Gen Z renters may be influencing smaller apartment size trend

Is Generation Z's career focus and need for flexibility fueling the trend toward smaller apartments? This is what author Adina Dragos asks in the latest RentCafe report, where one of the key findings includes the correlation between Gen Z major job hubs and the shrinking size of apartments.

Since 2022, the average U.S. apartment size has been steadily increasing. It has risen from 891 sf in 2022 to 908 sf in 2024. However, larger hubs are losing space. Over the past decade, apartment sizes in metropolitan areas like Seattle, Wash., Boston, Mass., and Austin, Texas, have been on the decline.

Average Apartment Size for Gen Z Renters

Nationally, the average unit size in the U.S. increased to 908 sf in 2024. However, the average size for a new apartment in Seattle is just 649 sf—an 8% decline over a 10-year period. This is followed closely by Portland, Ore., another hot spot for young renters, with an average apartment size of 668 sf.

In other popular hubs like Austin and Boston, apartments have shrunk by 50 and 94 sf, respectively, over the past decade.

"By age 30, the average Gen Zer will spend approximately $145,000 on rent," says Joanna Truscan, Senior Communications Specialist, RentCafe. "With housing costs eating up more than a quarter of their income during their twenties, trading space for location makes financial sense, especially as developers focus on building mostly one-bedroom apartments in these job hubs."

While rent prices increase and major metro apartment sizes decrease, more renters are looking into micro-apartments to call home.

Micro-Apartments Surge in Costly Cities

A recent study by StorageCafe finds that Western cities are leading the micro-housing movement. Micro-units, or rental homes smaller than half the average unit size in their respective states, are gaining popularity in places like San Fransisco, Calif., and Washington, D.C.

Seattle and Portland also rank high for micro-housing density—more than 10% of the housing stock in each city is made up of micro-units.

Renters are drawn to smaller apartment sizes not just because it's budget-friendly, but for a selection of other strategic choices as well. Micro-housing are often in amenity-rich, transit-oriented neighborhoods, and offer a low-maintenance lifestyle.

"As rents continue to climb, micro-apartments are emerging as a practical solution—especially for young professionals, solo renters, downsizing retirees, and budget-conscious city dwellers," says Emilia Man, Trends Analyst, StorageCafe. "It's not just about shrinking your space—it's about making smart, creative choices to keep housing affordable, while also fueling growth in related sectors like self-storage."