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City Report · CA

San Carlos

Pop. 29,614·20th most expensive in California·San Carlos rents are up 21.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$4,511/mo
Year-over-Year
+21.9%
Month-over-Month
+7.1%
vs US Median
+$2,560
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
San Carlos · $4,511
More expensive than 99% of US cities · National median $1,951/mo
Rent Reality Score
18/100
Overheated
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 16% above what San Carlos's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$4,511/mo
Expected by trend
$3,892/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where San Carlos's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,430
1 BR
$2,970
2 BR
$3,550
3 BR
$4,430
4 BR+
$4,710
Research median
$3,550/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: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$54,132/yr
At $4,511/mo median
Market timing
Rents rising
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Demographics

Who lives here

San Carlos, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 70.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
29,614
Median income
$237,470
Median age
41.7
Renters
32.2%
Age distribution
23.4%
15.7%
30.8%
13.5%
16.5%
Under 1823.4%
18–3415.7%
35–5430.8%
55–6413.5%
65+16.5%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
57.5%
23.4%
White57.5%
Black0.6%
Hispanic10.9%
Asian23.4%
Other7.6%
Education (25+)
19.7%
70.2%
No HS diploma3%
HS diploma7%
Some college19.7%
Bachelor's+70.2%
Housing tenure
67.8%
32.2%
Owner67.8%
Renter32.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How San Carlos, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$3,021 → $4,511
up 49.3%
Income
$204,570 → $237,470
up 16.1%
Population
30,754 → 29,614
down 3.7%
Renter share
29.6% → 32.2%
+2.6 pts
Bachelor's+
67.7% → 70.2%
+2.5 pts
Median age
41 → 41.7
+0.7 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in San Carlos, CA has increased from $3,021 to $4,511, a 49.3% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $237,470 today, compared with $204,570 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 3.7% since 2021, moving from about 30,754 residents to roughly 29,614. Renters now make up 32.2% of households, compared with 29.6% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 70.2% of adults here, versus 67.7% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in San Carlos on your salary?

At $4,511/mo, how San Carlos rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

San Carlos rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in San Carlos

About renting in San Carlos, CA

Last updated: June 22, 2026

The median rent in San Carlos is $4,511/mo as of June 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,430/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,550/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,970/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,430/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($237,470/yr), San Carlos ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 21.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is San Carlos an affordable city for renters?

San Carlos is considered very affordable for renters. At $4,511/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($237,470/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. San Carlos falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in San Carlos?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $180,000/year (~$87/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,511/mo in San Carlos. The local median household income is $237,470/yr, meaning the typical San Carlos household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in San Carlos?

Rent in San Carlos has increased 21.9% over the past year as of June 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does San Carlos rent compare to other cities in California?

San Carlos is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #20 out of 384 tracked cities at $4,511/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than San Carlos?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than San Carlos ($4,511/mo): Belmont ($3,197/mo), San Mateo ($3,573/mo), Redwood City ($3,898/mo).

What percentage of San Carlos residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 32.2% of San Carlos households are renters, while 67.8% are owner-occupied. San Carlos leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does San Carlos rent compare to the national average?

San Carlos's median rent of $4,511/mo is $2,560 (131%) above the US national median of $1,951/mo. Within California, it ranks #20 out of 384 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $4,511/mo, rent takes ~23% of San Carlos's median household income ($237,470/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

San Carlos 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the San Carlos affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near San Carlos, CA

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