The Cost of Renting in Southern California: A City Comparison
The cost of renting in Southern California continues to rise, with Irvine topping the list as the most expensive city for renters. A recent study by WalletHub compared the affordability and quality of life for renters in 182 US cities, with Irvine ranking 22nd overall nationally. Despite its high quality of life ranking, Irvine was graded poorly for affordability, with typical rents averaging $2,390 a month.
On the other end of the spectrum, San Bernardino was ranked as the worst city for renters in Southern California, with typical rents at $1,327 – 45% lower than Irvine. Other notable rankings include Huntington Beach at No. 35, San Diego at No. 57, and Los Angeles at No. 133.
Overall, Southern California’s top 9 cities for renters pay an average of $2,186 in rent, compared to $1,950 in the bottom 9 cities. The region’s rental market continues to put pressure on tenants, with high costs and limited affordability.