How much does it cost to rent in National City, CA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in National City, CA is $2,472. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is National City cheaper than other California cities?

National City is among the more affordable cities in California, ranking #265 out of 387 cities at $2,472/mo.

When was National City rent data last updated?

National City 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

National City

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

Pop. 58,893·265th most expensive in California·Rental market data updated monthly for National City, CA

Median rent (all units)

$2,472/mo

Year-over-Year

-0.4%

Month-over-Month

+6.8%

vs US Median

+$507

Rising (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

National City · $2,472

More expensive than 79% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

61/100

Good value

OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent

$2,472/mo

Expected by trend

$2,613/mo

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

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$1,600

1 BR

$1,740

2 BR

$2,150

3 BR

$2,870

4 BR+

$3,500

Research median

$2,150/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

$29,664/yr

At $2,472/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Landlord's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are up 0.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (-0.4% YoY, +6.8% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

National City, CA is majority renter-occupied, 18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

58,893

Median income

$66,841

Median age

36.1

Renters

65.3%

Age distribution

21.5%

26.5%

25.2%

15.1%

Under 1821.5%

18–3426.5%

35–5425.2%

55–6411.6%

65+15.1%

Gender

50.3%

49.7%

Male50.3%

Female49.7%

Race & ethnicity

22.4%

63.5%

17.1%

White22.4%

Black5.5%

Hispanic63.5%

Asian17.1%

Education (25+)

22.4%

26.6%

32.9%

18.1%

No HS diploma22.4%

HS diploma26.6%

Some college32.9%

Bachelor's+18.1%

Housing tenure

34.7%

65.3%

Owner34.7%

Renter65.3%

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

2023 vs 2026

How National City, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$2,238 → $2,472

up 10.5%

Income

$51,735 → $66,841

up 29.2%

Population

56,846 → 58,893

up 3.6%

Renter share

67.3% → 65.3%

-2.0 pts

Bachelor's+

15% → 18.1%

+3.1 pts

Median age

36.8 → 36.1

-0.7 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in National City, CA has shifted from $2,238 to $2,472, up 10.5% since 2023. On the earnings side, the typical household in National City, CA now reports about $66,841, up from $51,735 in 2021. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. Census counts show National City, CA adding about 2,047 residents over the five-year window, up 3.6% on net. The renter share has eased from 67.3% to 65.3%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 15% to 18.1% across the same window. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and National City, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about National City

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View National City rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in National City on your salary?

At $2,472/mo, how National City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $111,486/yr · Rent = 26.6% income

affordable

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $79,154/yr · Rent = 37.5% income

stretched

Police Officer

Avg $91,179/yr · Rent = 32.5% income

stretched

Software Developer

Avg $162,970/yr · Rent = 18.2% income

very comfortable

Lawyer

Avg $208,235/yr · Rent = 14.2% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $74,116/yr · Rent = 40% income

rent-burdened

Truck Driver

Avg $66,918/yr · Rent = 44.3% income

rent-burdened

Electrician

Avg $82,482/yr · Rent = 36% income

stretched

By apartment size

National City rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in National City

About renting in National City, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in National City is $2,472/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,600/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,150/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,740/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,870/mo.

At 44% of local median household income ($66,841/yr), National City ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is National City an affordable city for renters?

National City is considered stretched for renters. At $2,472/mo, rent takes approximately 44% of the local median household income ($66,841/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. National City significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in National City?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $99,000/year (~$48/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,472/mo in National City. The local median household income is $66,841/yr, meaning the typical National City household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in National City?

Rent in National City has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.4% change year over year as of July 2026.

How does National City rent compare to other cities in California?

National City is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #265 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,472/mo.

What percentage of National City residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 65.3% of National City households are renters, while 34.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, National City has a strong rental market.

How does National City rent compare to the national average?

National City's median rent of $2,472/mo is $507 (26%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #265 out of 387 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

44%

STRETCHED

At $2,472/mo, rent takes ~44% of National City's median household income ($66,841/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

National City 44%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1–13.3%

Run the National City affordability calculator →

Nearby cities