A Golden State Renter's Market: How Apartment Rents Compare Across California

It's the fourth straight month of declining rental prices across the United States, according to the Zumper National Rent Index, but what does that mean for renters in California?

The national average price for a one-bedroom rental apartment is $1,650, according to both Zumper and Apartments.com—a price that Californians are hard-pressed to match, with a median rent price of $2,059. In many cases, the average apartment offers amenities, including air conditioning and access to laundry facilities, and at most, a gym, pool, and even mini dog parks. If you're looking for more amenities or an apartment closer to work, friends, or family, now may be the time.

Zumper CEO Anthemos Georgiades discussed the seasonally slower fall months at a time when supply exceeds demand.

"While historic supply levels remain a major driver of the softening national rent prices, the rental market is also contending with headwinds from the broader economy. Job growth has slowed, consumer sentiment remains depressed, and unemployment may be higher than official figures suggest. These macroeconomic factors are contributing to more conservative renter behavior, with many choosing to renew their current leases rather than move, keeping retention rates elevated," Georgiades said.

For renters, the current market environment offers a rare opportunity to negotiate favorable lease terms and explore upgraded living situations. Want to stay where you are? Consider asking for an upgraded carpet, new appliances, or even a different, more desirable location in your same complex.

For property owners, navigating this supply-heavy landscape will require strategic thinking on pricing and creative concessions. Mostly, it will require "patience as the market works through this current high inventory state," Georgiades said.

How much does it cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment in California?

It definitely depends on where you want to hang your hat.

From most expensive to least in California, the San Francisco Bay Area remains at the top of the list, according to data from both Zumper and Apartments.com.

San Francisco tops the rental market in the state, with an average rental price of $3,110 per month, which is 91% higher than the national rent price.

In the surrounding areas, the median one-bedroom rental price leans lower, depending on where you look and how far you're willing to commute.

In Palo Alto, a similarly sized apartment hovers at $3,090, while in Walnut Creek, your average one-bedroom costs about $2,550.

In Pleasanton, one-bedroom rentals can start at $2,150, which is similarly priced to those in nearby Livermore.

Renters across the Bay Area looking for a one-bedroom apartment closer to the national average of $1,650 per month can try their luck in areas such as Hayward, Union City, Fremont, and Oakland, according to Apartments.com.

Further south, the Southern California rental market is also facing a surge in supply, giving renters a bit more leeway, according to Zumper. Both Los Angeles and Orange County are seeing declining rents.

Massive rental developments have been built and are opening along the I-15 and I-215 freeways in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The one-bedroom rental prices in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire continued their downward track in October, marking the fifth consecutive month of annual rent declines.

One-bedroom rents across the Inland Empire show modest annual declines, according to Zumper's report, with Ontario down 3.8%, Riverside down 3.4%, and San Bernardino down 1.4%.

In terms of actual one-bedroom rental pricing in the fall of 2025, Ontario leads at $2,010, followed by Temecula at $1,982, Murrieta at $1,815, Riverside at $1,720 and San Bernardino at $1,450, according to the report's figures and results from Apartments.com.

The softening is primarily driven by the absorption of new supply, according to experts.

"Riverside County saw peak deliveries over the summer and is now working through that inventory. Combined with typical seasonal headwinds as we enter the slower-moving months, landlords are reducing asking rents and offering concessions to avoid prolonged vacancies," according to a Zumper rental expert. "We expect this downward pressure to continue through the holidays and winter months. However, as spring leasing season arrives and the supply surge passes, we anticipate rents will stabilize and potentially climb again as seasonal demand returns."

According to recent rental figures, the price for renting one-bedroom apartments in Los Angeles County has fallen 6.3% year-over-year to $2,250, while two-bedroom rents have dropped 9.9% to $3,100.

The vast Los Angeles County is currently experiencing a 93.7% annual increase in supply, with delivery volumes not expected to peak until mid-2026, suggesting that more rent declines are ahead, the report states.

Unlike Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, both the San Diego and Orange County rental markets are expected to see an increase in the number of properties through 2026, making these two markets among the few nationwide where supply volumes are anticipated to grow by more than 70% over the next 12 months.

This indicates a significant shift for these cities, which have historically experienced constrained construction activity, according to our Zumper expert. "That impact is already visible in the rent data," they say.

In San Diego, one-bedroom rents have declined 6.3% annually, while two-bedroom rents are down 4.8%. In Anaheim, one-bedroom rent has decreased 1.9% year-over-year and two-bedrooms have fallen 3.0%.

In San Diego, finding a one-bedroom apartment below $1,950 is a challenging task, according to results on Apartments.com, unless you are seeking a home in a 55+ senior community. Some areas in El Cajon offer rentals between $1,700 to $1,950, according to our Apartments.com search.

In Orange County, one-bedroom apartments below $2,000 can be found, primarily in Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton and Santa Ana where prices range from $1,650 to $1,995. Renters, hang in there. This Southern California rental market appears poised to follow Los Angeles’ trajectory of sustained rent declines through 2026.

During the slow months, look for move-in deals, such as specials and discounts, Apartments.com advises.

“With the rental market now entering the seasonally slower months, a clearer picture of the sector’s trajectory may not emerge until the spring leasing season begins,” Georgiades said. “Until then, the interplay between abundant supply, cautious consumer behavior, and economic uncertainty will continue to define market conditions.”

The report shows that the most recent CPI data revealed that the shelter index is up 3.6% since last September.