Finding budget-friendly temporary housing in the USA is one of the first major steps every immigrant must take. This guide focuses on actionable, transactional insights—how to apply, compare, and secure temporary or short-term accommodation even without a credit history. You will find eligibility details, pricing estimates, comparison notes, and clear next steps for each option.
Compare Affordable Short-Term Rentals in the USA
ForRent.com – Apply for Flexible Apartment Rentals
Best for: Immigrants seeking short-term furnished or partially furnished rentals.
Key Features:
- Filters for furnished units and utilities-included apartments.
- Some listings allow shorter leases.
Requirements:
- Many landlords request background checks.
- Proof of income or bank statements are often required.
- May ask for credit history (optional depending on landlord).
Estimated Monthly Cost: $900–$2,500 depending on location.
How to Secure Housing on ForRent.com:
- Search your city and set filters for “short-term lease” or “utilities included.”
- Submit an application with your passport, visa, bank statements, and employment letter.
- Schedule a viewing or virtual tour.
- Sign the rental agreement and make the initial payment.
Apply for a short-term apartment now.
ApartmentGuide.com – Compare Verified Rentals
Best for: Immigrants who want transparency, verified listings, and virtual tours.
Pros:
- High-quality photos and strong filtering tools.
Limitations:
- Not all listings offer flexible leases.
Average Price: $850–$2,200 per month.
How to Apply:
- Select units labelled “Short-Term Available.”
- Upload identification and income proof.
- Submit application directly to landlord or management.
Compare ApartmentGuide verified rentals today.
Zillow Rentals – Check High-Demand Housing Deals
Best for: Immigrants comparing rental history, price trends, and neighbourhood data.
Strengths:
- Price history and neighbourhood insights.
- Widely trusted across the USA.
Weakness:
- High-demand cities may show listings already taken.
Price Range: $1,200–$3,000 per month.
How to Find a Place Faster:
- Turn on Zillow alerts for your city.
- Prioritise listings marked “Available Now.”
- Contact landlords immediately for viewing slots.
Check affordable Zillow rentals now.
Craigslist Rooms for Rent – Cheap Short-Term Housing
Best for: Immigrants on a tight budget seeking rooms, sublets, or shared apartments.
Pros:
- Very flexible lease terms.
- Lower deposits and minimal paperwork.
Cons:
- Higher risk of scams—requires careful screening.
Pricing: $500–$1,500 per month for rooms.
Application Steps:
- Use the “rooms/shared” category.
- Insist on a video call and live tour before paying.
- Request a simple rental agreement.
Find affordable Craigslist rooms today.
Apartments.com – Apply for Short-Term Furnished Housing
Best for: Immigrants who want detailed listing information with 3D tours.
Highlights:
- Filters for lease length and furnished units.
- Some listings include utilities.
Price: $1,000–$2,500 monthly.
How to Apply:
- Select “Short-Term Lease” under filters.
- Submit identity documents and proof of income.
Explore Apartments.com short-term rentals.
AmberStudent – Book Student Housing Fast
Best for: F-1 or J-1 visa holders or international students.
Advantages:
- Fully furnished and bills included.
- Student-friendly documents accepted (admission letter, I-20).
Cost: $150–$350 per week.
Book international student housing now.
Rent.com – Compare Verified Rental Offers
Best for: Immigrants wanting verified rental units and market comparisons.
Price Range: $950–$2,300 per month.
How to Apply:
- Choose verified listings for added security.
- Prepare identification and basic financial proof.
Compare Rent.com deals now.
SpareRoom – Cheap Shared Rooms for Immigrants
Best for: Budget-conscious newcomers who prefer shared spaces.
Benefits:
- Utilities often included.
- Lowest upfront cost of all platforms.
Downside:
- Less privacy.
Estimated Cost: $600–$1,200 per month.
How to Secure a Room Quickly:
- Complete your profile to increase responses.
- Use filters for “Move in Immediately.”
- Ask about house rules before committing.
Find a cheap SpareRoom rental today.
Redfin Rentals – Track Neighbourhood Rent Trends
Best for: Immigrants evaluating long-term affordability while renting short-term.
Pricing: $1,200–$2,800 per month.
Check Redfin rental availability.
RentCafe – Apply for Income-Restricted or Standard Rental
Best for: Immigrants with verifiable income or student status.
Features:
- Filters for income-restricted and student housing.
Pricing: $950–$2,000 monthly.
Browse RentCafe short-term rentals.
Zumper – Mobile App for Real-Time Rental Alerts
Best for: Immigrants wanting instant notifications of new listings.
Prices: $1,000–$2,500 per month.
Download Zumper and begin your rental search.
RentHop – Value-Focused Rentals
Best for: Immigrants moving to New York City on a budget.
Costs: $1,200–$3,000 per month.
Find high-value NYC rentals on RentHop.
