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City Report · CA

Capitola

Pop. 9,689·91st most expensive in California·Capitola rents are up 11.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,418/mo
Year-over-Year
+11.2%
Month-over-Month
-2.1%
vs US Median
+$1,453
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Capitola · $3,418
More expensive than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
40% of income
MODERATE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $3,418/mo, rent takes about 40% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$137,000/yr
Local median income
$102,976/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Capitola's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$3,100
1 BR
$3,270
2 BR
$4,290
3 BR
$5,340
4 BR+
$5,690
Research median
$4,290/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
$41,016/yr
At $3,418/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 11.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+11.2% YoY, -2.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Capitola, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 47.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
9,689
Median income
$102,976
Median age
47.6
Renters
47.8%
Age distribution
15%
18.4%
26.9%
14.9%
24.8%
Under 1815%
18–3418.4%
35–5426.9%
55–6414.9%
65+24.8%
Gender
51.7%
48.3%
Male51.7%
Female48.3%
Race & ethnicity
69.6%
26.5%
White69.6%
Black1.2%
Hispanic26.5%
Asian4.2%
Education (25+)
12.2%
31.6%
47.9%
No HS diploma8.4%
HS diploma12.2%
Some college31.6%
Bachelor's+47.9%
Housing tenure
52.2%
47.8%
Owner52.2%
Renter47.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Capitola, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$83,726 → $102,976
up 23.0%
Population
10,041 → 9,689
down 3.5%
Renter share
53.1% → 47.8%
-5.3 pts
Bachelor's+
44.4% → 47.9%
+3.5 pts

Household income in the area moved from $83,726 to $102,976 across the same window, up 23.0% versus 2021. The population has contracted by 3.5% since 2021, moving from about 10,041 residents to roughly 9,689. Renters now make up 47.8% of households, compared with 53.1% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 47.9% of adults here, versus 44.4% in 2021.

Community

Discussions about Capitola

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

Can you afford rent in Capitola on your salary?

At $3,418/mo, how Capitola rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Capitola rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Capitola

About renting in Capitola, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Capitola is $3,418/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $3,100/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $4,290/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,270/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $5,340/mo.

At 40% of local median household income ($102,976/yr), Capitola ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Capitola an affordable city for renters?

Capitola is considered moderate for renters. At $3,418/mo, rent takes approximately 40% of the local median household income ($102,976/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Capitola slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Capitola?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $137,000/year (~$66/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,418/mo in Capitola. The local median household income is $102,976/yr, meaning the typical Capitola household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Capitola?

Rent in Capitola has increased 11.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Capitola rent compare to other cities in California?

Capitola is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #91 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,418/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Capitola?

Watsonville is nearby and more affordable at $3,257/mo, which is $161 less than Capitola.

What percentage of Capitola residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 47.8% of Capitola households are renters, while 52.2% are owner-occupied. Capitola leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Capitola rent compare to the national average?

Capitola's median rent of $3,418/mo is $1,453 (74%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #91 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
40%
MODERATE

At $3,418/mo, rent takes ~40% of Capitola's median household income ($102,976/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Capitola 40%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Capitola affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Capitola
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Capitola, CA

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