NYC renters with pets get slapped with over $800 in mandatory fees — but this neighboring city pays even more
Having a pet in New York City can really eat into a renter’s budget. Nationwide, 94 million households own at least one animal, and spending on pet care topped $152 billion in 2024. RentCafe’s latest study ranked the most pet‑friendly spots for bargain‑sensitive renters, weighing how many pet‑permitted units there are against how much extra money owners have to shell out.
In NYC, the extra costs that pet owners face average $822.92—nearly $300 above the national average. Roughly $64.42 a month in pet rent is typical for a New Yorker, which is almost as much as a commuter’s regular subway fare. Yet almost three‑quarters of the city’s rentals are labeled pet‑friendly, a figure that aligns closely with the regional average of 80 %. Across the South and Midwest, pet‑friendly availability shines even brighter, with about 83 % of units welcoming animals.
The warm‑hearted provinces with the highest pet‑friendly rates are Oklahoma (over 92 % of spots), Nevada (92.16 %), and Arkansas (91.23 %). When looking at single‑metro performance, Oak Park, Illinois, topped the charts: a whopping 95.51 % of its rentals allow pets and the average extra fee is just $250. Fargo, North Dakota and Decatur, Georgia round out the top three.
So, while NYC’s pet owners pay a premium—with refundable deposits hovering just above $300 and non‑refundable fees about $315 on average—there’s still plenty of pet‑friendly housing. For those willing to splurge or looking for a more pocket‑friendly option, sub‑urban regions and cities like Oak Park offer a muchless expensive and equally welcoming environment for dog lovers.
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