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City Report · MD

California

Pop. 13,136·20th most expensive in Maryland·Rental market data updated monthly for California, MD
Median rent (all units)
$2,433/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.1%
Month-over-Month
+3.7%
vs US Median
+$471
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
California · $2,433
More expensive than 77% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
24% of income
VERY AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,433/mo, rent takes about 24% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$97,000/yr
Local median income
$119,855/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using California's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,650
1 BR
$1,790
2 BR
$2,020
3 BR
$2,520
4 BR+
$3,110
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,020/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,433 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
$29,196/yr
At $2,433/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.1% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.1% YoY, +3.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

California, MD is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 43.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
13,136
Median income
$119,855
Median age
35
Renters
37.1%
Age distribution
22.2%
27.7%
23.8%
12.6%
13.7%
Under 1822.2%
18–3427.7%
35–5423.8%
55–6412.6%
65+13.7%
Gender
53.2%
46.8%
Male53.2%
Female46.8%
Race & ethnicity
58.1%
22.2%
White58.1%
Black22.2%
Hispanic9%
Asian4.6%
Other6.1%
Education (25+)
18%
33.3%
43.8%
No HS diploma4.9%
HS diploma18%
Some college33.3%
Bachelor's+43.8%
Housing tenure
62.9%
37.1%
Owner62.9%
Renter37.1%

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

2021 vs 2026

How California, MD has changed in 5 years

Income
$101,907 → $119,855
up 17.6%
Population
14,129 → 13,136
down 7.0%
Renter share
40% → 37.1%
-2.9 pts
Bachelor's+
41.5% → 43.8%
+2.3 pts
Median age
35.6 → 35
-0.6 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $119,855 today, compared with $101,907 five years earlier. The population has contracted by 7.0% since 2021, moving from about 14,129 residents to roughly 13,136. Renters now make up 37.1% of households, compared with 40% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 43.8% of adults here, versus 41.5% in 2021.

Community

Discussions about California

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

Can you afford rent in California on your salary?

At $2,433/mo, how California rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

California rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in California

About renting in California, MD

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in California is $2,433/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,650/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,020/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,790/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,520/mo.

At 24% of local median household income ($119,855/yr), California ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is California an affordable city for renters?

California is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,433/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the local median household income ($119,855/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. California falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in California?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $97,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,433/mo in California. The local median household income is $119,855/yr, meaning the typical California household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in California?

Rent in California has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.1% change year over year as of August 2026.

How does California rent compare to other cities in Maryland?

California is one of the pricier cities in Maryland for rent, ranking #20 out of 94 tracked cities at $2,433/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than California?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than California ($2,433/mo): Lexington Park ($1,722/mo), Great Mills ($2,168/mo), Leonardtown ($2,213/mo).

What percentage of California residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 37.1% of California households are renters, while 62.9% are owner-occupied. California leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does California rent compare to the national average?

California's median rent of $2,433/mo is $471 (24%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Maryland, it ranks #20 out of 94 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,433/mo, rent takes ~24% of California's median household income ($119,855/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

California 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the California affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in California
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near California, MD

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