Editions
Los 40 USA
Scores
Follow us on
Hello

FINANCE

What is the average rent for a house and a pick in California? Most expensive and cheapest cities

The average rent for a house in California can vary widely depending on several factors such as the location, size, and condition of the property.

The average rent for a house in California can vary widely depending on several factors such as the location, size, and condition of the property.
Justin SullivanGetty

Rent prices have been increasing for Americans at incredibly high rates since the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic. Analysis by Redfin showed prices increased by 14.1% over the year in 2021 and 7.45% in 2022. With real wages falling by 1.3% in the last year there is an intense squeeze on purse-strings.

California is no exception and has the highest average rent prices in the country. Its rental laws mean that periods of high inflation likely mean large price increases for renters, typically the young and the undocumented.

Here is a list of some of the most expensive places to rent in the state, as well as some of those for someone on a budget.

The most expensive cities in California...

All data is according to RentCafe.

  1. Santa Monica: A coastal city in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica is known for its beaches, parks, and expensive real estate. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $4,094 per month.
  2. San Francisco: Known for its high cost of living, San Francisco is the most expensive rental city in California. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $3,340 per month.
  3. San Jose: As the largest city in Silicon Valley, San Jose has seen a surge in rental prices due to the tech industry boom. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $3,031 per month.
  4. San Diego: A popular tourist destination and home to several military bases. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $2,989 per month.
  5. Los Angeles: The second-largest city in the US, Los Angeles is also one of the most expensive rental cities in California. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $2,768 per month.

And the most affordable

  1. Bakersfield: Located in central California, Bakersfield is known for its agriculture and oil industries. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $916 per month.
  2. Fresno: The fifth-largest city in California, Fresno is located in the San Joaquin Valley. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $1,499 per month.
  3. Stockton: A port city located in the Central Valley, Stockton is known for its agricultural industry. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $1,539 per month.
  4. Sacramento: The state capital of California, Sacramento is located in the northern part of the state. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $1,855 per month.
  5. Riverside: Located in Southern California,the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was around $2,165 per month.