Luna Harper
The cost of rent in Sacramento, California has been on a steady rise over the years, with the median rent in the city currently hovering around $1,800 per month. In 2022, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,688, a significant increase from just seven years prior. While there have been recent reports of a slight dip in rent prices in the city, with year-over-year rents showing a downward trend, the overall trend indicates that Sacramento's rental market has been experiencing growth, with rents rising faster than in other parts of California and the nation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average rent in Sacramento | $1,921 per month |
| Median rent in Sacramento | $1,800 per month |
| Average rent in 2024 | $1,678 per month |
| Median rent in 2022 | $1,688 per month |
| Median rent in 2019 | $1,390 per month |
| Average cost of a new 1-bedroom unit downtown | $2,200 per month |
| Average size of an apartment in Sacramento | 827 square feet |
| Percentage of renter-occupied households in Sacramento | 49% |
| Percentage of Sacramentans spending half their income on rent | 30% |
| Percentage of renters spending more than 35% of their income on housing | 50% |
| Rent growth in Sacramento | 2.5% in the first half of 2024 |
| Fastest-growing rent in the nation | Stockton, at 10.6% over the last year |
| Ranking of Sacramento in rent growth among big U.S. cities | 34th or 35th |
| Sacramento's rent compared to the national average | 18.9% or 20% higher |
| Vacancy rate in Sacramento in 2025 | ~4% |
| Vacancy rate in Sacramento in 2019 | 2.76% |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sacramento's rents are 18.9% higher than the national average
While rents in Sacramento have been rising faster than in any other part of California, they are not the fastest-growing in the nation. In 2017, Stockton was reported to have the fastest-growing rents in the US, with Sacramento coming in third place.
However, Sacramento's rents are significantly higher than the national average. As of 2025, the median rent in Sacramento is $1,800 per month, which is 18.9% higher than the national average. This is a notable increase from 2019, when the median monthly rent in Sacramento was $1,390. Sacramento's rental market has experienced the biggest year-over-year increase compared to all other markets across the US, with a recent 2.5% growth in just six months.
Several factors influence Sacramento's rental market dynamics. Firstly, the city's high demand for housing contributes to rising rents. Sacramento's attractive amenities, highly-rated schools, and proximity to desirable regions contribute to sustained demand from local industries. Additionally, the city's low vacancy rates of around 4% further fuel rent increases. The limited housing supply in Sacramento, with only 1,304 rentals available, makes it challenging for residents to find affordable options.
The cost of living in Sacramento is also a factor in its high rents. The city's overall expenses are 19% above the national average, with housing costs a significant contributor, at 41% higher. This disparity in costs has impacted renters, with approximately 40% of their income going towards rent, hindering their financial goals and savings.
To address the rising rents, Sacramento adopted the Tenant Protection and Relief Act in 2019, which establishes limits on annual rent increases and provides protections against unwarranted lease terminations. However, the effectiveness of this program has been limited due to funding issues and low awareness among residents.
Renting a Cabin in Big Bear: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rents in Sacramento rose by 69% from 2010 to 2019
Rents in Sacramento have been rising faster than in any other part of California. Between 2010 and 2019, rents in the city increased by a whopping 69%, with Modesto and Stockton not far behind at 61% and 54%, respectively. This significant increase in rent prices has made Sacramento one of the most expensive places to live in California, alongside San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
The rising cost of housing in Sacramento is attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the high demand for housing in the area. Sacramento's rental market has a low vacancy rate, with only 1,304 rentals available in 2019, making it challenging for residents to find available rental properties. This low supply of housing drives up rent prices due to high demand. Additionally, Sacramento's cost of living is higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. The city's expenses are 19% above the average, and housing costs are a whopping 41% higher.
The specific neighbourhoods within Sacramento also play a role in the varying rent prices. The most expensive neighbourhoods in Sacramento include Natomas Crossing, Ramona Village, and CSUS, with average rents of $2,562, $3,035, and $4,028, respectively. On the other hand, the most affordable neighbourhoods are Woodbine, Bella Villa, and Old North Sacramento, with average rents ranging from $1,301 to $1,343 per month.
The type of property also influences rent prices in Sacramento. Studio apartments in the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom area have a median rent of around $1,201, while a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,326. As the number of bedrooms increases, so does the rent. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment in Sacramento averages $1,673, and a four-bedroom house can go up to $2,845.
The rising rents in Sacramento have had a significant impact on the city's residents. In 2019, residents spent 21.75% of their income on rent, a slight decrease from 22.31% in 2013. However, with the continued rise in rent prices, it becomes increasingly challenging for individuals to afford living in the city, especially for those who cannot afford a down payment on a home and choose to rent instead.
Renter's Insurance: Are All Policies Created Equal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sacramento's vacancy rate is low at 2.76% in 2019
Sacramento's rental market has been experiencing a period of growth, with rents rising faster than in other parts of California. In 2017, rents in Sacramento were rising faster than in any other part of California, with San Francisco and Silicon Valley ranked as the most expensive places to live in the state. Sacramento's rental market had the biggest year-over-year increase compared to all other markets across the country.
