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City Report · CA

Seal Beach

Pop. 24,722·118th most expensive in California·Seal Beach rents are up 6.8% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,189/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.8%
Month-over-Month
+0.4%
vs US Median
+$1,224
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Seal Beach · $3,189
More expensive than 93% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
46/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Seal Beach's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$3,189/mo
Expected by trend
$3,129/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Seal Beach's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,370
1 BR
$2,480
2 BR
$2,930
3 BR
$3,960
4 BR+
$4,740
Research median
$2,930/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
$38,268/yr
At $3,189/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.8% YoY, +0.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Seal Beach, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 51.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
24,722
Median income
$85,964
Median age
61.5
Renters
23.4%
Age distribution
12.9%
12.6%
16.3%
14.5%
43.7%
Under 1812.9%
18–3412.6%
35–5416.3%
55–6414.5%
65+43.7%
Gender
44.8%
55.2%
Male44.8%
Female55.2%
Race & ethnicity
68.1%
14%
14%
White68.1%
Black1.2%
Hispanic14%
Asian14%
Other2.7%
Education (25+)
15.1%
28.5%
51.4%
No HS diploma5%
HS diploma15.1%
Some college28.5%
Bachelor's+51.4%
Housing tenure
76.6%
23.4%
Owner76.6%
Renter23.4%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Seal Beach, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,536 → $3,189
up 25.7%
Income
$75,821 → $85,964
up 13.4%
Population
25,216 → 24,722
down 2.0%
Renter share
23.5% → 23.4%
-0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
50.1% → 51.4%
+1.3 pts
Median age
59.3 → 61.5
+2.2 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Seal Beach, CA paid around $2,536 a month. That figure now sits near $3,189, up 25.7% from the 2023 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $85,964 today, compared with $75,821 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Seal Beach, CA losing about 494 residents over the five-year window, down 2.0% on net. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2023.

Community

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View Seal Beach rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Seal Beach on your salary?

At $3,189/mo, how Seal Beach rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Seal Beach rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Seal Beach

About renting in Seal Beach, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Seal Beach is $3,189/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,370/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,930/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,480/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,960/mo.

At 45% of local median household income ($85,964/yr), Seal Beach ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Seal Beach an affordable city for renters?

Seal Beach is considered stretched for renters. At $3,189/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the local median household income ($85,964/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Seal Beach significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Seal Beach?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $128,000/year (~$62/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,189/mo in Seal Beach. The local median household income is $85,964/yr, meaning the typical Seal Beach household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Seal Beach?

Rent in Seal Beach has increased 6.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Seal Beach rent compare to other cities in California?

Seal Beach is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #118 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,189/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Seal Beach?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Seal Beach ($3,189/mo): Westminster ($2,629/mo), Stanton ($2,701/mo), Huntington Beach ($3,078/mo).

What percentage of Seal Beach residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 23.4% of Seal Beach households are renters, while 76.6% are owner-occupied. Seal Beach leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Seal Beach rent compare to the national average?

Seal Beach's median rent of $3,189/mo is $1,224 (62%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #118 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $3,189/mo, rent takes ~45% of Seal Beach's median household income ($85,964/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Seal Beach 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Seal Beach affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Seal Beach
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Seal Beach, CA

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