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City Report · CA

Carmichael

Pop. 76,948·361st most expensive in California·Rental market data updated monthly for Carmichael, CA
Median rent (all units)
$1,781/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.4%
Month-over-Month
-0.8%
vs US Median
-$181
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Carmichael · $1,781
More affordable than 55% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
78/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 14% below what Carmichael's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,781/mo
Expected by trend
$2,068/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Carmichael's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,560
1 BR
$1,650
2 BR
$2,050
3 BR
$2,780
4 BR+
$3,210
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,050/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,781 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 →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$21,372/yr
At $1,781/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 0.4% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.4% YoY, -0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Carmichael, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, 36.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
76,948
Median income
$85,914
Median age
40.1
Renters
47.8%
Age distribution
20.5%
22.7%
22.7%
13.4%
20.7%
Under 1820.5%
18–3422.7%
35–5422.7%
55–6413.4%
65+20.7%
Gender
48.2%
51.8%
Male48.2%
Female51.8%
Race & ethnicity
66.1%
15.5%
White66.1%
Black6.3%
Hispanic15.5%
Asian7.8%
Other4.2%
Education (25+)
20.6%
35.2%
36.7%
No HS diploma7.6%
HS diploma20.6%
Some college35.2%
Bachelor's+36.7%
Housing tenure
52.2%
47.8%
Owner52.2%
Renter47.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Carmichael, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,519 → $1,781
up 17.2%
Income
$74,184 → $85,914
up 15.8%
Population
77,358 → 76,948
down 0.5%
Renter share
46.8% → 47.8%
+1.0 pts
Bachelor's+
34.2% → 36.7%
+2.5 pts

The median rent in Carmichael, CA stood at $1,519 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,781, reflecting a 17.2% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $74,184 in 2021 to $85,914 more recently. College-educated residents now make up 36.7% of adults here, versus 34.2% in 2021. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Carmichael, CA market of 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Carmichael on your salary?

At $1,781/mo, how Carmichael rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Carmichael rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Carmichael

About renting in Carmichael, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Carmichael is $1,781/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,560/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,050/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,650/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,780/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($85,914/yr), Carmichael ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Carmichael an affordable city for renters?

Carmichael is considered affordable for renters. At $1,781/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($85,914/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Carmichael falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Carmichael?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $71,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,781/mo in Carmichael. The local median household income is $85,914/yr, meaning the typical Carmichael household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Carmichael?

Rent in Carmichael has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.4% change year over year as of August 2026.

How does Carmichael rent compare to other cities in California?

Carmichael is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #361 out of 381 tracked cities at $1,781/mo.

What percentage of Carmichael residents rent vs. own?

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

How does Carmichael rent compare to the national average?

Carmichael's median rent of $1,781/mo is $181 (9%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #361 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,781/mo, rent takes ~25% of Carmichael's median household income ($85,914/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Carmichael 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Carmichael affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Carmichael
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Carmichael, CA

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