Rent in Alameda County, CA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,912$34,944 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,805 (−3.7%)How much rent can you afford in Alameda County, CA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Alameda County, CA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,142 | $25,704 | $85,680 | $41.19/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $2,385 | $28,620 | $95,400 | $45.87/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,912 | $34,944 | $116,480 | $56.00/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,724 | $44,688 | $148,960 | $71.62/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,413 | $52,956 | $176,520 | $84.87/hr |
Cost of living in Alameda County, CA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Alameda County, CA
Rent in Alameda County, CA: common questions
How much is rent going down in Alameda County, CA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,805 for a two-bedroom, down 3.7% from $2,912. A one-bedroom goes from $2,385 to $2,290, a studio from $2,142 to $2,088.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Alameda County, CA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $2,385 for a one-bedroom and $2,912 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $34,944 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Alameda County, CA?
To keep a $2,912 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $56.00 an hour, or $116,480 a year. A one-bedroom at $2,385 takes $45.87 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Alameda County, CA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $2,142, one bedroom $2,385, two $2,912, three $3,724 and four $4,413 a month.
Is rent affordable in Alameda County, CA?
For the typical household, earning $129,367 a year ($10,781 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,912 takes 27% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($2,912 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $116,480. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $56.00 an hour.