Renters insurance is one of the most affordable types of coverage you can buy — but prices vary significantly depending on where you live. A tenant in Louisiana might pay three times more than one in North Dakota for a comparable policy.
This guide breaks down the average cost of renters insurance by state in 2026, explains what drives those differences, and shows you how to make sure you're not overpaying.
Average Renters Insurance Cost by State (2026)
The national average for renters insurance is approximately $18/month ($216/year) for a standard policy with $30,000 in personal property coverage, $100,000 in liability, and a $500 deductible. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, renters insurance remains one of the most affordable personal insurance products available.
- Alabama — $26/month | $312/year | High
- Alaska — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- Arizona — $17/month | $204/year | Low–Medium
- Arkansas — $24/month | $288/year | High
- California — $18/month | $216/year | Medium
- Colorado — $19/month | $228/year | Medium
- Connecticut — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- Delaware — $16/month | $192/year | Low
- Florida — $28/month | $336/year | High
- Georgia — $24/month | $288/year | High
- Hawaii — $15/month | $180/year | Low
- Idaho — $14/month | $168/year | Low
- Illinois — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Indiana — $18/month | $216/year | Medium
- Iowa — $15/month | $180/year | Low
- Kansas — $22/month | $264/year | Medium–High
- Kentucky — $21/month | $252/year | Medium
- Louisiana — $30/month | $360/year | High
- Maine — $14/month | $168/year | Low
- Maryland — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Massachusetts — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- Michigan — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Minnesota — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- Mississippi — $28/month | $336/year | High
- Missouri — $21/month | $252/year | Medium
- Montana — $15/month | $180/year | Low
- Nebraska — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Nevada — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- New Hampshire — $13/month | $156/year | Low
- New Jersey — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- New Mexico — $18/month | $216/year | Medium
- New York — $18/month | $216/year | Medium
- North Carolina — $22/month | $264/year | Medium–High
- North Dakota — $12/month | $144/year | Low
- Ohio — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Oklahoma — $27/month | $324/year | High
- Oregon — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- Pennsylvania — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- Rhode Island — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- South Carolina — $24/month | $288/year | High
- South Dakota — $14/month | $168/year | Low
- Tennessee — $23/month | $276/year | Medium–High
- Texas — $25/month | $300/year | High
- Utah — $14/month | $168/year | Low
- Vermont — $13/month | $156/year | Low
- Virginia — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Washington — $16/month | $192/year | Low–Medium
- West Virginia — $17/month | $204/year | Medium
- Wisconsin — $14/month | $168/year | Low
- Wyoming — $13/month | $156/year | Low
Estimates based on a standard policy: $30,000 personal property, $100,000 liability, $500 deductible. Actual rates vary by insurer, coverage, and individual risk factors.
The Most Expensive States for Renters Insurance
The five most expensive states for renters insurance share a common theme: high exposure to natural disasters.
1. Louisiana — ~$30/month Hurricane risk, flooding, and high crime rates in urban areas push Louisiana to the top of the list. NOAA's storm data shows Louisiana consistently ranks among the highest for weather-related property damage claims.
2. Florida — ~$28/month Hurricane exposure across most of the state, combined with high property crime rates and litigation costs, makes Florida consistently expensive. Beagle's climate and property insurance guide covers how climate risk is reshaping insurance costs across high-exposure states.
3. Mississippi — ~$28/month Similar storm risk to Louisiana, plus higher-than-average property crime rates in several metro areas.
4. Oklahoma — ~$27/month Tornado alley. Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of severe storm damage per capita in the country, which drives insurance costs across the board.
5. Alabama — ~$26/month Hurricane risk on the coast, tornado risk inland, and higher property crime rates contribute to above-average premiums statewide.
The Cheapest States for Renters Insurance
1. North Dakota — ~$12/month Low crime rates, minimal natural disaster exposure, and a sparse population make North Dakota the most affordable state.
2. Vermont / Wyoming — ~$13/month Low crime, low weather risk, and low population density.
3. New Hampshire / Wisconsin — ~$13–14/month Cold climates with minimal storm risk and relatively low property crime.
4. Idaho / Maine / South Dakota / Utah — ~$14/month Low-risk profiles across the board. Beagle also has a Utah renters insurance guide with more state-specific detail.
What Determines Your Renters Insurance Rate?
Your ZIP code matters more than you might think — but it's not the only factor.
Location
Insurers price policies based on the risk profile of your specific location: weather events, crime rates, and even local fire department response times all affect your rate. The Insurance Information Institute publishes detailed data on how geographic factors influence premiums.
Coverage Limits
The amount of personal property coverage you choose has a direct impact on price. For a deeper look at how personal property coverage works, see Beagle's personal property insurance guide.
- $15,000 personal property — ~$13–15/month
- $30,000 personal property — ~$16–20/month
- $50,000 personal property — ~$20–26/month
Deductible
A higher deductible means lower premiums. Moving from a $250 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can reduce your premium by 10–25%.
Liability Limits
Most standard policies include $100,000 in liability coverage. Bumping to $300,000 typically adds only $2–5/month. Beagle's guide to property damage liability coverage explains what those limits actually cover in practice.
Bundling
If you also have auto insurance, bundling both policies with the same insurer can save 5–15% on both. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your renters insurance cost.
Claims History
A history of prior insurance claims — even from previous policies — can increase your rate. Maintaining a clean claims history keeps premiums lower over time.
Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: What It Means for Your Premium
One decision that affects both your rate and your coverage:
Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays out what your belongings were worth at the time of the claim — accounting for depreciation. Cheaper premium, smaller payout.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays what it costs to replace your belongings with new equivalents. Higher premium, significantly better coverage.
Example: Your 3-year-old laptop is stolen.
- ACV payout: ~$400 (depreciated value)
- RCV payout: ~$1,200 (cost to buy a comparable new laptop)
For most renters, the extra $3–5/month for replacement cost coverage is well worth it. The evolution of renters insurance covers how these policy structures have changed over time and where they're headed.
How to Lower Your Renters Insurance Premium
Even in high-cost states, there are ways to reduce what you pay:
- Bundle with auto insurance — the single most effective discount
- Increase your deductible — $1,000 vs. $250 can reduce your premium meaningfully
- Install security features — deadbolts, smoke detectors, and monitored alarm systems often qualify for discounts
- Pay annually — many insurers offer a discount for paying 12 months upfront
- Maintain a claims-free history — avoid small claims that don't exceed your deductible
For property managers looking to reduce coverage gaps across their portfolios — which in turn affects overall risk and can impact your building's insurance rates — Beagle's waiver programs offer a systematic approach.
Is Renters Insurance Worth It?
At the national average of $18/month, renters insurance costs less than:
- A streaming service
- A monthly coffee habit
- A single dinner out
And it covers events that can cost tens of thousands of dollars — theft, fire, liability, and temporary housing. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lists renters insurance as one of the most cost-effective financial protections available to renters.
Even in expensive states like Florida or Louisiana, you're paying roughly $28–30/month for coverage that could protect you against a $30,000+ loss.
Get a Quote That Matches Your State and Situation
National averages are useful context, but your actual rate depends on your specific address, coverage needs, and insurer. The best way to know what you'll pay is to get a quote.
Beagle offers fast, transparent renters insurance compliance — no jargon, no upselling. Get set up in minutes and see how your coverage compares.