StreetEasy – Best for NYC Immigrants
Price Range: $1,300–$3,500 per month.
Check updated NYC rentals on StreetEasy.
Realtor.com – Apply for Nationwide Rentals
Best for: Immigrants planning to transition into long-term rentals later.
Average Cost: $1,100–$2,600 monthly.
Explore Realtor.com rental listings.
Kijiji – Budget Local Listings (Limited USA Availability)
Prices: $500–$1,300 per month.
Search budget rentals on Kijiji.
Required Documents for Short-Term Rentals in the USA
Most landlords request basic identity and financial documents. Requirements vary depending on the rental platform.
Common Documents Needed
- Passport
- Visa (F-1, H-1B, J-1, B-2, etc.)
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- Offer letter or pay stubs
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Social Security Number (if available)
- Rental references
- Guarantor or co-signer details
Platforms with Minimal Paperwork
- Craigslist
- SpareRoom
- Hostels
- Co-living spaces
- Extended-stay hotels
Prepare your documents now to speed up applications.
Student Housing Options for New Immigrant Students
University Dormitories – Easy Onboarding
- Monthly cost: $400–$1,000.
- Utilities included.
Private Student Housing – Fast Move-In
- Price: $150–$350 per week.
- Amenities: gym, lounge, study rooms.
Homestays – Affordable With Meals
- Monthly cost: $600–$1,000.
- Meals included.
Off-Campus Shared Apartments
- $500–$1,200 per month.
- Ideal for students needing flexibility.
Compare student housing options now.
Average Rent in Major U.S. Cities (High CPC Keyword: Average Rent in USA)
| City | 1-Bed Apartment | Shared Room |
| New York City | $2,700–$3,500 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Los Angeles | $2,200–$3,000 | $850–$1,300 |
| Chicago | $1,600–$2,300 | $700–$1,200 |
| Houston | $1,200–$1,800 | $600–$1,000 |
| Atlanta | $1,400–$2,000 | $650–$1,100 |
| Miami | $1,800–$2,700 | $750–$1,300 |
| Seattle | $1,900–$2,800 | $800–$1,400 |
| Boston | $2,100–$3,200 | $850–$1,400 |
Best Affordable Cities for Immigrants Seeking Cheap Rentals
- Cleveland, OH – ~$850 for 1-bed
- St. Louis, MO – ~$950
- Tampa, FL – Growing job market
- Raleigh, NC – Tech and immigrant-friendly
Temporary Housing Options Without Credit History
1. Sublets
- Flexible leases
- No credit check
2. Extended-Stay Hotels
- Weekly or monthly pricing
- Minimal documents
3. Hostels / Boarding Houses
- Pay nightly or weekly
- Easy move-in
4. Co-Living Spaces
- Furnished rooms
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
Explore housing options without credit now.
How to Avoid Rental Scams in the USA
Red Flags
- Landlord demands full payment before viewing
- No video call or in-person meeting
- Price is too low compared to area
- Requests for crypto, wire transfer, or gift cards
How to Protect Yourself
- Use verified rental platforms
- Ask for a written rental agreement
- Only send payments after verifying the property
- Stick to traceable payment methods
- Verify every rental before paying.
Clear Next Steps
- Identify your preferred platform (Zillow, SpareRoom, ForRent, etc.).
- Gather documents: passport, visa, bank statements, employment letter.
- Set your maximum monthly budget.
- Compare 5–10 listings before applying.
- Schedule tours and submit applications early.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the cheapest temporary housing for immigrants in the USA?
Shared rooms on SpareRoom or Craigslist often start from $500–$700 per month.
2. Can I rent in the USA without credit history?
Yes—use sublets, co-living spaces, extended-stay hotels, and private room rentals.
3. What documents do I need to rent temporarily?
Passport, visa, bank statements, and an offer letter are usually enough.
4. Which cities have the lowest rent for immigrants?
Cleveland, St. Louis, Tampa, and Raleigh offer affordable options.
5. How do I avoid rental scams?
Always verify the property, avoid untraceable payments, and request a rental agreement.
6. Can international students get furnished housing?
Yes—AmberStudent, university dorms, and private student housing offer furnished options.
7. Are utilities included in short-term rentals?
Many platforms (ForRent, Apartments.com, SpareRoom) offer utilities-included listings.
8. How much is the average rent in the USA?
A 1-bed apartment ranges from $1,200–$3,000, depending on the city.
9. Can I apply for rentals online before arriving in the USA?
Yes, but schedule a virtual tour to avoid scams.
10. Are temporary rentals flexible with immigrants?
Platforms like Craigslist, SpareRoom, and co-living companies are very flexible.
Conclusion:
Start your housing search today. Compare rental options, prepare your documents, and apply early to secure a safe, affordable temporary home in the USA. With the right strategy, you’ll find a budget-friendly place faster and begin your new life with confidence.