Renters across the United States are facing what researchers call a record level of financial strain. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ 2026 housing report, 22.7 million renter households spent more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities in 2024. The report also found that 12.1 million renter households spent more than half of their income on housing, which the study says amounts to roughly half of all renters in the country.
Against that backdrop, a small number of people say they have found a different way to live. Some have reportedly chosen to skip traditional rent altogether and instead live full-time on cruise ships.
