Average Rent in Santa Maria, CA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Maria, CA is $2,738/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 18 ZIP codes. Rents have changed -2.6% year over year. Rents range from $2,420 to $3,030.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,738/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 18 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↓ -2.6%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Maria, CA is $2,738/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 18 ZIP codes. Rents have decreased 2.6% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Maria is 129% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Santa Maria, CA ranges from $2,420 to $3,030 across 18 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Santa Maria, CA is approximately 2.6% for 2026. An increase above 2.6% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Santa Maria, CA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Maria, CA is $2,738/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 18 ZIP codes. Rents range from $2,420 to $3,030 depending on neighborhood — a $610/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $109,520/year.
Is rent going up in Santa Maria?
Rents in Santa Maria have decreased 2.6% year over year based on local market data. Declining rents may give renters leverage when negotiating renewals.
What is a fair rent increase in Santa Maria?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 2.6% is in line with the Santa Maria 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.
Rent Trends in Santa Maria
-2.6%
Rents in Santa Maria are cooling at -2.6% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from -5.9% to +14.2%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (-5.9%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-4.1%).When signed-lease rents outpace asking rents, it typically signals strong demand and limited room to negotiate.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Santa Maria?
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 Santa Maria typically rents for $2,457 – $2,752.
Rents above $3,165 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Santa Maria typically rents for $2,738 – $3,073.
Rents above $3,534 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Santa Maria typically rents for $3,117 – $3,496.
Rents above $4,020 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Santa Maria typically rents for $4,068 – $4,560.
Rents above $5,244 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Santa Maria typically rents for $4,633 – $5,200.
Rents above $5,980 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Santa Maria
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$2,457
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,738
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$3,117
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$4,068
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$4,633
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Santa Maria
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does Santa Maria Compare?
Questions about rent in Santa Maria
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Maria, CA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Santa Maria, CA is $2,738/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 18 ZIP codes in the city. This is 129% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $2,420 to $3,030 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Santa Maria?
A rent increase up to about 2.6% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Santa Maria. 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 $2,738/month.
Are rents going up or down in Santa Maria?
Rents in Santa Maria have decreased 2.6% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 18 ZIP codes in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Santa Maria?
1-bedroom rents across Santa Maria range from $2,420 to $3,030 on this page, a $610/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 Santa Maria?
In Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Santa Maria at $2,738/month, a household would need approximately $109,520/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 Santa Maria 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 →