Average Rent in Visalia, CA↑ Rents rising 10.0% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 475,774
Market Overview
Visalia, CA has rental prices ranging from $1,082/month to $2,272/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,089/month — 22% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $69,489/year, spending $1,089/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Visalia Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,429/month, Visalia ranks #36 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.
The Visalia Rental Market
The Visalia, CA area has a population of about 475,774 and 41% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Visalia, CA have risen by $130/month (10.0%) over the past year, from $1,299 to $1,429. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Visalia, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,560. The local median household income of $69,489 exceeds that threshold by $25,929, making Visalia relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Visalia, CA is $399,332, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.3. With a break-even horizon of approximately 23 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Visalia's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Oval Park ($267,328 median home value), Goshen ($267,469 median home value), Johnson ($276,248 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.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Visalia, CA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in CAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,856 | $2,081 | $2,625 | $3,335 | — |
| Santa Ana | $2,352 | $2,454 | $2,903 | $3,927 | — |
| Oakland | $1,937 | $2,201 | $2,682 | $3,432 | — |
| San Francisco | $2,275 | $2,780 | $3,318 | $4,138 | — |
| Riverside | $1,776 | $1,852 | $2,306 | $3,079 | — |
| San Diego | $2,145 | $2,328 | $2,881 | $3,852 | — |
Rent or Buy in Visalia?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Visalia data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $399,332 home at 7% rate
Living in Visalia
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in VisaliaIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in VisaliaSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in CASee how Visalia ranks statewide
⚖️Compare VisaliaSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
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