City Report · CA

Torrance

Pop. 142,130·161st most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,921/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.5%
Month-over-Month
-2.5%
vs US Median
+$959
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Torrance · $2,921
More expensive than 89% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
64/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Torrance's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,921/mo
Expected by trend
$3,136/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Torrance's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,050
1 BR
$2,303
2 BR
$2,903
3 BR
$3,688
4 BR+
$4,090
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,903/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,921 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 →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$35,052/yr
At $2,921/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.5% YoY, -2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Torrance, CA is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income above the national average, 54% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
142,130
Median income
$116,217
Median age
43.2
Renters
45%
Age distribution
20.8%
17.7%
28.4%
14.3%
18.8%
Under 1820.8%
18–3417.7%
35–5428.4%
55–6414.3%
65+18.8%
Gender
50%
50%
Male50%
Female50%
Race & ethnicity
36.1%
19.3%
37.3%
White36.1%
Black3.6%
Hispanic19.3%
Asian37.3%
Other3.7%
Education (25+)
16.2%
24.7%
54%
No HS diploma5%
HS diploma16.2%
Some college24.7%
Bachelor's+54%
Housing tenure
55%
45%
Owner55%
Renter45%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Torrance, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,333 → $2,921
up 25.2%
Income
$100,215 → $116,217
up 16.0%
Population
147,156 → 142,130
down 3.4%
Renter share
44.8% → 45%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
52.3% → 54%
+1.7 pts
Median age
42.2 → 43.2
+1.0 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Torrance, CA paid around $2,333 a month. That figure now sits near $2,921, up 25.2% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Torrance, CA now reports about $116,217, up from $100,215 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Torrance, CA losing about 5,026 residents over the five-year window, down 3.4% on net. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Torrance, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Torrance

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

Can you afford rent in Torrance on your salary?

At $2,921/mo, how Torrance rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Torrance rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Torrance

About renting in Torrance, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Torrance is $2,921/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,050/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,903/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,303/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,688/mo.

At 30% of local median household income ($116,217/yr), Torrance ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Torrance an affordable city for renters?

Torrance is considered moderate for renters. At $2,921/mo, rent takes approximately 30% of the local median household income ($116,217/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Torrance slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Torrance?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $117,000/year (~$56/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,921/mo in Torrance. The local median household income is $116,217/yr, meaning the typical Torrance household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Torrance?

Rent in Torrance has increased 3.5% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Torrance neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Torrance are 90501 ($2,662/mo), 90504 ($2,947/mo), and 90503 ($3,085/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Torrance is $2,921/mo.

How does Torrance rent compare to other cities in California?

Torrance is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #161 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,921/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Torrance?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Torrance ($2,921/mo): Gardena ($2,366/mo), Lawndale ($2,783/mo).

What percentage of Torrance residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 45% of Torrance households are renters, while 55% are owner-occupied. Torrance leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Torrance rent compare to the national average?

Torrance's median rent of $2,921/mo is $959 (49%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #161 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
30%
MODERATE

At $2,921/mo, rent takes ~30% of Torrance's median household income ($116,217/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

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

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Torrance, CA

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