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City Report · CA

Watsonville

Pop. 51,712·112th most expensive in California·Watsonville rents are up 8.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$3,257/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.0%
Month-over-Month
+1.0%
vs US Median
+$1,292
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Watsonville · $3,257
More expensive than 94% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
40/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% above what Watsonville's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$3,257/mo
Expected by trend
$3,102/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Watsonville's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,570
1 BR
$2,780
2 BR
$3,650
3 BR
$4,500
4 BR+
$4,960
Research median
$3,650/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
$39,084/yr
At $3,257/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 8.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.0% YoY, +1.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Watsonville, CA is majority renter-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
51,712
Median income
$78,393
Median age
33.8
Renters
55.2%
Age distribution
29.1%
22.4%
24.9%
13%
Under 1829.1%
18–3422.4%
35–5424.9%
55–6410.6%
65+13%
Gender
49.8%
50.2%
Male49.8%
Female50.2%
Race & ethnicity
26.5%
82.3%
White26.5%
Black0.6%
Hispanic82.3%
Asian2.7%
Education (25+)
34.8%
26.2%
26.6%
12.4%
No HS diploma34.8%
HS diploma26.2%
Some college26.6%
Bachelor's+12.4%
Housing tenure
44.8%
55.2%
Owner44.8%
Renter55.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Watsonville, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$67,007 → $78,393
up 17.0%
Population
52,966 → 51,712
down 2.4%
Renter share
56% → 55.2%
-0.8 pts
Bachelor's+
10.7% → 12.4%
+1.7 pts
Median age
31.1 → 33.8
+2.7 yrs

Household income in the area moved from $67,007 to $78,393 across the same window, up 17.0% versus 2021. Headcount in the area went from 52,966 to 51,712 between 2021 and 2024, a 2.4% change.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Watsonville on your salary?

At $3,257/mo, how Watsonville rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Watsonville rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Watsonville

About renting in Watsonville, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Watsonville is $3,257/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,570/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,650/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,780/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $4,500/mo.

At 50% of local median household income ($78,393/yr), Watsonville ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Watsonville an affordable city for renters?

Watsonville is considered stretched for renters. At $3,257/mo, rent takes approximately 50% of the local median household income ($78,393/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Watsonville significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Watsonville?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $130,000/year (~$63/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,257/mo in Watsonville. The local median household income is $78,393/yr, meaning the typical Watsonville household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Watsonville?

Rent in Watsonville has increased 8.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Watsonville rent compare to other cities in California?

Watsonville is one of the pricier cities in California for rent, ranking #112 out of 387 tracked cities at $3,257/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Watsonville?

Gilroy is nearby and more affordable at $3,082/mo, which is $175 less than Watsonville.

What percentage of Watsonville residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 55.2% of Watsonville households are renters, while 44.8% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Watsonville has a strong rental market.

How does Watsonville rent compare to the national average?

Watsonville's median rent of $3,257/mo is $1,292 (66%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #112 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
50%
STRETCHED

At $3,257/mo, rent takes ~50% of Watsonville's median household income ($78,393/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Watsonville 50%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Watsonville affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Watsonville, CA

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