Top 5 Most Expensive Cities for Apartment Rentals in California as of March 2023

California is known for its beautiful weather, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. However, with all the perks of living in the Golden State, there comes a high price tag for housing. As of March 2023, the rental prices for apartments in California continue their upward trend. Although some cities have seen a slight decrease in prices, the majority have seen an increase in monthly rent. According to the latest data from March 2023, here are the top 5 most expensive cities in California to rent an apartment.

Table: Prices for renting apartments in the five most expensive cities in California in March 2023

City	Bedrooms	Monthly Rent ($)	Month-to-Month Change (%)	Year-to-Year Change (%)
San Francisco	1	3,000	0.00	+3.10
	2	4,000	0.00	0.00
San Jose	1	2,570	+3.20	+6.20
	2	3,270	+4.10	+9.40
Los Angeles	1	2,400	+1.30	+4.30
	2	3,300	+2.20	+9.60
San Diego	1	2,370	+1.70	+3.90
	2	3,100	+0.30	+6.90
Oakland	1	2,200	-2.20	+6.30
	2	2,850	-1.00	+3.60

№ 1. San Francisco
San Francisco is a city that is always alive with energy and excitement. It’s known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, stunning views of the ocean, and diverse culture. Despite its beauty, San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities to live in due to its high cost of housing, transportation, and food. However, living in this vibrant city is worth it for those who crave the urban lifestyle and are willing to pay the price. San Francisco continues to hold the title for the most expensive city to rent an apartment in California. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $3,000 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment is $4,000. Despite the stagnant monthly change, the year-over-year increase of 3.10% for one-bedroom apartments is a significant jump.

№ 2. San Jose
San Jose is a thriving tech hub located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It’s home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and attracts tech professionals from all over the world. However, with a booming economy comes a high cost of living. The cost of housing in San Jose is particularly high, making it difficult for many to afford a comfortable lifestyle. San Jose is the second most expensive city in California for apartment rentals. A one-bedroom apartment in San Jose costs $2,570 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is $3,270. The city experienced a significant month-over-month increase of 3.20% for one-bedroom apartments and 4.10% for two-bedroom apartments.

№ 3. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, with a bustling film industry and iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood sign and Walk of Fame. However, living in LA comes with a hefty price tag due to its high cost of housing, transportation, and entertainment. Despite its high costs, LA continues to attract people from all over the world who dream of living the Hollywood lifestyle. Los Angeles is the third most expensive city for apartment rentals in California. A one-bedroom apartment costs $2,400 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is $3,300. The city saw a modest increase of 1.30% for one-bedroom apartments and 2.20% for two-bedroom apartments in March 2023.

№ 4. San Diego
San Diego is a beautiful coastal city with miles of sandy beaches and perfect weather year-round. It’s known for its laid-back lifestyle, outdoor activities, and delicious cuisine. However, the cost of living in San Diego is steep, particularly in terms of housing. According to recent data, the average cost of living in San Diego is 44% higher than the national average. San Diego is the fourth most expensive city to rent an apartment in California. A one-bedroom apartment costs $2,370 per month, and a two-bedroom apartment is $3,100. While there was a slight increase of 1.70% for one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments only saw a 0.30% increase in March.

№ 5. Oakland
Oakland is a vibrant city located on the east side of the San Francisco Bay. It’s known for its diversity, thriving arts scene, and delicious food. However, living in Oakland can be expensive due to its high cost of housing and transportation. Despite this, many people continue to flock to Oakland for its unique culture and opportunities. Oakland rounds out the list as the fifth most expensive city in California for apartment rentals. A one-bedroom apartment costs $2,200 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is $2,850. Despite being the only city on the list to experience a negative monthly change (-2.20%), Oakland saw a year-over-year increase of 6.30% for one-bedroom apartments and 3.60% for two-bedroom apartments.

In conclusion, the cost of living in California can be quite high, and apartment rentals are no exception. However, these top 5 cities offer a unique living experience with various amenities and attractions. It’s essential to consider your budget and priorities when looking to rent an apartment in California.