The 50 Most Expensive Zip Codes for Renters in America (2026 Rankings)
Data Analysis by Good Life Property Management’s Orange County Office
While national rent growth has stabilized in many mid-tier markets, the ultra-luxury sector is operating in a different reality. In America’s most exclusive zip codes, renting is no longer a stepping stone to ownership—it is a strategic lifestyle choice for the ultra-wealthy.
From the Hamptons’ summer estates to the cliffside villas of the California coast, the price of admission for a premier rental continues to climb. A new analysis of Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) data conducted by Good Life Property Management’s Orange County office reveals the 50 most expensive zip codes in the U.S. entering 2026, where monthly leases often rival the cost of a luxury vehicle.
The data reveals a stark “luxury decoupling.” While the average U.S. rent hovers around $2,000 per month, the entry point for the top 50 markets now averages over $6,500, with the most exclusive enclaves commanding well over $40,000 per month. This surge is driven by a shift in high-net-worth behavior: the rise of the “Forever Renter“—individuals who prioritize flexibility and liquidity over tying up capital in high-maintenance estates.
Methodology
Zip codes were ranked by their Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) value as of December 31, 2025—the most recent data available to start the new year. This analysis utilized the “Smoothed, Seasonally Adjusted” dataset to account for volatility in vacation markets. Only zip codes with a minimum population of 2,000 were included to eliminate statistical outliers and ensure the rankings reflect active rental markets.
The Geography of Wealth: East Coast Seasonality vs. West Coast Stability
The 2026 rankings reveal a stark geographic divide in the ultra-luxury rental market. The top 10 list is dominated by the seasonal enclaves of New York’s Hamptons, where extreme scarcity during summer months skews annual averages. Water Mill, NY (11976) takes the top spot with a staggering typical rent of $95,833 per month, followed closely by Sag Harbor and East Hampton.
However, when controlling for seasonal volatility, Southern California emerges as the leader for year-round residential luxury. While the Hamptons are defined by the “Summer Rental,” the California coast is defined by the “Lifestyle Lease”—12 to 24-month contracts for primary residences.
Notably, Orange County’s coastal zip codes are now trading at parity with historically more expensive markets like Beverly Hills and Malibu. Newport Beach (92625), for instance, has surged to rank #14 nationwide, sitting just one spot behind the famous 90210 zip code.
Orange County Spotlight: The Premier Enclaves
While Los Angeles County holds the #11 (Malibu) and #12 (Bel Air) spots, Orange County secures three positions in the Top 25, solidifying its status as a primary destination for high-net-worth renters in 2026.
Rank #14: 92625 (Corona del Mar / Newport Beach)
- Typical Rent: $9,102 / month
- The Market: Known locally as the “Flower Streets,” this zip code offers a rare combination of village walkability and dramatic ocean views. Unlike the isolated estates of LA, Corona del Mar offers a community-centric lifestyle that appeals equally to young tech executives and empty nesters. Demand here is year-round and recession-resistant.
Rank #23: 92657 (Newport Coast)
- Typical Rent: $7,096 / month
- The Market: Perched above the Pacific, Newport Coast is defined by the master-planned luxury of Crystal Cove and Pelican Hill. Unlike the older beach towns nearby, 92657 offers sprawling lots, newer construction, and resort-style security. It is the preferred destination for the “Forever Renter”—wealthy individuals who prefer leasing a $10M villa over tying up capital.
The Full Top 25 List (2026 Rankings)
- #1 Water Mill, NY (11976): $95,833
- #2 Sag Harbor, NY (11963): $41,809
- #3 East Hampton, NY (11937): $40,745
- #4 Southampton, NY (11968): $40,058
- #5 East Quogue, NY (11942): $38,000
- #6 Montauk, NY (11954): $27,736
- #7 Margate City, NJ (08402): $26,417
- #8 Snowmass Village, CO (81615): $21,000
- #9 Southold, NY (11971): $19,500
- #10 Aspen, CO (81611): $18,333
- #11 Malibu, CA (90265): $12,756
- #12 Los Angeles, CA (90077 – Bel Air): $12,610
- #13 Beverly Hills, CA (90210): $11,495
- #14 Newport Beach, CA (92625): $9,102
- #15 Naples, FL (34103): $8,605
- #16 Spring Lake, NJ (07762): $8,472
- #17 Naples, FL (34102): $7,865
- #18 Newport Beach, CA (92662): $7,724
- #19 New York, NY (10007 – Tribeca): $7,566
- #20 Los Altos, CA (94024): $7,499
- #21 Ventnor City, NJ (08406): $7,485
- #22 Santa Monica, CA (90402): $7,478
- #23 Newport Beach, CA (92657): $7,096
- #24 Siesta Key, FL (34242): $7,000
- #25 Indian River Shores, FL (32963): $6,986
The Rest of the List: Rankings #26–50
The second half of the Top 50 list highlights the diversity of the luxury rental market, featuring everything from equestrian estates in Florida to tech-centric enclaves in Silicon Valley.
- #26 Naples, FL (34108): $6,863
- #27 New York, NY (10282 – Battery Park City): $6,854
- #28 New York, NY (10013 – SoHo/Tribeca): $6,789
- #29 Saint Helena, CA (94574): $6,700
- #30 Key Biscayne, FL (33149): $6,631
- #31 San Marino, CA (91108): $6,367
- #32 Tiburon, CA (94920): $6,244
- #33 Los Altos, CA (94022): $6,179
- #34 Los Angeles, CA (90272 – Pacific Palisades): $6,163
- #35 Boston, MA (02120): $6,151
- #36 Palm Beach Gardens, FL (33412): $6,111
- #37 Palm Beach, FL (33480): $6,070
- #38 Jackson, WY (83001): $5,900
- #39 Short Hills, NJ (07078): $5,873
- #40 Southlake, TX (76092): $5,850
- #41 Corte Madera, CA (94925): $5,768
- #42 Jupiter, FL (33477): $5,648
- #43 Rolling Hills Estates, CA (90274): $5,639
- #44 Los Angeles, CA (91436 – Encino): $5,619
- #45 New York, NY (10014 – West Village): $5,381
- #46 Manhattan Beach, CA (90266): $5,374
- #47 Garden City, NY (11530): $5,370
- #48 New York, NY (10069 – Upper West Side): $5,360
- #49 New York, NY (10001 – Chelsea): $5,338
- #50 Saratoga, CA (95070): $5,218
Conclusion: The Era of "Real Estate as a Service"
The 2026 data confirms a structural change in the housing market: the “American Dream” is bifurcating. For a growing segment of the ultra-wealthy, the ultimate luxury is no longer a mortgage, but mobility. The premium rents paid in these top 50 zip codes are not just for location or square footage—they are the price of admission for liquidity and freedom.
For investors holding these blue-chip assets, the takeaway is clear: the days of passive “mailbox money” in the luxury sector are over. A tenant paying a premium north of $10,000 per month expects a living experience comparable to a five-star hotel. In this new landscape, the most successful property owners will be those who pivot from simple rent collection to active, hospitality-driven asset management.
About Good Life Property Management
Good Life Property Management is a dedicated residential asset management firm serving Orange County, San Diego, and Riverside, California. With a focus on the “luxury decoupling” trend, the firm provides specialized management solutions for southern California properties.