How much does it cost to rent in Pacific Grove, CA?

As of July 2026, the median monthly rent in Pacific Grove, CA is $2,860. This figure is based on aggregated data from public sources and community-submitted rents.

Is Pacific Grove cheaper than other California cities?

Pacific Grove falls in the middle range for California, ranking #179 out of 387 cities at $2,860/mo.

When was Pacific Grove rent data last updated?

Pacific Grove 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

Pacific Grove

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

Pop. 14,951·179th most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US

Median rent (all units)

$2,860/mo

Year-over-Year

-2.1%

Month-over-Month

-3.4%

vs US Median

+$895

Falling (Monthly)

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Most AffordableMost Expensive

Pacific Grove · $2,860

More expensive than 88% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo

Rent Reality Score

73/100

Good value

OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Pacific Grove's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent

$2,860/mo

Expected by trend

$3,232/mo

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

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio

$2,142

1 BR

$2,196

2 BR

$2,644

3 BR

$3,568

4 BR+

$3,890

Research median

$2,644/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost

$34,320/yr

At $2,860/mo median

Rent Market Meter

Strong Renter's Market

Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market

Rents are down 2.1% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.

Based on rent-price momentum (-2.1% YoY, -3.4% MoM), not inventory.

Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Pacific Grove, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 59.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population

14,951

Median income

$106,065

Median age

51.2

Renters

49.6%

Age distribution

15.6%

17.2%

21.7%

14.9%

30.6%

Under 1815.6%

18–3417.2%

35–5421.7%

55–6414.9%

65+30.6%

Gender

46.1%

53.9%

Male46.1%

Female53.9%

Race & ethnicity

73.2%

13%

White73.2%

Black1.1%

Hispanic13%

Asian7.8%

Other4.9%

Education (25+)

24.7%

59.6%

No HS diploma4.9%

HS diploma10.7%

Some college24.7%

Bachelor's+59.6%

Housing tenure

50.4%

49.6%

Owner50.4%

Renter49.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Pacific Grove, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent

$2,377 → $2,860

up 20.3%

Income

$92,980 → $106,065

up 14.1%

Population

15,169 → 14,951

down 1.4%

Renter share

53.3% → 49.6%

-3.7 pts

Bachelor's+

55.4% → 59.6%

+4.2 pts

Median age

48 → 51.2

+3.2 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Pacific Grove, CA has increased from $2,377 to $2,860, a 20.3% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Pacific Grove, CA now reports about $106,065, up from $92,980 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 1.4% since 2021, moving from about 15,169 residents to roughly 14,951. Renters now make up 49.6% of households, compared with 53.3% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 59.6% of adults here, versus 55.4% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Pacific Grove, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Pacific Grove

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View Pacific Grove rent history (2015–2026) →

Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Pacific Grove on your salary?

At $2,860/mo, how Pacific Grove rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Registered Nurse

Avg $111,486/yr · Rent = 30.8% income

stretched

Elementary School Teacher

Avg $79,154/yr · Rent = 43.4% income

rent-burdened

Police Officer

Avg $91,179/yr · Rent = 37.6% income

stretched

Software Developer

Avg $162,970/yr · Rent = 21.1% income

affordable

Lawyer

Avg $208,235/yr · Rent = 16.5% income

very comfortable

Firefighter

Avg $74,116/yr · Rent = 46.3% income

rent-burdened

Truck Driver

Avg $66,918/yr · Rent = 51.3% income

severely rent-burdened

Electrician

Avg $82,482/yr · Rent = 41.6% income

rent-burdened

By apartment size

Pacific Grove rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Pacific Grove

About renting in Pacific Grove, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Pacific Grove is $2,860/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,142/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,644/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,196/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,568/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($106,065/yr), Pacific Grove ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Pacific Grove an affordable city for renters?

Pacific Grove is considered moderate for renters. At $2,860/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($106,065/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Pacific Grove slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Pacific Grove?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $114,000/year (~$55/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,860/mo in Pacific Grove. The local median household income is $106,065/yr, meaning the typical Pacific Grove household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Pacific Grove?

Rent in Pacific Grove has decreased 2.1% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Pacific Grove rent compare to other cities in California?

Pacific Grove is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #179 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,860/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Pacific Grove?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Pacific Grove ($2,860/mo): Salinas ($2,498/mo), Monterey ($2,822/mo).

What percentage of Pacific Grove residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.6% of Pacific Grove households are renters, while 50.4% are owner-occupied. Pacific Grove leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Pacific Grove rent compare to the national average?

Pacific Grove's median rent of $2,860/mo is $895 (46%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #179 out of 387 tracked cities.

Income Affordability

32%

MODERATE

At $2,860/mo, rent takes ~32% of Pacific Grove's median household income ($106,065/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Pacific Grove 32%Benchmark 30%

State income tax1–13.3%

Run the Pacific Grove affordability calculator →

Nearby cities