LA Rent Report Reveals Priciest and Most Affordable Neighborhoods

Luxury coastal areas like Beverly Hills, Irvine, and Santa Monica remain the most expensive, while San Bernardino, Corona, and Riverside are the most affordable

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A new report from Zumper has revealed the most expensive and most affordable neighborhoods for renters across the Los Angeles metropolitan area. While the statewide median for a one-bedroom apartment sits at $2,044, the LA metro area continues to be defined as an ultra-luxury market with prices much higher, led by Beverly Hills, Irvine, and Santa Monica. However, the overall median rent in LA is declining, dropping 4% in the last year to a four-year low of $2,167.

Why it matters

This report provides valuable insights into the rental landscape in the LA area, highlighting the stark divide between the most expensive luxury neighborhoods and the more affordable options. As renters become more price-sensitive, understanding these trends is crucial for both those seeking housing and policymakers addressing the region's affordability challenges.

The details

According to the Zumper report, Beverly Hills has once again secured its position as the most expensive city in the LA metro, with one-bedroom units commanding a median price of $2,980. Irvine and Santa Monica follow closely at $2,880 and $2,810, respectively. In contrast, San Bernardino was the most affordable city, with one-bedrooms priced at $1,480, followed by Corona and Riverside at $1,610 and $1,740. While major cities like Los Angeles ($2,290) and Burbank ($2,260) are expensive by national standards, they still trade well below the $2,800+ threshold of the luxury coastal areas.

  • The latest Zumper report was published on February 17, 2026.

The players

Zumper

A real estate data and rental platform that publishes regular reports on rental market trends across the United States.

Crystal Chen

A spokesperson for Zumper and the author of the national rent report.

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What they’re saying

“Looking at one-bedroom rents across the Los Angeles metro reveals a cooling trend, especially in the most expensive and previously overheated markets. This widening gap suggests renters are becoming more price-sensitive, trading down on location or space for affordability.”

— Crystal Chen, Spokesperson, Zumper (The California Post)

What’s next

The report's findings are likely to spur further analysis and discussion around housing affordability in the LA region, as policymakers and community leaders seek to address the challenges faced by renters.

The takeaway

This rent report underscores the stark divide in the LA housing market, with luxury coastal neighborhoods remaining out of reach for many, while more affordable options emerge in surrounding areas. As renters become more price-conscious, understanding these trends will be crucial for addressing the region's ongoing affordability crisis.