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City Report · CA

Millbrae

Pop. 22,689·84th most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,481/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.0%
Month-over-Month
-7.6%
vs US Median
+$1,516
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Millbrae · $3,481
More expensive than 95% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
59/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Millbrae's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$3,481/mo
Expected by trend
$3,646/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Millbrae's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,790
1 BR
$3,410
2 BR
$4,070
3 BR
$5,080
4 BR+
$5,400
Research median
$4,070/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
$41,772/yr
At $3,481/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 1.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.0% YoY, -7.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Millbrae, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 52.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,689
Median income
$163,476
Median age
43.7
Renters
39.2%
Age distribution
19%
18.5%
27.3%
14.9%
20.3%
Under 1819%
18–3418.5%
35–5427.3%
55–6414.9%
65+20.3%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
30.7%
13.9%
48.2%
White30.7%
Black0.9%
Hispanic13.9%
Asian48.2%
Other6.4%
Education (25+)
16.3%
24.7%
52.7%
No HS diploma6.4%
HS diploma16.3%
Some college24.7%
Bachelor's+52.7%
Housing tenure
60.8%
39.2%
Owner60.8%
Renter39.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Millbrae, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$3,078 → $3,481
up 13.1%
Income
$141,399 → $163,476
up 15.6%
Population
23,083 → 22,689
down 1.7%
Renter share
37% → 39.2%
+2.2 pts
Bachelor's+
51.2% → 52.7%
+1.5 pts
Median age
44.9 → 43.7
-1.2 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Millbrae, CA paid around $3,078 a month. That figure now sits near $3,481, up 13.1% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Millbrae, CA now reports about $163,476, up from $141,399 in 2021. Census counts show Millbrae, CA losing about 394 residents over the five-year window, down 1.7% on net. The renter share has risen from 37% to 39.2%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Millbrae, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Millbrae on your salary?

At $3,481/mo, how Millbrae rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Millbrae rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Millbrae

About renting in Millbrae, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Millbrae is $3,481/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,790/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $4,070/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,410/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $5,080/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($163,476/yr), Millbrae ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Millbrae an affordable city for renters?

Millbrae is considered affordable for renters. At $3,481/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($163,476/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Millbrae falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Millbrae?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $139,000/year (~$67/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,481/mo in Millbrae. The local median household income is $163,476/yr, meaning the typical Millbrae household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Millbrae?

Rent in Millbrae has increased 1.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Millbrae rent compare to other cities in California?

Millbrae is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #84 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,481/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Millbrae?

San Bruno is nearby and more affordable at $3,260/mo, which is $221 less than Millbrae.

What percentage of Millbrae residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 39.2% of Millbrae households are renters, while 60.8% are owner-occupied. Millbrae leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Millbrae rent compare to the national average?

Millbrae's median rent of $3,481/mo is $1,516 (77%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #84 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $3,481/mo, rent takes ~26% of Millbrae's median household income ($163,476/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Millbrae 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Millbrae affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Millbrae, CA

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