How much does it cost to rent in California City, CA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in California City, CA is $1,708. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is California City cheaper than other California cities?

California City is among the more affordable cities in California, ranking #371 out of 387 cities at $1,708/mo.

When was California City rent data last updated?

California City rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · CA

California City

Name: Average Rent Prices in California City, CA
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 14,414·371st most expensive in California·Rental market data updated monthly for California City, CA

Median rent (all units)

$1,708/mo

Year-over-Year

+3.3%

Month-over-Month

+1.5%

vs US Median

-$257

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

California City · $1,708

More affordable than 61% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

57/100

Fairly priced

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what California City's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$1,708/mo

Expected by trend

$1,772/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where California City's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$940

1 BR

$950

2 BR

$1,230

3 BR

$1,720

4 BR+

$2,070

Research median

$1,230/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

$20,496/yr

At $1,708/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are up 3.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (+3.3% YoY, +1.5% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

California City, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

14,414

Median income

$60,113

Median age

33.5

Renters

45%

Age distribution

23.8%

29.6%

25.4%

13%

Under 1823.8%

18–3429.6%

35–5425.4%

55–648.2%

65+13%

Gender

58.1%

41.9%

Male58.1%

Female41.9%

Race & ethnicity

37.2%

24.5%

39.6%

White37.2%

Black24.5%

Hispanic39.6%

Asian2.4%

Education (25+)

20.9%

33.7%

32.9%

12.5%

No HS diploma20.9%

HS diploma33.7%

Some college32.9%

Bachelor's+12.5%

Housing tenure

55%

45%

Owner55%

Renter45%

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

2023 vs 2026

How California City, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,463 → $1,708

up 16.7%

Income

$44,733 → $60,113

up 34.4%

Population

14,914 → 14,414

down 3.4%

Renter share

44% → 45%

+1.0 pts

Bachelor's+

11% → 12.5%

+1.5 pts

Median age

34 → 33.5

-0.5 yrs

The median rent in California City, CA stood at $1,463 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,708, reflecting a 16.7% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $60,113 today, compared with $44,733 five years earlier. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has contracted by 3.4% since 2021, moving from about 14,914 residents to roughly 14,414. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

Discussions about California City

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View California City rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in California City on your salary?

At $1,708/mo, how California City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $111,486/yr · Rent = 18.4% income

very comfortable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $79,154/yr · Rent = 25.9% income

affordable

Police Officer

Avg $91,179/yr · Rent = 22.5% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $162,970/yr · Rent = 12.6% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $208,235/yr · Rent = 9.8% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $74,116/yr · Rent = 27.7% income

affordable

Truck Driver

Avg $66,918/yr · Rent = 30.6% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $82,482/yr · Rent = 24.8% income

affordable

By apartment size

California City rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in California City

About renting in California City, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in California City is $1,708/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $940/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,230/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $950/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,720/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($60,113/yr), California City ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is California City an affordable city for renters?

California City is considered moderate for renters. At $1,708/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($60,113/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. California City slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in California City?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $68,000/year (~$33/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,708/mo in California City. The local median household income is $60,113/yr, meaning the typical California City household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in California City?

Rent in California City has increased 3.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does California City rent compare to other cities in California?

California City is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #371 out of 387 tracked cities at $1,708/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than California City?

Ridgecrest is nearby and more affordable at $1,204/mo, which is $504 less than California City.

What percentage of California City residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45% of California City households are renters, while 55% are owner-occupied. California City leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does California City rent compare to the national average?

California City's median rent of $1,708/mo is $257 (13%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #371 out of 387 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

34%

MODERATE

At $1,708/mo, rent takes ~34% of California City's median household income ($60,113/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

California City 34%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1–13.3%

Run the California City affordability calculator →

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