At $2,291/mo, rent takes about 37% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.
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 $2,291 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: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in South Gate changed +0.5% over the year to September 2026. Across the 336 California cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +3.4%.
Rent has fallen 2 months in a row, and rose in 6 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($74,571) is $1,864 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 1-bedroom ($1,810); a 2-bedroom is $2,290.
Lynwood, 1 mile away, rents for 11% less ($2,045/mo), about $3,000 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for South Gate. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
South Gate, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, 11.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How South Gate, CA has changed in 5 years
Household income in the area moved from $59,647 to $74,571 across the same window, up 25.0% versus 2021. Census counts show South Gate, CA losing about 1,825 residents over the five-year window, down 2.0% on net.
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Can you afford rent in South Gate on your salary?
At $2,291/mo, how South Gate rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
South Gate rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in South Gate. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in South Gate
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in South Gate is $2,291/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,600/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,290/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,810/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,940/mo.
At 37% of local median household income ($74,571/yr), South Gate ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.5% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in South Gate?
Is rent going up or down in South Gate?
How does South Gate rent compare to other cities in California?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than South Gate?
At $2,291/mo, rent takes ~37% of South Gate's median household income ($74,571/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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