Rents are right about where California City's 10-year trend predicts.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,756 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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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.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How California City, CA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in California City, CA stood at $1,463 in 2023 and currently runs about $1,756, reflecting a 20.0% 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.
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Can you afford rent in California City on your salary?
At $1,756/mo, how California City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
California City rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in California City. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in California City
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in California City is $1,756/mo as of August 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 35% of local median household income ($60,113/yr), California City ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.4% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is California City an affordable city for renters?
How much income do you need to rent in California City?
Is rent going up or down in California City?
How does California City rent compare to other cities in California?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than California City?
What percentage of California City residents rent vs. own?
How does California City rent compare to the national average?
At $1,756/mo, rent takes ~35% of California City's median household income ($60,113/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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