Average Rent in El Centro, CA↑ Rents rising 6.6% YoY

El Centro, CA has rental prices ranging from $940/month to $2,287/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,056/month — 25% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,393/year, spending $1,056/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How El Centro Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,371/month, El Centro ranks #41 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The El Centro Rental Market

The El Centro, CA area has a population of about 179,319 and 43% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in El Centro, CA have risen by $85/month (6.6%) over the past year, from $1,286 to $1,371. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in El Centro, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,240. The local median household income of $56,393 exceeds that threshold by $14,153, making El Centro relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in El Centro, CA is $387,954, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 24 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Is El Centro, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in El Centro?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in El Centro

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.