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City Report · CA

Paso Robles

·191st most expensive in California·Paso Robles rents are up 6.4% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,779/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.4%
Month-over-Month
+3.5%
vs US Median
+$817
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Paso Robles · $2,779
More expensive than 86% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
50/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Paso Robles's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$2,779/mo
Expected by trend
$2,778/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Paso Robles's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,590
1 BR
$1,770
2 BR
$2,320
3 BR
$3,100
4 BR+
$3,510
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,320/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,779 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
$33,348/yr
At $2,779/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.4% YoY, +3.5% MoM), not inventory.
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2023 vs 2026

How Paso Robles, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,278 → $2,779
up 22.0%

Compared with 2023, rent in Paso Robles, CA has climbed by $501 per month, settling near $2,779 after starting the period at $2,278. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Paso Robles, CA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Paso Robles

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View Paso Robles rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Paso Robles on your salary?

At $2,779/mo, how Paso Robles rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Paso Robles rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Paso Robles

About renting in Paso Robles, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Paso Robles is $2,779/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,590/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,320/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,770/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,100/mo.

At 46% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Paso Robles ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Paso Robles an affordable city for renters?

Paso Robles is considered stretched for renters. At $2,779/mo, rent takes approximately 46% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Paso Robles significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Paso Robles?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $111,000/year (~$53/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,779/mo in Paso Robles.

Is rent going up or down in Paso Robles?

Rent in Paso Robles has increased 6.4% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Paso Robles rent compare to other cities in California?

Paso Robles is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #191 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,779/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Paso Robles?

Atascadero is nearby and more affordable at $2,410/mo, which is $369 less than Paso Robles.

How does Paso Robles rent compare to the national average?

Paso Robles's median rent of $2,779/mo is $817 (42%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #191 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
46%
STRETCHED

At $2,779/mo, rent takes ~46% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Paso Robles 46%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Paso Robles affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Paso Robles
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Paso Robles, CA

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