Average Rent in Big Sur, CA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Big Sur, CA is $2,240/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 1 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +4.7% year over year. Rents range from $2,240 to $2,240.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,240/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 1 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +4.7%
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Big Sur, CA is $2,240/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 1 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 4.7% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Big Sur is 87% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Big Sur, CA ranges from $2,240 to $2,240 across 1 ZIP codes.
Based on HUD Fair Market Rent, a fair rent increase in Big Sur, CA is approximately 4.7% for 2026. An increase above 4.7% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated October 2025.
Market trend data is limited for this area. The analysis below uses federal rent benchmarks.
How much is rent in Big Sur, CA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Big Sur, CA is $2,240/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 1 ZIP codes. Rents across Big Sur are relatively uniform, clustering around $2,240/month. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $89,600/year.
Is rent going up in Big Sur?
Rents in Big Sur have increased 4.7% year over year based on HUD Fair Market Rent. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Big Sur?
Based on HUD Fair Market Rent, a rent increase around 4.7% is in line with the Big Sur market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Note: California has rent increase protections — the cap is generally 5% + local CPI (max 10%). Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
What Should Rent Cost in Big Sur?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Big Sur typically rents for $2,180 – $2,507.
Rents above $2,883 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Big Sur typically rents for $2,240 – $2,576.
Rents above $2,962 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Big Sur typically rents for $2,690 – $3,093.
Rents above $3,557 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Big Sur typically rents for $3,630 – $4,175.
Rents above $4,801 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Big Sur typically rents for $3,950 – $4,543.
Rents above $5,224 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Big Sur
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$2,180
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,240
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$2,690
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$3,630
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$3,950
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Big Sur
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
HUD publishes a single Fair Market Rent for the entire Salinas, CA MSA metro area. For zip-level variation, the tool uses additional data sources including real-time comparable listings and local market indices.
All zip codes in Big Sur share the same county-level HUD Fair Market Rent ($2,240 for 1-BR). Click any zip for SAFMR-specific rates.
County-level FMR shown in city summary above.
How Does Big Sur Compare?
Questions about rent in Big Sur
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Big Sur, CA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Big Sur, CA is $2,240/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 1 ZIP codes in the city. This is 87% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $2,240 to $2,240 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Big Sur?
A rent increase up to about 4.7% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Big Sur. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,240/month.
Are rents going up or down in Big Sur?
Rents in Big Sur have increased 4.7% year over year based on HUD Fair Market Rent. This reflects local market conditions across 1 ZIP codes in the Salinas, CA MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Big Sur?
1-bedroom rents across Big Sur range from $2,240 to $2,240 on this page, a $0/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Big Sur?
In Big Sur, rent increases are regulated under California protections. The maximum increase is generally 5% + local CPI (max 10%). Landlords must also follow applicable state notice requirements before issuing a rent increase.
How much should I spend on rent in Big Sur?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Big Sur at $2,240/month, a household would need approximately $89,600/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Big Sur ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in California →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in California.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →