The dream of owning a home may feel increasingly out of reach for younger (and not-so-young) generations, who are instead turning to renting. But in California, we all know rent can quickly become one of the biggest expenses and puts the most strain on our bank accounts.
That’s why a new study from WalletHub set out to analyze more than 180 rental markets based on 21 key indicators of rental attractiveness and quality of life. The goal? To find out which U.S. cities are the best places to rent.
The top spots in the ranking went to Overland Park, Kansas, which claimed first place thanks to its strong performance in both affordability and quality of life. It was followed by two cities in Arizona: Scottsdale, which ranked No. 2 overall and took the top spot for quality of life, and Chandler, which came in third with solid scores in both key categories.
Still, several California cities made the list, with Irvine standing out as the best option near Los Angeles, ranking No. 26 nationwide. Known for its manicured neighborhoods, abundant green spaces, and overall high quality of life, Irvine continues to attract renters seeking a peaceful, well-connected community. Just ahead of Irvine, Fremont ranks as the top city in California overall, securing the No. 25 spot across the country.
While it doesn’t score high in affordability, its excellent schools, safety, and proximity to both the coast and major job hubs in Orange County make it a strong contender for those prioritizing lifestyle and long-term livability. The full list of the best places to rent in California looks like this:
- Fremont (Alameda County) – 25th
- Irvine (Orange County) – 26th
- Huntington Beach (Orange County) – 35th
- San Francisco (San Francisco County) – 43rd
- San Diego (San Diego County) – 63rd
- Santa Clarita (Los Angeles County) – 79th
- Fontana (San Bernardino County) – 80th
- San Jose (Santa Clara County) – 87th
- Sacramento (Sacramento County) – 91st
- Oxnard (Ventura County) – 100th
To see the complete list of cities across the country, you can check out the study by clicking here.