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City Report · CA

Tehachapi

Pop. 11,946·354th most expensive in California·Tehachapi rents have dropped 8.7%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,923/mo
Year-over-Year
-8.7%
Month-over-Month
+6.1%
vs US Median
-$42
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Tehachapi · $1,923
More expensive than 54% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
79/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 15% below what Tehachapi's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,923/mo
Expected by trend
$2,249/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Tehachapi's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,100
1 BR
$1,110
2 BR
$1,440
3 BR
$2,020
4 BR+
$2,420
Research median
$1,440/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
$23,076/yr
At $1,923/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (8.7% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (-8.7% YoY, +6.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Tehachapi, CA is majority owner-occupied, 15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
11,946
Median income
$72,957
Median age
39.1
Renters
41.5%
Age distribution
19.8%
24%
30.2%
12.6%
13.4%
Under 1819.8%
18–3424%
35–5430.2%
55–6412.6%
65+13.4%
Gender
61.9%
38.1%
Male61.9%
Female38.1%
Race & ethnicity
54.6%
37.7%
White54.6%
Black6%
Hispanic37.7%
Asian1.7%
Education (25+)
21%
27.1%
36.4%
15.5%
No HS diploma21%
HS diploma27.1%
Some college36.4%
Bachelor's+15.5%
Housing tenure
58.5%
41.5%
Owner58.5%
Renter41.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Tehachapi, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$54,598 → $72,957
up 33.6%
Population
13,346 → 11,946
down 10.5%
Renter share
37.4% → 41.5%
+4.1 pts
Bachelor's+
16.9% → 15.5%
-1.4 pts
Median age
38.1 → 39.1
+1.0 yrs

Median household income rose from $54,598 to $72,957 between 2021 and 2024, a 33.6% shift. The population has contracted by 10.5% since 2021, moving from about 13,346 residents to roughly 11,946. Renters now make up 41.5% of households, compared with 37.4% five years ago.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Tehachapi on your salary?

At $1,923/mo, how Tehachapi rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Tehachapi rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Tehachapi

About renting in Tehachapi, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Tehachapi is $1,923/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,100/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,440/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,110/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,020/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($72,957/yr), Tehachapi ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 8.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Tehachapi an affordable city for renters?

Tehachapi is considered moderate for renters. At $1,923/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($72,957/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Tehachapi slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Tehachapi?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $77,000/year (~$37/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,923/mo in Tehachapi. The local median household income is $72,957/yr, meaning the typical Tehachapi household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Tehachapi?

Rent in Tehachapi has decreased 8.7% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Tehachapi rent compare to other cities in California?

Tehachapi is one of the more affordable cities in California for rent, ranking #354 out of 387 tracked cities at $1,923/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Tehachapi?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Tehachapi ($1,923/mo): Oildale ($1,441/mo), California City ($1,708/mo), Bakersfield ($1,865/mo).

What percentage of Tehachapi residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.5% of Tehachapi households are renters, while 58.5% are owner-occupied. Tehachapi leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Tehachapi rent compare to the national average?

Tehachapi's median rent of $1,923/mo is $42 (2%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #354 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $1,923/mo, rent takes ~32% of Tehachapi's median household income ($72,957/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Tehachapi 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Tehachapi affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Tehachapi, CA

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