These are the most and least expensive California cities for renters

For millions of Californians, the dream of owning a home is simply too far out of reach, so renting is the only option.

As of October, the average single-family home costs around $888,000, according to the California Association of Realtors, and a typical condominium will cost you around $670,000.

Unfortunately, California's housing rental market remains one of the most expensive in the United States, with cities like San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles leading the way.

According to the latest Zillow data, the median rent for all property types in California is $2,800, $795 higher than the national median. The good news is that rents have remained relatively flat year-over-year, climbing just $5 over December 2023.

San Francisco tops the list of the most expensive California cities for renters, with an average rent of $3,168 per month. San Diego follows closely with an average rent of $3,175, and Los Angeles averages $2,983 per month.

When compared to the 20 largest cities in the U.S., California cities consistently rank among the highest in rental costs, but no city ranks No. 1.

California’s most expensive rental markets (Zillow)

• San Francisco: Average rent of $3,168 per month.
• San Diego: Average rent of $3,175 per month.
• Los Angeles: Average rent of $2,983 per month.
• San Jose: Average rent of $2,570 per month.
• Santa Monica: Average rent of $2,500 per month.
• Oakland: Average rent of $2,450 per month.
• Irvine: Average rent of $2,400 per month.
• Santa Ana: Average rent of $2,370 per month.
• Berkeley: Average rent of $2,350 per month.
• Fremont: Average rent of $2,300 per month

That honor goes to New York City, with an average rent of $3,500 per month, and Boston, with an average rent of $3,200 per month.

Houston is among the most affordable U.S. cities, with an average rent of $1,300 per month, and Phoenix has an average of $1,578.

California's most affordable rents are largely found in rural, agricultural areas.

California’s lowest rental markets (Zillow)

• Redding: Average rent of $1,142 per month.
• Turlock: Average rent of $1,351 per month.
• Lodi: Average rent of $1,358 per month.
• Bakersfield: Average rent of $1,367 per month.
• Yuba City: Average rent of $1,375 per month.
• Merced: Average rent of $1,481 per month.
• Modesto: Average rent of $1,546 per month.
• Fresno: Average rent of $1,430 per month.
• Clovis: Average rent of $1,627 per month.
• Citrus Heights: Average rent of $1,755 per month