Average Rent in Sacramento, CA↑ Rents rising 6.5% YoY

Sacramento, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,679/month to $3,455/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,777/month — 27% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $93,986/year, spending $1,777/month on a 1-bedroom represents 23% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Sacramento Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,206/month, Sacramento ranks #17 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Sacramento Rental Market

The Sacramento, CA area has a population of about 2,406,563 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Sacramento, CA have risen by $134/month (6.5%) over the past year, from $2,072 to $2,206. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Sacramento, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $71,080. The local median household income of $93,986 exceeds that threshold by $22,906, making Sacramento relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Sacramento, CA is $481,741, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 18.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Safety

Crime statistics for Sacramento, CA show a violent crime rate of 386.06 per 100,000 residents (moderate) and a property crime rate of 1953.56 per 100,000 residents (moderate). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within Sacramento before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Sacramento's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Ben Ali ($329,096 median home value), Noralto ($332,986 median home value), Parker Homes ($335,781 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Sacramento, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Sacramento?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Sacramento

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.