State Renters Insurance Cost Comparison 2026

Renters insurance premiums in the United States vary dramatically by state — sometimes by as much as 300% between the cheapest and most expensive states. According to 2026 data from the NAIC and Insurance Information Institute, the national average monthly premium is approximately $21, but individual state averages range from as low as $13/month in North Dakota to as high as $49/month in Montana.

This wide variation is driven by several state-specific factors:

• Weather risks: States prone to hurricanes (Florida, Louisiana, Texas), wildfires (California, Oregon, Washington), and tornadoes (Oklahoma, Kansas) have significantly higher premiums due to increased claim frequency and severity.
• Crime rates: Urban areas with higher property crime rates (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago) drive up premiums compared to rural states with low theft rates.
• State insurance regulations: Some states (such as California and Florida) have stricter rate approval processes, which can either increase or decrease premiums depending on the regulatory environment.
• Cost of living and construction costs: States with high labor and material costs (California, New York, Massachusetts) have higher claim payouts, which translates to higher premiums.
• Population density: More densely populated states tend to have higher premiums due to increased risk of large-scale losses (e.g., apartment building fires affecting multiple units).

The Most and Least Expensive States in 2026

1. Montana – $49/month (high wildfire risk, low population density, expensive rural claims)
2. Pennsylvania – $45/month (high urban density, old housing stock)
3. Louisiana – $40/month (hurricane and flood risk, high poverty rate)
4. Texas – $35/month (hurricane, hail, and tornado risk)
5. Connecticut – $37/month (high property values, dense population)

The five least expensive states are:

1. North Dakota – $13/month (low crime, low weather risk, sparse population)
2. Wisconsin & Wyoming – $14–$15/month (low weather risk, moderate crime rates)
3. Idaho & South Dakota – $14/month (low population density, minimal catastrophe risk)
4. Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina – $15/month (stable weather patterns, low crime)

How to Use This Comparison Calculator

Our state comparison calculator allows you to select any two U.S. states and instantly see the estimated monthly premium difference based on 2026 data. You can also adjust for coverage amount and bundling discounts to see a personalized comparison. This is particularly useful if you are planning a move between states and want to understand how your insurance costs will change.

For example, a renter moving from Wisconsin ($15/mo) to Florida ($30/mo) would see their premium double — an increase of approximately $180 per year. Factoring in insurance cost changes is an important part of budgeting for an interstate move.

Use the calculator below to compare your current state with any other state, and see a visual chart of the premium difference. If you are planning a move, also check out our Moving Cost Calculator to estimate your total relocation expenses.

State Comparison FAQ