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City Report · CA

Montclair

Pop. 37,810·170th most expensive in California·Montclair rents are up 11.5% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,888/mo
Year-over-Year
+11.5%
Month-over-Month
+4.3%
vs US Median
+$926
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Montclair · $2,888
More expensive than 88% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
43/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$2,888/mo
Expected by trend
$2,796/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Montclair's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,860
1 BR
$1,940
2 BR
$2,420
3 BR
$3,230
4 BR+
$3,930
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,420/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,888 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
$34,656/yr
At $2,888/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 11.5% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+11.5% YoY, +4.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Montclair, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, 18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
37,810
Median income
$77,659
Median age
33.7
Renters
45.2%
Age distribution
23.5%
29.2%
25.3%
12.1%
Under 1823.5%
18–3429.2%
35–5425.3%
55–649.9%
65+12.1%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
21.2%
72.5%
White21.2%
Black6.5%
Hispanic72.5%
Asian10.5%
Education (25+)
25.8%
27.8%
27.6%
18.8%
No HS diploma25.8%
HS diploma27.8%
Some college27.6%
Bachelor's+18.8%
Housing tenure
54.8%
45.2%
Owner54.8%
Renter45.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Montclair, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,821 → $2,888
up 58.6%
Income
$67,483 → $77,659
up 15.1%
Population
37,871 → 37,810
down 0.2%
Renter share
46.3% → 45.2%
-1.1 pts
Bachelor's+
17.2% → 18.8%
+1.6 pts
Median age
32.5 → 33.7
+1.2 yrs

The median rent in Montclair, CA stood at $1,821 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,888, reflecting a 58.6% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Montclair, CA now reports about $77,659, up from $67,483 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Montclair, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Montclair on your salary?

At $2,888/mo, how Montclair rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Montclair rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Montclair

About renting in Montclair, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Montclair is $2,888/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,860/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,420/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,940/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,230/mo.

At 45% of local median household income ($77,659/yr), Montclair ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Montclair an affordable city for renters?

Montclair is considered stretched for renters. At $2,888/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the local median household income ($77,659/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Montclair significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Montclair?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $116,000/year (~$56/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,888/mo in Montclair. The local median household income is $77,659/yr, meaning the typical Montclair household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Montclair?

Rent in Montclair has increased 11.5% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Montclair rent compare to other cities in California?

Montclair is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #170 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,888/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Montclair?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Montclair ($2,888/mo): Pomona ($2,378/mo), Upland ($2,406/mo), Ontario ($2,605/mo).

What percentage of Montclair residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45.2% of Montclair households are renters, while 54.8% are owner-occupied. Montclair leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Montclair rent compare to the national average?

Montclair's median rent of $2,888/mo is $926 (47%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #170 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $2,888/mo, rent takes ~45% of Montclair's median household income ($77,659/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Montclair 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Montclair affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Montclair, CA

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