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City Report · CA

Poway

Pop. 48,713·132nd most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$3,103/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.1%
Month-over-Month
-0.5%
vs US Median
+$1,138
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Poway · $3,103
More expensive than 92% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$3,103/mo
Expected by trend
$3,274/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Poway's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,150
1 BR
$2,340
2 BR
$2,890
3 BR
$3,860
4 BR+
$4,700
Research median
$2,890/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
$37,236/yr
At $3,103/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.1% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.1% YoY, -0.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Poway, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 54.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
48,713
Median income
$148,359
Median age
41.2
Renters
24.8%
Age distribution
23.5%
17.6%
26.8%
13.2%
19%
Under 1823.5%
18–3417.6%
35–5426.8%
55–6413.2%
65+19%
Gender
51.5%
48.5%
Male51.5%
Female48.5%
Race & ethnicity
60.8%
18.8%
12.4%
White60.8%
Black3%
Hispanic18.8%
Asian12.4%
Other4.9%
Education (25+)
14.1%
25.8%
54.2%
No HS diploma5.9%
HS diploma14.1%
Some college25.8%
Bachelor's+54.2%
Housing tenure
75.2%
24.8%
Owner75.2%
Renter24.8%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Poway, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,721 → $3,103
up 14.0%
Income
$119,847 → $148,359
up 23.8%
Population
49,005 → 48,713
down 0.6%
Renter share
23.6% → 24.8%
+1.2 pts
Bachelor's+
52.4% → 54.2%
+1.8 pts

Five years ago, renters in Poway, CA paid around $2,721 a month. That figure now sits near $3,103, up 14.0% from the 2022 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $119,847 in 2021 to $148,359 more recently. With wages climbing faster than rent over the same window, renters here have a bit more breathing room than they did five years back. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Poway, CA market of 2022.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Poway on your salary?

At $3,103/mo, how Poway rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Poway rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Poway

About renting in Poway, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Poway is $3,103/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,150/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,890/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,340/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,860/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($148,359/yr), Poway ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Poway an affordable city for renters?

Poway is considered affordable for renters. At $3,103/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($148,359/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Poway falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Poway?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $124,000/year (~$60/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,103/mo in Poway. The local median household income is $148,359/yr, meaning the typical Poway household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Poway?

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

How does Poway rent compare to other cities in California?

Poway is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #132 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,103/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Poway?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Poway ($3,103/mo): Lakeside ($2,203/mo), El Cajon ($2,277/mo), Ramona ($2,284/mo).

What percentage of Poway residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 24.8% of Poway households are renters, while 75.2% are owner-occupied. Poway leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Poway rent compare to the national average?

Poway's median rent of $3,103/mo is $1,138 (58%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #132 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $3,103/mo, rent takes ~25% of Poway's median household income ($148,359/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Poway 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Poway, CA

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