How much does it cost to rent in Joshua Tree, CA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Joshua Tree, CA is $2,043. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Joshua Tree cheaper than other California cities?

Joshua Tree is among the more affordable cities in California, ranking #336 out of 387 cities at $2,043/mo.

When was Joshua Tree rent data last updated?

Joshua Tree rent data reflects July 2026 and was last refreshed on July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.

City Report · CA

Joshua Tree

Name: Average Rent Prices in Joshua Tree, CA
Creator: RentDataNow
License: https://rentdatanow.com/terms-of-service

Pop. 6,234·336th most expensive in California·Joshua Tree rents have dropped 8.2%, currently a renter's market

Median rent (all units)

$2,043/mo

Year-over-Year

-8.2%

Month-over-Month

-7.7%

vs US Median

+$78

Falling (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Joshua Tree · $2,043

More expensive than 61% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

81/100

Great value

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 16% below what Joshua Tree's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$2,043/mo

Expected by trend

$2,420/mo

The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Joshua Tree's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,370

1 BR

$1,450

2 BR

$1,810

3 BR

$2,440

4 BR+

$2,980

Research median

$1,810/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$24,516/yr

At $2,043/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Renter's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are down 8.2% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (-8.2% YoY, -7.7% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Joshua Tree, CA is majority owner-occupied, 27% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

6,234

Median income

$66,291

Median age

41.2

Renters

34.5%

Age distribution

18.8%

24.1%

23.2%

14%

19.8%

Under 1818.8%

18–3424.1%

35–5423.2%

55–6414%

65+19.8%

Gender

47.6%

52.4%

Male47.6%

Female52.4%

Race & ethnicity

66.8%

24.6%

White66.8%

Black2.2%

Hispanic24.6%

Asian2.8%

Other3.6%

Education (25+)

20.9%

43.2%

27%

No HS diploma8.8%

HS diploma20.9%

Some college43.2%

Bachelor's+27%

Housing tenure

65.5%

34.5%

Owner65.5%

Renter34.5%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Joshua Tree, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$1,603 → $2,043

up 27.4%

Income

$47,944 → $66,291

up 38.3%

Population

7,398 → 6,234

down 15.7%

Renter share

42.7% → 34.5%

-8.2 pts

Bachelor's+

20.5% → 27%

+6.5 pts

Median age

40.2 → 41.2

+1.0 yrs

Since 2023, the typical rent in Joshua Tree, CA has increased from $1,603 to $2,043, a 27.4% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Joshua Tree, CA now reports about $66,291, up from $47,944 in 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has contracted by 15.7% since 2021, moving from about 7,398 residents to roughly 6,234. Renters now make up 34.5% of households, compared with 42.7% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 27% of adults here, versus 20.5% in 2021. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Joshua Tree, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Joshua Tree

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View Joshua Tree rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Joshua Tree on your salary?

At $2,043/mo, how Joshua Tree rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $111,486/yr · Rent = 22% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $79,154/yr · Rent = 31% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $91,179/yr · Rent = 26.9% income

affordable

Software Developer

Avg $162,970/yr · Rent = 15% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $208,235/yr · Rent = 11.8% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $74,116/yr · Rent = 33.1% income

stretched

Truck Driver

Avg $66,918/yr · Rent = 36.6% income

stretched

Electrician

Avg $82,482/yr · Rent = 29.7% income

affordable

By apartment size

Joshua Tree rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Joshua Tree

About renting in Joshua Tree, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Joshua Tree is $2,043/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,370/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,810/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,450/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,440/mo.

At 37% of local median household income ($66,291/yr), Joshua Tree ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 8.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Joshua Tree an affordable city for renters?

Joshua Tree is considered moderate for renters. At $2,043/mo, rent takes approximately 37% of the local median household income ($66,291/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Joshua Tree slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Joshua Tree?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $82,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,043/mo in Joshua Tree. The local median household income is $66,291/yr, meaning the typical Joshua Tree household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Joshua Tree?

Rent in Joshua Tree has decreased 8.2% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Joshua Tree rent compare to other cities in California?

Joshua Tree is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #336 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,043/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Joshua Tree?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Joshua Tree ($2,043/mo): Yucca Valley ($1,919/mo), Desert Hot Springs ($1,970/mo).

What percentage of Joshua Tree residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 34.5% of Joshua Tree households are renters, while 65.5% are owner-occupied. Joshua Tree leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Joshua Tree rent compare to the national average?

Joshua Tree's median rent of $2,043/mo is $78 (4%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #336 out of 387 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

37%

MODERATE

At $2,043/mo, rent takes ~37% of Joshua Tree's median household income ($66,291/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Joshua Tree 37%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1–13.3%

Run the Joshua Tree affordability calculator →

Nearby cities