Nearly nine in 10 Americans would prefer to live in an eco-friendly home, and more than thalf are willing to pay more to do so, according to a recent survey.

The national survey, by online listing site Rent.com, found renters were almost three times as likely as non-renters to say living in an environmentally-friendly home is absolutely necessary for them.

According to the survey, 42 percent of respondents were willing to pay up to $100 extra to live in a green apartment, and 13 percent would pay even more than that.

Even though respondents are willing to pay more in rent to live in an eco-friendly apartment, two-thirds said that money was the biggest barrier to making eco-friendly choices. 

When looking for a new apartment, renters had distinct preferences for "green" features that would most appeal to them.  Twenty-eight percent of eco-conscious apartment hunters are most impressed with living spaces that offer energy-saving appliances.

Furthermore, 29 percent of renters would prefer a property located close to work in order to minimize car use, and 27 percent would be willing to live in a building that streamlines the recycling process to make it as easy as possible.