Santa Lucia
589 Leslie Dr,
Salinas, CA 93906
Studio - 2 Beds | $2,780
Rental Market Trends in Salinas, CA
Updated July 2026
The average rent in Salinas, CA is $1,993/month.
Rent in Salinas is 20% higher than the national average rent of $1,662/month, making this one of the more expensive cities statewide.
$1,993/month
Average Rent
656 Sq Ft
Average Size
+4.5%
Change / Year
186
Available Apartments
Salinas rent varies by unit size and layout:
- Studio apartments in Salinas average $1,725 per month.
- One-bedroom apartments in Salinas average $1,993 per month.
- Two-bedroom apartments in Salinas average $2,456 per month.
- Three-bedroom apartments in Salinas average $3,120 or more per month.
Average Rent by Home Type
Bedrooms
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Bedrooms
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
How much has average rent changed in Salinas, CA?
In the past year, rent has increased by 4.5%, which averages out to $90 more per month.
Market Trends Over Time
July 2026
2025
2026
Rent Ranges in Salinas, CA
July 2026
Above $2,000
Most rental prices fall within this range
Percentage*
Rent Range
0%
Below $700/month
1%
$700 - $1,000/month
16%
$1,001 - $1,500/month
34%
$1,501 - $2,000/month
49%
Above $2,000/month
Rent by Neighborhood
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Salinas?
Based on current rent prices, Greater Salinas and Elkhorn/Pajaro" are the most affordable neighborhoods in Salinas.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What are the most expensive neighborhoods in Salinas?
Based on current rent prices, Elkhorn/Pajaro and Greater Salinas" are the most expensive neighborhoods in Salinas.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Which Salinas neighborhoods have the most rentals available?
The neighborhoods in Salinas with the most apartments available are Greater Salinas and Elkhorn/Pajaro" .
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Salinas, CA?
Because the average rent in Salinas is $1,993, you’ll want to make about $6,643 per month or $79,716 per year. The general guideline is to pay no more than 30 percent of your monthly income on rent. However, you’ll want to consider additional factors, such as your monthly bills and other expenses. Use our rent affordability calculator to help determine how much to budget for rent.
How does Salinas, CA compare to other nearby cities and neighborhoods?
Use the tool below to compare Salinas, CA to other nearby cities and neighborhoods. The Apartments.com neighborhood guides provide you with insight into the area’s transportation, things to do, and more.
View the Salinas Area GuideStudio
$1,765/month
$1,126/month
One Bedroom
$1,987/month
$2,156/month
Two Bedroom
$2,439/month
$2,496/month
Three Bedroom
$3,106/month
$2,017/month
Compare Rent Trends Nearby
Get a clearer picture of the area by viewing rent trends in nearby cities.
Apartment Communities in Salinas We Think You'll Love
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in Salinas?
The average rent in Salinas is $1,993 per month, which is 19.9% higher than the national average of $1,662.
What is the average rent for a house in Salinas?
The average rent for a house in Salinas, CA is $3,990 per month.
Are rents going up or down in Salinas?
Rents in Salinas, CA are increasing, with prices up 4.5% year-over-year and $90 more per month.
What rent range is most common in Salinas?
In Salinas, CA, 49% of apartments fall above $2,000/month, though prices may vary depending on location and other factors.
Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.
* Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.