Rents are 7% above what San Bruno's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.
Rent by unit size
Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).
12-month history
Last updated: July 20, 2026
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Who lives here
San Bruno, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 45.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How San Bruno, CA has changed in 5 years
Five years ago, renters in San Bruno, CA paid around $2,598 a month. That figure now sits near $3,260, up 25.5% from the 2021 baseline. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $117,747 in 2021 to $141,272 more recently. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show San Bruno, CA losing about 1,468 residents over the five-year window, down 3.4% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 42.8% to 45.2% across the same window. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the San Bruno, CA market of 2021.
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Can you afford rent in San Bruno on your salary?
At $3,260/mo, how San Bruno rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
San Bruno rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in San Bruno. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in San Bruno
Last updated: July 20, 2026
The median rent in San Bruno is $3,260/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,190/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,190/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,670/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,980/mo.
At 28% of local median household income ($141,272/yr), San Bruno ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.0% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Bruno an affordable city for renters?
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Is rent going up or down in San Bruno?
How does San Bruno rent compare to other cities in California?
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What percentage of San Bruno residents rent vs. own?
How does San Bruno rent compare to the national average?
At $3,260/mo, rent takes ~28% of San Bruno's median household income ($141,272/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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