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City Report · CA

Seaside

Pop. 31,814·124th most expensive in California·Seaside rents are up 5.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,155/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.2%
Month-over-Month
+4.0%
vs US Median
+$1,190
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Seaside · $3,155
More expensive than 93% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
46/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% above what Seaside's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$3,155/mo
Expected by trend
$3,091/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Seaside's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,540
1 BR
$2,610
2 BR
$3,140
3 BR
$4,240
4 BR+
$4,620
Research median
$3,140/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
$37,860/yr
At $3,155/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.2% YoY, +4.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Seaside, CA is majority renter-occupied, 29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
31,814
Median income
$85,311
Median age
34
Renters
64.6%
Age distribution
21.8%
29.7%
25.3%
12.8%
Under 1821.8%
18–3429.7%
35–5425.3%
55–6410.5%
65+12.8%
Gender
50.1%
49.9%
Male50.1%
Female49.9%
Race & ethnicity
38.6%
48.2%
White38.6%
Black4.8%
Hispanic48.2%
Asian9.9%
Education (25+)
18.2%
22%
30.2%
29.6%
No HS diploma18.2%
HS diploma22%
Some college30.2%
Bachelor's+29.6%
Housing tenure
35.4%
64.6%
Owner35.4%
Renter64.6%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Seaside, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,437 → $3,155
up 29.5%
Income
$74,140 → $85,311
up 15.1%
Population
32,631 → 31,814
down 2.5%
Renter share
60.5% → 64.6%
+4.1 pts
Bachelor's+
24.2% → 29.6%
+5.4 pts

Five years ago, renters in Seaside, CA paid around $2,437 a month. That figure now sits near $3,155, up 29.5% from the 2023 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Seaside, CA now reports about $85,311, up from $74,140 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Seaside, CA losing about 817 residents over the five-year window, down 2.5% on net. The renter share has risen from 60.5% to 64.6%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 24.2% to 29.6% across the same window. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Seaside, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Seaside

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View Seaside rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Seaside on your salary?

At $3,155/mo, how Seaside rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Seaside rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Seaside

About renting in Seaside, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Seaside is $3,155/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,540/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,140/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,610/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,240/mo.

At 44% of local median household income ($85,311/yr), Seaside ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Seaside an affordable city for renters?

Seaside is considered stretched for renters. At $3,155/mo, rent takes approximately 44% of the local median household income ($85,311/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Seaside significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Seaside?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $126,000/year (~$61/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,155/mo in Seaside. The local median household income is $85,311/yr, meaning the typical Seaside household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Seaside?

Rent in Seaside has increased 5.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Seaside rent compare to other cities in California?

Seaside is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #124 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,155/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Seaside?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Seaside ($3,155/mo): Salinas ($2,498/mo), Monterey ($2,822/mo), Pacific Grove ($2,860/mo).

What percentage of Seaside residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 64.6% of Seaside households are renters, while 35.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Seaside has a strong rental market.

How does Seaside rent compare to the national average?

Seaside's median rent of $3,155/mo is $1,190 (61%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #124 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
44%
STRETCHED

At $3,155/mo, rent takes ~44% of Seaside's median household income ($85,311/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Seaside 44%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Seaside affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Seaside
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Seaside, CA

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