Average Rent in California: $2,184/mo (2026)

Find fair market rent prices for 11 major metro areas in California. The average 2-bedroom rent across the state is $2,184/mo.

$1,529
Avg. Studio
$1,783
Avg. 1BR
$2,184
Avg. 2BR
$2,813
Avg. 3BR
11
Cities Tracked
$1,375
Lowest 2BR Rent
$3,604
Highest 2BR Rent

Major Cities in California

Sorted by 2-bedroom rent price (highest to lowest)

1
San Francisco, CA
Studio: $2,485 | 1BR: $2,977 | 3BR: $4,604
$3,604/mo2BR
2
San Jose, CA
Studio: $2,621 | 1BR: $2,982 | 3BR: $4,602
$3,483/mo2BR
3
San Diego, CA
Studio: $2,288 | 1BR: $2,459 | 3BR: $3,998
$3,001/mo2BR
4
Los Angeles, CA
Studio: $1,863 | 1BR: $2,085 | 3BR: $3,298
$2,601/mo2BR
5
Sacramento, CA
Studio: $1,748 | 1BR: $1,832 | 3BR: $3,002
$2,255/mo2BR
6
Riverside, CA
Studio: $1,692 | 1BR: $1,777 | 3BR: $2,912
$2,201/mo2BR
7
Modesto, CA
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR
8
Santa Rosa, CA
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR
9
Visalia, CA
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR
10
Bakersfield, CA
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR
11
Fresno, CA
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR

Explore California Rent Data

Browse detailed rent prices for cities across California. Each city page includes neighborhood breakdowns, rent trends, and local market insights.

San Francisco Rent PricesSan Jose Rent PricesSan Diego Rent PricesLos Angeles Rent PricesSacramento Rent PricesRiverside Rent PricesModesto Rent PricesSanta Rosa Rent Prices

California Rental Market Overview

The fair market rent (FMR) data for California is published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These figures represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality rental housing in each metro area.

California has 11 major metropolitan areas tracked in our database. The most expensive city for renters is San Francisco, CA with an average 2-bedroom rent of $3,604/mo, while the most affordable is Fresno, CA at $1,375/mo.

What Affects Rent Prices in California?

  • Location: Proximity to employment centers and urban amenities significantly impacts rent prices across California metros.
  • Local Economy: Job growth and industry presence drive rental demand. Strong employment markets typically have higher rents.
  • Housing Supply: Areas with new construction tend to have more rental options and potentially competitive pricing.
  • Schools: Quality school districts command premium rents, especially for family-sized apartments.
  • Transportation: Access to highways and public transit affects neighborhood desirability and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Rent

What is the average rent in California?

The average rent in California is $2,184 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment based on 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent data. Prices range from $1,375 in Fresno to $3,604 in San Francisco.

What is the cheapest city to rent in California?

Fresno, CA offers the most affordable rent among major California metros at $1,375/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Studios in Fresno average $825/month.

What is the most expensive city to rent in California?

San Francisco, CA has the highest rents in California at $3,604/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. This is $1,420 above the state average.

How much do I need to earn to rent in California?

To comfortably afford the average California 2-bedroom at $2,184/month, you would need an annual income of approximately $87,360 (based on the 30% of income guideline). For the most affordable areas, you would need about $55,000/year.

Is California affordable for renters?

California has above-average rental costs, with 2-bedroom apartments averaging $2,184/month. However, more affordable options exist in smaller metros and suburban areas.