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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 95003

Part of Aptos, CA
Pop. 24,951·Santa Cruz County·97th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$4,054/mo
Year-over-Year
+8.1%
Month-over-Month
-6.7%
vs US Median
+$2,089
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 95003 · $4,054
More expensive than 97% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$3,630
1 BR
$3,760
2 BR
$4,810
3 BR
$6,140
4 BR+
$6,460
Research median
$4,810/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
$48,648/yr
At $4,054/mo median
Location
CityAptos
StateCA
CountySanta Cruz County
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 8.1% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+8.1% YoY, -6.7% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 95003 (Aptos, CA) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 56.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
24,951
Median income
$148,412
Median age
48.4
Renters
29.4%
Age distribution
16.9%
19.3%
22.8%
16%
24.9%
Under 1816.9%
18–3419.3%
35–5422.8%
55–6416%
65+24.9%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
78.8%
14.6%
White78.8%
Hispanic14.6%
Asian3.1%
Other3.3%
Education (25+)
32%
56.1%
No HS diploma3.1%
HS diploma8.9%
Some college32%
Bachelor's+56.1%
Housing tenure
70.6%
29.4%
Owner70.6%
Renter29.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 95003 in Aptos, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$128,833 → $148,412
up 15.2%
Population
25,244 → 24,951
down 1.2%
Renter share
23.8% → 29.4%
+5.6 pts
Bachelor's+
54.3% → 56.1%
+1.8 pts

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 95003 in Aptos, CA now reports about $148,412, up from $128,833 in 2021. Census counts show ZIP 95003 in Aptos, CA losing about 293 residents over the five-year window, down 1.2% on net. The renter share has risen from 23.8% to 29.4%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 95003

About renting in ZIP 95003

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 95003 covers Aptos, CA. The median rent here is $4,054/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $3,760/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $4,810/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($148,412/yr), ZIP 95003 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 8.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 95003?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 95003 (Aptos, CA) is $4,054. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 95003 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 95003's median rent of $4,054/mo is $2,089 (106%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 95003 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 95003 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in California, ranking #97 out of 907 ZIPs tracked at $4,054/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 95003?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $162,000/year (~$78/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,054/mo in ZIP 95003. The local median household income is $148,412/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 95003?

Rent in ZIP 95003 has increased 8.1% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 95003 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 95003 is considered moderate for renters. At $4,054/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($148,412/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 95003 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 95003 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 29.4% of ZIP 95003 households are renters, while 70.6% are owner-occupied. ZIP 95003 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 95003 compare to the rest of Aptos?

ZIP 95003 sits right at the Aptos citywide median of $4,054/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 95003 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 95003 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $4,054/mo, rent takes ~33% of ZIP 95003's median household income ($148,412/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 95003 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 95003 (Aptos, CA)

Recent submissions

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