37,785 Apartments, Houses, & Townhomes for Rent in California

California’s median rent price is currently $2,654/mo. Compared to high-priced units on the coast, the most affordable California rentals are in small suburban cities. For example, 1-bedroom listings in Modesto are often priced at $1,458/mo, while 2-bedroom units go for $1,781/mo. However, popular markets like San Francisco commonly have 1-bedroom properties for $4,167/mo and 2-bedroom units for $6,140/mo.

To accommodate households with furry friends, many California rentals allow pets — especially in large, multi-bedroom properties with yards and green spaces. The area’s outdoor lifestyle attracts outdoorsy residents who bring their dogs hiking, to the beach, or to state parks. While pet acceptance rates are often lower in urban high-rises, pet-friendly apartments in California are often competitive due to low inventory. Additionally, many units in the city impose size and breed restrictions. Renters should focus on California townhouse rentals, single-family homes, and duplexes, especially if you have multiple pets or large dogs.

While senior housing is abundant, California’s warm, suburban regions with easy access to healthcare have the most options. Sacramento has many affordable, age-restricted apartments in California, as do Riverside and the Palm Desert area. Expect long waitlists and consider applying early and targeting multiple communities at once. If the list is too long, consider senior-focused living in smaller inland cities, which often have lower prices, even if they’re not specifically income-restricted.

Yes, especially when looking in coastal neighborhoods with seasonal travel demand. Areas like Downtown L.A., Santa Monica, and La Jolla often have a steady supply of short-term and furnished rentals. California’s Silicon Valley also offers flexible leasing to accommodate business travel and remote work needs. To find these opportunities on Rentler, use the ‘furnished amenities’ and the ‘lease length’ filters.

There’s no shortage of luxury California apartments and homes. From Newport Beach to Mountain View, Pasadena, and South of Market (SoMa), there are many new construction units with resort-style amenities and high-end finishes. The best way to find luxury apartments is to sort listings by the highest price and use the ‘year built’ filter on Rentler. It makes searching for unique, upscale California rentals quick and easy — even those featuring smart home technology, concierge services, and infinity pools.