The 20 Most Unaffordable Cities for Rent in California
Maybe the reason they call it California dreaming is that real estate has become plum unaffordable in the Golden State. From coastal hubs to tech‑driven metros, soaring rent prices, limited housing supply and a rising cost of living have made some cities among the most unaffordable rental markets in the United States.
In fact, the 20 most unaffordable cities to rent an apartment in California on this list are also nearly the 20 most expensive cities to rent in all of the United States.
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If you’re not ready for some spicy property prices, this might not be the move for you. However, whether you’re a longtime renter, a newcomer considering a move or simply trying to understand where housing costs are climbing the fastest, it’s good to know just how far your money will go when looking for your next home.
MoneyLion found that these 20 cities highlight where you face the greatest financial pressure and could spend a bigger chunk of your paycheck each month than you prefer.
1. San Mateo
Population: 103,105
Median household income: $153,504
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,985
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,740
Average monthly rent overall: $3,371
2. Newport Beach
Population: 83,845
Median household income: $156,867
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,807
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,486
Average monthly rent overall: $3,366
3. Sunnyvale
Population: 154,236
Median household income: $186,170
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,002
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,523
Average monthly rent overall: $3,318
4. Lake Forest
Population: 86,281
Median household income: $135,175
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,795
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,337
Average monthly rent overall: $3,253
5. Redwood City
Population: 82,447
Median household income: $157,814
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,861
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,623
Average monthly rent overall: $3,223
6. Calabasas
Population: 22,669
Median household income: $165,288
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,867
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,154
Average monthly rent overall: $3,217
7. Santa Clara
Population: 130,256
Median household income: $178,958
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,924
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,350
Average monthly rent overall: $3,216
8. Mountain View
Population: 83,732
Median household income: $189,917
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,903
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,530
Average monthly rent overall: $3,166
9. San Francisco
Population: 830,235
Median household income: $140,970
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,156
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,741
Average monthly rent overall: $3,126
10. Irvine
Population: 311,690
Median household income: $136,719
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,587
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,171
Average monthly rent overall: $3,048
11. Milpitas
Population: 78,578
Median household income: $178,798
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,734
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,030
Average monthly rent overall: $3,033
12. Aliso Viejo
Population: 51,113
Median household income: $142,439
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,648
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,126
Average monthly rent overall: $3,028
13. Emeryville
Population: 13,081
Median household income: $117,092
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,905
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,508
Average monthly rent overall: $2,998
14. Dublin
Population: 70,803
Median household income: $214,385
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,545
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,947
Average monthly rent overall: $2,972
15. Laguna Niguel
Population: 64,139
Median household income: $140,452
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,582
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,930
Average monthly rent overall: $2,972
16. Mission Viejo
Population: 92,151
Median household income: $136,123
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,358
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,837
Average monthly rent overall: $2,943
17. South San Francisco
Population: 64,305
Median household income: $136,578
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,395
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,140
Average monthly rent overall: $2,905
18. Culver City
Population: 39,931
Median household income: $117,389
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,606
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,087
Average monthly rent overall: $2,880
19. Cambridge
Population: 118,796
Median household income: $130, 748
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,602
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $3,153
Average monthly rent overall: $2,866
20. Chino Hills
Population: 77,927
Median household income: $126,334
Average rent per month for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,419
Average rent per month for a two-bedroom apartment: $2,636
Average monthly rent overall: $2,861
Methodology: For this study, MoneyLion analyzed the average cost of rent in cities across the United States to find the most expensive places to rent. Using data from ApartmentList.com, the average cost to rent a 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and overall was identified for each city. The 50 cities with the most expensive overall cost of rent were identified. The total population, population ages 65 and over, total households, and median household income were all sourced from the U.S. Census 2024 5-year ACS. Using the top 50 most expensive cities for overall rent, the average cost of rent for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments was also identified. The cities were sorted to show the most expensive rent cities first. All data is up to date as of Feb. 17, 2026.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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