metropolitan hubs in favor of lower-cost markets. This shift in residential preference is placing upward pressure on housing costs in cities that were previously considered more affordable.
The U.S. median asking rent for studio to two-bedroom properties is $1,694. St. Louis rents rose 2% to $1,300, while Minneapolis rents climbed 1.7% to $1,509.
The players
St. Louis
This city experienced a 2% rent increase as it became a primary destination for renters leaving major hubs.
Minneapolis
The city saw a 1.7% increase in median asking rents as out-of-market demand rose.
Chicago
This metropolitan hub serves as the primary source of migration for renters moving to St. Louis and Minneapolis.
Detroit
The city experienced a significant 6.6-percentage-point rent upswing attributed to AI investment and reduced housing supply.
The details
Nearly 50% of out-of-market rental demand in St. Louis and 25% in Minneapolis originated from Chicago. Detroit also saw a 6.6-percentage-point rent increase, driven by AI investment, reduced housing inventory, and in-migration.
Timeline
September 2026 marked the period when St. Louis and Minneapolis posted rent increases.
Culture Shift
This migration follows the established trend of renters seeking affordable housing outside of major metropolitan hubs. It reflects a societal shift where remote work and cost-of-living concerns dictate residential choices more than proximity to primary economic centers.
Renters in these destination cities may face higher monthly housing costs and increased competition for available units. Prospective tenants should expect to allocate a larger portion of their budget toward rent as out-of-market demand continues to elevate local pricing.
The takeaway
Renters looking to relocate should research secondary markets early, as in-migration can rapidly tighten supply and raise costs. Tracking migration patterns can help individuals anticipate which cities may see rising rents in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on national housing trends, see our Apartments section.
Live Poll
Is finding affordable housing in your local area becoming more difficult compared to previous years?
