Rents are 14% above what Redwood City's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.
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 $4,077 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: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
Redwood City, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 54.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Redwood City, CA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Redwood City, CA stood at $3,005 in 2021 and currently runs about $4,077, reflecting a 35.7% increase over the period. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $134,287 in 2021 to $157,814 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 1.7% since 2021, moving from about 83,905 residents to roughly 82,447. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Redwood City, CA market of 2021.
Discussions about Redwood City
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Can you afford rent in Redwood City on your salary?
At $4,077/mo, how Redwood City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Redwood City rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Redwood City. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Redwood City
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Redwood City is $4,077/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,560/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,737/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,133/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,627/mo.
At 31% of local median household income ($157,814/yr), Redwood City ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.9% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Redwood City an affordable city for renters?
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What percentage of Redwood City residents rent vs. own?
How does Redwood City rent compare to the national average?
At $4,077/mo, rent takes ~31% of Redwood City's median household income ($157,814/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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