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City Report · CA

Alameda

Pop. 77,238·162nd most expensive in California·Alameda rents are up 14.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,948/mo
Year-over-Year
+14.0%
Month-over-Month
+0.7%
vs US Median
+$983
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Alameda · $2,948
More expensive than 90% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
44/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% above what Alameda's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,948/mo
Expected by trend
$2,864/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Alameda's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,960
1 BR
$2,230
2 BR
$2,720
3 BR
$3,480
4 BR+
$4,130
Research median
$2,720/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$35,376/yr
At $2,948/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 14.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+14.0% YoY, +0.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Alameda, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 61.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
77,238
Median income
$137,697
Median age
41
Renters
49.3%
Age distribution
22%
17.8%
30.1%
12.2%
17.9%
Under 1822%
18–3417.8%
35–5430.1%
55–6412.2%
65+17.9%
Gender
47.7%
52.3%
Male47.7%
Female52.3%
Race & ethnicity
43.1%
13.9%
28.8%
White43.1%
Black6%
Hispanic13.9%
Asian28.8%
Other8.1%
Education (25+)
22.4%
61.5%
No HS diploma6.2%
HS diploma9.9%
Some college22.4%
Bachelor's+61.5%
Housing tenure
50.7%
49.3%
Owner50.7%
Renter49.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Alameda, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,448 → $2,948
up 20.4%
Income
$113,339 → $137,697
up 21.5%
Population
78,320 → 77,238
down 1.4%
Renter share
52.5% → 49.3%
-3.2 pts
Bachelor's+
59.4% → 61.5%
+2.1 pts

Rent in Alameda, CA has climbed 20.4% since 2021, going from about $2,448 per month to roughly $2,948 today. On the earnings side, the typical household in Alameda, CA now reports about $137,697, up from $113,339 in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 78,320 to 77,238 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.4% change. About 49.3% of households rent today, against 52.5% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 59.4% to 61.5%. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Alameda, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Alameda rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Alameda on your salary?

At $2,948/mo, how Alameda rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Alameda rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Alameda. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Alameda

About renting in Alameda, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Alameda is $2,948/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,960/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,720/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,230/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,480/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($137,697/yr), Alameda ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 14.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Alameda an affordable city for renters?

Alameda is considered affordable for renters. At $2,948/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($137,697/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Alameda falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Alameda?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $118,000/year (~$57/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,948/mo in Alameda. The local median household income is $137,697/yr, meaning the typical Alameda household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Alameda?

Rent in Alameda has increased 14.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Alameda rent compare to other cities in California?

Alameda is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #162 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,948/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Alameda?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Alameda ($2,948/mo): Oakland ($2,614/mo), Berkeley ($2,941/mo).

What percentage of Alameda residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.3% of Alameda households are renters, while 50.7% are owner-occupied. Alameda leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Alameda rent compare to the national average?

Alameda's median rent of $2,948/mo is $983 (50%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #162 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,948/mo, rent takes ~26% of Alameda's median household income ($137,697/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Alameda 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Alameda affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Alameda
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Alameda, CA

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