Rents are 4% below what San Clemente's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
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 $3,420 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
San Clemente, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 53.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How San Clemente, CA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in San Clemente, CA stood at $2,362 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,420, reflecting a 44.8% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in San Clemente, CA now reports about $140,062, up from $123,090 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 2.1% since 2021, moving from about 64,600 residents to roughly 63,273. College-educated residents now make up 53.8% of adults here, versus 51.1% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and San Clemente, CA reflects that arc in its own way.
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Can you afford rent in San Clemente on your salary?
At $3,420/mo, how San Clemente rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
San Clemente rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in San Clemente. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in San Clemente
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in San Clemente is $3,420/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,790/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,460/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,920/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,680/mo.
At 29% of local median household income ($140,062/yr), San Clemente ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.9% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Clemente an affordable city for renters?
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What percentage of San Clemente residents rent vs. own?
How does San Clemente rent compare to the national average?
At $3,420/mo, rent takes ~29% of San Clemente's median household income ($140,062/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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