At $3,318/mo, rent takes about 39% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.
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 $3,318 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
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.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Capitola, CA has changed in 5 years
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.
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Can you afford rent in Capitola on your salary?
At $3,318/mo, how Capitola rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Capitola rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Capitola. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Capitola
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Capitola is $3,318/mo as of August 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 39% of local median household income ($102,976/yr), Capitola ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.4% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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What percentage of Capitola residents rent vs. own?
How does Capitola rent compare to the national average?
At $3,318/mo, rent takes ~39% of Capitola's median household income ($102,976/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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