What is the average rent in California?
The average rent in California for August 2026 is $2,234, according to the most recent data from ApartmentList - July 31, 2026. The average rent of a 2-bedroom apartment in California is $2,291. The average rent of a 1-bedroom apartment in California is $1,939.
Compared to the national average of $1,388, California rent costs 61.0% more. Read our analysis of rents by state to see how California ranks.
Here's a look at how average rents have changed over time:
How Does California Rent Compare To The Rest Of The Country?
| Statistic | CA | USA | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,234 | $1,388 | 61.0% |
| M-o-M Change | $10 | $3 | 233.3% |
| Y-o-Y Change | $33 | -$15 | -320.0% |
| M-o-M % Change | 0.4% | 0.2% | - |
| Y-o-Y % Change | 1.5% | -1.1% | - |
Median Rent By Bedrooms In California
As you would expect, the median price for rent in California increases as the number of bedrooms in the unit increases. 1-Bedroom rent is the cheapest in California clocking in at $1,939, while a 2-bedroom rental will set you back $2,291 per month.
If you don't mind having roommates, the best option on a per room basis is a 2-bedroom rental for $1,145/room/month.
Read on to find out more or for more on California check out:
- Best Places To Live In California
- Cheapest Places To Live In California
- Most Dangerous Cities In California
Month Over Month California Rent Statistics
California has experienced a $10 change in rent over the past month going from $2,224 to $2,234. That change comes out to 0.4%.
For reference, the US national average rent changed $3 in the past month or 0.2%.
Here's a look at the month over month change for each month since 2017 for California:
Year Over Year California Rent Statistics
Over the past year, the average rent in California changed $33 from $2,201 to $2,234. A change of $33 means that rents changed 1.5% in a year.
That compares to the US national change of -$15 in the past year or -1.1%.
Here's a look at the year over year change by month since 2017 for California:
The 10 Places With The Highest Rent In California
Population: 13,331
Median Rent: $3,746
More on San Marino: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 5,935
Median Rent: $3,746
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Population: 7,182
Median Rent: $3,746
More on Atherton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 8,229
Median Rent: $3,372
More on Rolling Hills Estates: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 11,436
Median Rent: $3,158
More on Hillsborough: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 11,296
Median Rent: $3,134
More on Piedmont: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 30,527
Median Rent: $3,093
More on Los Altos: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 13,591
Median Rent: $3,049
More on Palos Verdes Estates: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 60,687
Median Rent: $3,027
More on Cupertino: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Population: 33,529
Median Rent: $2,956
More on Foster City: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Learn More About Living In California
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- Safest Places In California
- Worst Places To Live In California
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