City Report · CA

Hermosa Beach

Pop. 19,063·37th most expensive in California·Hermosa Beach rents are up 10.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$4,175/mo
Year-over-Year
+10.2%
Month-over-Month
+1.1%
vs US Median
+$2,213
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Hermosa Beach · $4,175
More expensive than 98% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
43/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% above what Hermosa Beach's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$4,175/mo
Expected by trend
$4,042/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Hermosa Beach's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,700
1 BR
$3,030
2 BR
$3,820
3 BR
$4,850
4 BR+
$5,380
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$3,820/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $4,175 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
$50,100/yr
At $4,175/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 10.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+10.2% YoY, +1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Hermosa Beach, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 76% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
19,063
Median income
$166,442
Median age
42.7
Renters
49.4%
Age distribution
19.5%
20.8%
29.8%
16%
14%
Under 1819.5%
18–3420.8%
35–5429.8%
55–6416%
65+14%
Gender
51.1%
48.9%
Male51.1%
Female48.9%
Race & ethnicity
71.5%
White71.5%
Black0.9%
Hispanic11.9%
Asian7.3%
Other8.4%
Education (25+)
15.6%
76%
No HS diploma1.6%
HS diploma6.8%
Some college15.6%
Bachelor's+76%
Housing tenure
50.6%
49.4%
Owner50.6%
Renter49.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Hermosa Beach, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,902 → $4,175
up 43.9%
Income
$144,388 → $166,442
up 15.3%
Population
19,787 → 19,063
down 3.7%
Renter share
49.2% → 49.4%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
77.9% → 76%
-1.9 pts
Median age
40.5 → 42.7
+2.2 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Hermosa Beach, CA has increased from $2,902 to $4,175, a 43.9% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Hermosa Beach, CA now reports about $166,442, up from $144,388 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 3.7% since 2021, moving from about 19,787 residents to roughly 19,063. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Hermosa Beach, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Hermosa Beach

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View Hermosa Beach rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Hermosa Beach on your salary?

At $4,175/mo, how Hermosa Beach rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Hermosa Beach rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Hermosa Beach

About renting in Hermosa Beach, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Hermosa Beach is $4,175/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,700/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,820/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,030/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,850/mo.

At 30% of local median household income ($166,442/yr), Hermosa Beach ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 10.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Hermosa Beach an affordable city for renters?

Hermosa Beach is considered moderate for renters. At $4,175/mo, rent takes approximately 30% of the local median household income ($166,442/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Hermosa Beach slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Hermosa Beach?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $167,000/year (~$80/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,175/mo in Hermosa Beach. The local median household income is $166,442/yr, meaning the typical Hermosa Beach household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Hermosa Beach?

Rent in Hermosa Beach has increased 10.2% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Hermosa Beach rent compare to other cities in California?

Hermosa Beach is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #37 out of 381 tracked cities at $4,175/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Hermosa Beach?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Hermosa Beach ($4,175/mo): Lawndale ($2,783/mo), Torrance ($2,921/mo), El Segundo ($3,123/mo).

What percentage of Hermosa Beach residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.4% of Hermosa Beach households are renters, while 50.6% are owner-occupied. Hermosa Beach leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Hermosa Beach rent compare to the national average?

Hermosa Beach's median rent of $4,175/mo is $2,213 (113%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #37 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
30%
MODERATE

At $4,175/mo, rent takes ~30% of Hermosa Beach's median household income ($166,442/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Hermosa Beach 30%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Hermosa Beach affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Hermosa Beach, CA

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