In 2019, the median monthly rent in Sacramento was $1,390, and the city had a vacancy rate of 2.76%. This vacancy rate is calculated as the fraction of homes for rent that are unoccupied. The low vacancy rate in Sacramento indicates a tight housing market with limited availability of rental properties. The vacancy rate in Sacramento has been declining over the years, with a peak of 8.02% in 2009, falling by 5.26% to 2.76% in 2019.
The high demand for housing in Sacramento contributes to the low vacancy rate. Sacramento's rental market is vibrant and complex, influenced by various factors such as population changes, new housing developments, and economic conditions. The city's expenses are also higher than the national average, with housing costs being significantly higher, contributing to the rising rents.
While Sacramento's rents have been increasing, there have been fluctuations and variations over time. Comparing year-over-year data, rents in Sacramento decreased by 0.8% from 2023 to 2024, while there was a slight increase of 0.7% from April to May 2024. Sacramento's rent growth over the first six months of 2024 was 2.5%.
The limited housing supply in Sacramento further exacerbates the situation. Initiatives and regulations are in place to address the housing demand, but implementing these solutions can be challenging due to funding and awareness issues. As a result, Sacramento's vacancy rate remains low, and the city continues to experience rising rents.
Rent Escrow in Ohio: Your Rights and How to Exercise Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sacramento's median rent is $1,800 to $2,000
Sacramento's median rent is estimated to be between $1,800 and $2,000. This is a significant increase from 2019, when the median monthly rent in Sacramento was $1,390. The average rent in Sacramento is now estimated to be $1,995, with rents rising by $34 compared to the previous year. This is 5% lower than the national average rent of $2,100.
Sacramento's rental market is vibrant and ever-changing, influenced by factors such as location, size, and quality, and housing demand. The cost of living in Sacramento is also higher than the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. The city's expenses are 19% above the national average, with housing costs a staggering 41% higher. This has been driven by a limited housing supply and increasing demand, with only 1,304 rentals available in Sacramento, making it challenging for residents.
The most affordable neighbourhoods in Sacramento include Woodbine, Bella Villa, and Old North Sacramento, with average rents ranging from $1,300 to $1,400 per month. In contrast, the most expensive neighbourhoods are Natomas Crossing, Ramona Village, and CSUS, with average rents ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 per month.
Sacramento's rent growth has been notable, with rents in the city rising faster than in any other part of California. This has made it challenging for residents, with rents in Sacramento ranked within the top 10 fastest-rising rents among US cities.
Rent Prices: Will They Ever Decrease?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sacramento's rent growth is fuelled by high demand and low supply
Sacramento's rental market has experienced significant growth in recent years, fuelled primarily by high demand and limited supply. Various factors contribute to this dynamic, resulting in a competitive market that impacts the livelihoods of many residents.
One of the key factors driving rent growth in Sacramento is the high demand for housing. The city has attracted investors and individuals seeking rental properties, leading to a situation where the number of households renting exceeds the available rental units. This imbalance between demand and supply has resulted in rising rents. As of 2025, the median rent in Sacramento was estimated to be around $1,678, with some sources placing it at $2,000. This amount is significantly higher than the national average, with Sacramento's rent being about 18.9% to 19% above it.
The limited housing supply in Sacramento exacerbates the issue. While nearby areas, such as Tracy, are witnessing the addition of thousands of new homes, Sacramento has faced challenges in keeping up with the demand. This shortage of available rental units further drives up rents. According to Doug Ressler, director of business intelligence for Yardi Matrix, the economics of supply and demand in Sacramento's market favour property owners rather than renters.
The high demand for housing in Sacramento can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Sacramento's economy and overall cost of living are relatively high compared to the national average. This attracts investors but also contributes to higher rents. Secondly, changes in population dynamics play a role. The city has experienced an influx of individuals seeking more affordable options compared to nearby expensive areas like San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Additionally, specific neighbourhoods within Sacramento, such as East Sacramento and Elk Grove, have become increasingly desirable, driving up rents in those areas.
While efforts have been made to address the situation, such as the implementation of the Tenant Protection and Relief Act in 2019, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been limited due to funding constraints and low awareness among residents. As a result, Sacramento continues to grapple with rising rents, with many residents spending a significant portion of their income on housing.
Renting: Ensure You Earn 3x the Asking Price
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sacramento rents have been increasing over the years and are above the national average. In 2017, rents in Sacramento were rising faster than in any other part of California. However, in 2025, rent growth in Sacramento has been mostly flat to slightly downward. Therefore, while rents in Sacramento are high and continue to grow, they may not be the fastest-growing in the nation at the current time.
The average rent in Sacramento, California, varies depending on location, size, and quality. The average rent for an apartment is $1,921 per month, but this can range from $1,301 in Woodbine to $4,028 in Natomas Crossing. The median rent across the Sacramento region is approximately $1,800 per month.
There are several reasons why rents in Sacramento are high and continue to increase. Firstly, there is high demand for housing in Sacramento, coupled with a limited housing supply. Additionally, Sacramento has a higher cost of living compared to the nation, with expenses about 19% above average and housing costs a whopping 41% higher.
