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City Report · CA

Benicia

Pop. 26,749·263rd most expensive in California·Rental market data updated monthly for Benicia, CA
Median rent (all units)
$2,493/mo
Year-over-Year
-4.7%
Month-over-Month
+0.9%
vs US Median
+$528
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Benicia · $2,493
More expensive than 79% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
65/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Benicia's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,493/mo
Expected by trend
$2,700/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Benicia's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,000
1 BR
$2,200
2 BR
$2,810
3 BR
$3,750
4 BR+
$4,250
Research median
$2,810/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
$29,916/yr
At $2,493/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 4.7% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-4.7% YoY, +0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Benicia, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 47.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,749
Median income
$121,204
Median age
44.9
Renters
30.5%
Age distribution
20.5%
17.2%
25.7%
12.9%
23.7%
Under 1820.5%
18–3417.2%
35–5425.7%
55–6412.9%
65+23.7%
Gender
47.5%
52.5%
Male47.5%
Female52.5%
Race & ethnicity
63.1%
15.5%
White63.1%
Black4.3%
Hispanic15.5%
Asian11%
Other6.2%
Education (25+)
15.2%
32.4%
47.6%
No HS diploma4.8%
HS diploma15.2%
Some college32.4%
Bachelor's+47.6%
Housing tenure
69.5%
30.5%
Owner69.5%
Renter30.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Benicia, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,095 → $2,493
up 19.0%
Income
$118,433 → $121,204
up 2.3%
Population
27,191 → 26,749
down 1.6%
Renter share
29.5% → 30.5%
+1.0 pts
Bachelor's+
45.2% → 47.6%
+2.4 pts

Rent in Benicia, CA has climbed 19.0% since 2021, going from about $2,095 per month to roughly $2,493 today. Census figures show median household income at $121,204 today, compared with $118,433 five years earlier. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 16.7 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 27,191 to 26,749 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.6% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 45.2% to 47.6%. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Benicia on your salary?

At $2,493/mo, how Benicia rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Benicia rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Benicia

About renting in Benicia, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Benicia is $2,493/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,000/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,810/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,200/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,750/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($121,204/yr), Benicia ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 4.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Benicia an affordable city for renters?

Benicia is considered affordable for renters. At $2,493/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($121,204/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Benicia falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Benicia?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $100,000/year (~$48/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,493/mo in Benicia. The local median household income is $121,204/yr, meaning the typical Benicia household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Benicia?

Rent in Benicia has decreased 4.7% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Benicia rent compare to other cities in California?

Benicia is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #263 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,493/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Benicia?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Benicia ($2,493/mo): Vallejo ($2,181/mo), Martinez ($2,461/mo).

What percentage of Benicia residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.5% of Benicia households are renters, while 69.5% are owner-occupied. Benicia leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Benicia rent compare to the national average?

Benicia's median rent of $2,493/mo is $528 (27%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #263 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,493/mo, rent takes ~25% of Benicia's median household income ($121,204/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Benicia 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Benicia affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Benicia, CA

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