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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 94530

Pop. 26,401·Contra Costa County·469th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$2,761/mo
Year-over-Year
+13.3%
Month-over-Month
+4.2%
vs US Median
+$796
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 94530 · $2,761
More expensive than 85% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,210
1 BR
$2,460
2 BR
$3,010
3 BR
$3,850
4 BR+
$4,560
Research median
$3,010/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
$33,132/yr
At $2,761/mo median
Location
StateCA
CountyContra Costa County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 13.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+13.3% YoY, +4.2% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 94530 (El Cerrito, CA) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 67.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
26,401
Median income
$128,529
Median age
41.8
Renters
40.8%
Age distribution
16.6%
21.6%
28.3%
12.8%
20.7%
Under 1816.6%
18–3421.6%
35–5428.3%
55–6412.8%
65+20.7%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
45.4%
15.3%
28.4%
White45.4%
Black5.4%
Hispanic15.3%
Asian28.4%
Other5.4%
Education (25+)
17.7%
67.6%
No HS diploma3.6%
HS diploma11.1%
Some college17.7%
Bachelor's+67.6%
Housing tenure
59.2%
40.8%
Owner59.2%
Renter40.8%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 94530 in El Cerrito, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,246 → $2,761
up 22.9%
Income
$115,789 → $128,529
up 11.0%
Population
26,461 → 26,401
down 0.2%
Renter share
42.3% → 40.8%
-1.5 pts
Bachelor's+
65.1% → 67.6%
+2.5 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in ZIP 94530 in El Cerrito, CA has increased from $2,246 to $2,761, a 22.9% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $128,529 today, compared with $115,789 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. Renters now make up 40.8% of households, compared with 42.3% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 67.6% of adults here, versus 65.1% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 94530

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 94530 covers El Cerrito, CA. The median rent here is $2,761/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,460/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,010/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($128,529/yr), ZIP 94530 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 13.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 94530?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 94530 (El Cerrito, CA) is $2,761. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 94530 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 94530's median rent of $2,761/mo is $796 (41%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 94530 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 94530 falls in the middle range for California, ranking #469 out of 907 ZIPs at $2,761/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 94530?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $110,000/year (~$53/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,761/mo in ZIP 94530. The local median household income is $128,529/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 94530?

Rent in ZIP 94530 has increased 13.3% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 94530 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 94530 is considered affordable for renters. At $2,761/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($128,529/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 94530 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 94530 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.8% of ZIP 94530 households are renters, while 59.2% are owner-occupied. ZIP 94530 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 94530 compare to the rest of El Cerrito?

ZIP 94530 is more affordable than El Cerrito overall. At $2,761/mo, it's $16 below the El Cerrito citywide median of $2,777/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 94530 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 94530 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,761/mo, rent takes ~26% of ZIP 94530's median household income ($128,529/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 94530 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Public schools near ZIP 94530 (El Cerrito, CA)

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