City Report · CA

Monrovia

Pop. 37,571·175th most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,872/mo
Year-over-Year
-1.5%
Month-over-Month
-2.5%
vs US Median
+$907
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Monrovia · $2,872
More expensive than 88% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
63/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Monrovia's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,872/mo
Expected by trend
$3,075/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Monrovia's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,870
1 BR
$2,090
2 BR
$2,640
3 BR
$3,350
4 BR+
$3,720
Research median
$2,640/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
$34,464/yr
At $2,872/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 1.5% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-1.5% YoY, -2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Monrovia, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 42.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
37,571
Median income
$96,021
Median age
38.3
Renters
53.7%
Age distribution
21.7%
22.4%
27.1%
14.1%
14.7%
Under 1821.7%
18–3422.4%
35–5427.1%
55–6414.1%
65+14.7%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
35.4%
45.2%
15.8%
White35.4%
Black5.7%
Hispanic45.2%
Asian15.8%
Education (25+)
18.8%
27.4%
42.7%
No HS diploma11.2%
HS diploma18.8%
Some college27.4%
Bachelor's+42.7%
Housing tenure
46.3%
53.7%
Owner46.3%
Renter53.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Monrovia, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,160 → $2,872
up 33.0%
Income
$87,077 → $96,021
up 10.3%
Population
37,999 → 37,571
down 1.1%
Renter share
51.4% → 53.7%
+2.3 pts
Bachelor's+
42.7% → 42.7%
+0.0 pts
Median age
39.1 → 38.3
-0.8 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Monrovia, CA has shifted from $2,160 to $2,872, up 33.0% since 2021. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $87,077 in 2021 to $96,021 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Monrovia, CA losing about 428 residents over the five-year window, down 1.1% on net. The renter share has risen from 51.4% to 53.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Monrovia, CA market of 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Monrovia on your salary?

At $2,872/mo, how Monrovia rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Monrovia rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Monrovia

About renting in Monrovia, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Monrovia is $2,872/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,870/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,640/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,090/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,350/mo.

At 36% of local median household income ($96,021/yr), Monrovia ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Monrovia an affordable city for renters?

Monrovia is considered moderate for renters. At $2,872/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the local median household income ($96,021/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Monrovia slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Monrovia?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $115,000/year (~$55/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,872/mo in Monrovia. The local median household income is $96,021/yr, meaning the typical Monrovia household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Monrovia?

Rent in Monrovia has decreased 1.5% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Monrovia rent compare to other cities in California?

Monrovia is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #175 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,872/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Monrovia?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Monrovia ($2,872/mo): Baldwin Park ($2,598/mo), Duarte ($2,758/mo).

What percentage of Monrovia residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.7% of Monrovia households are renters, while 46.3% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Monrovia has a strong rental market.

How does Monrovia rent compare to the national average?

Monrovia's median rent of $2,872/mo is $907 (46%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #175 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $2,872/mo, rent takes ~36% of Monrovia's median household income ($96,021/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Monrovia 36%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Monrovia affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Monrovia, CA

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