Rents are 6% below what Montclair's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,895 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 →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in Montclair is at its highest level since Zillow's records here began in April 2021.
Rent in Montclair changed +7.0% over the year to September 2026. Across the 336 California cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +3.4%.
Rent has risen 9 months in a row, and rose in 10 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($77,659) is $1,941 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 1-bedroom ($1,940); a 2-bedroom is $2,420.
Pomona, 4 miles away, rents for 20% less ($2,319/mo), about $6,900 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Montclair. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Montclair, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, 18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Montclair, CA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Montclair, CA stood at $1,821 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,895, reflecting a 59.0% 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.
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At $2,895/mo, how Montclair rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Montclair rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Montclair. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Montclair
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Montclair is $2,895/mo as of October 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 7.0% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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Is rent going up or down in Montclair?
How does Montclair rent compare to other cities in California?
At $2,895/mo, rent takes ~45% of Montclair's median household income ($77,659/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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