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City Report · CA

Cupertino

Pop. 58,566·34th most expensive in California·Cupertino rents are up 13.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$4,267/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.4%
Month-over-Month
+2.6%
vs US Median
+$2,302
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Cupertino · $4,267
More expensive than 98% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
28/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 11% above what Cupertino's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$4,267/mo
Expected by trend
$3,849/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Cupertino's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$3,410
1 BR
$3,880
2 BR
$4,500
3 BR
$5,850
4 BR+
$6,370
Research median
$4,500/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
$51,204/yr
At $4,267/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.4% YoY, +2.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Cupertino, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 82.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
58,566
Median income
$234,707
Median age
41.7
Renters
39.4%
Age distribution
22.6%
17.3%
31.5%
13.4%
15.2%
Under 1822.6%
18–3417.3%
35–5431.5%
55–6413.4%
65+15.2%
Gender
51.8%
48.2%
Male51.8%
Female48.2%
Race & ethnicity
21.1%
70.9%
White21.1%
Black0.5%
Hispanic4.4%
Asian70.9%
Other3.1%
Education (25+)
82.2%
No HS diploma2.9%
HS diploma5.1%
Some college9.7%
Bachelor's+82.2%
Housing tenure
60.6%
39.4%
Owner60.6%
Renter39.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Cupertino, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,978 → $4,267
up 43.3%
Income
$199,778 → $234,707
up 17.5%
Population
60,681 → 58,566
down 3.5%
Renter share
39.2% → 39.4%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
80.9% → 82.2%
+1.3 pts
Median age
41 → 41.7
+0.7 yrs

The median rent in Cupertino, CA stood at $2,978 in 2021 and currently runs about $4,267, reflecting a 43.3% increase over the period. Household income in the area moved from $199,778 to $234,707 across the same window, up 17.5% versus 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 3.5% since 2021, moving from about 60,681 residents to roughly 58,566. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Cupertino, CA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Cupertino on your salary?

At $4,267/mo, how Cupertino rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Cupertino rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Cupertino

About renting in Cupertino, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Cupertino is $4,267/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $3,410/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $4,500/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,880/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $5,850/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($234,707/yr), Cupertino ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Cupertino an affordable city for renters?

Cupertino is considered very affordable for renters. At $4,267/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($234,707/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Cupertino falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Cupertino?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $171,000/year (~$82/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,267/mo in Cupertino. The local median household income is $234,707/yr, meaning the typical Cupertino household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Cupertino?

Rent in Cupertino has increased 13.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Cupertino rent compare to other cities in California?

Cupertino is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #34 out of 387 tracked cities at $4,267/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Cupertino?

Sunnyvale is nearby and more affordable at $3,821/mo, which is $446 less than Cupertino.

What percentage of Cupertino residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.4% of Cupertino households are renters, while 60.6% are owner-occupied. Cupertino leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Cupertino rent compare to the national average?

Cupertino's median rent of $4,267/mo is $2,302 (117%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #34 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $4,267/mo, rent takes ~22% of Cupertino's median household income ($234,707/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Cupertino 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Cupertino affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Cupertino
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Cupertino, CA

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