Apartments for Rent in Sacramento
If you're thinking of moving to Sacramento, also known as The Tree City and "Sactown", you're not alone. Sacramento offers the promise of new job opportunities and a chance at the California dream. As the state capital, it's also likely where you'll end up if you work in government; there's approximately 75,000 state jobs in the Sacramento area. Maybe Sacramento doesn't host the Oscars, but the employment picture and the cultural distinctions and diversions alone make Sacramento riper than a California Valencia Orange for those on the move.
Sacramento's diverse neighborhoods offer a range of housing options to suit your lifestyle. Whether you crave the buzz of downtown living or a quieter suburban retreat, you'll find it here. In downtown and midtown, you'll find a high concentration of high-rise apartments and lofts, perfect for those seeking an urban experience. Studios and one-bedroom apartments are common, catering to young professionals and urban explorers.
East Sacramento offers a mix of apartment buildings, bungalows, and charming Craftsman houses that have been converted into apartments. You'll find a wider range of apartment sizes here, from studios to larger two and three-bedroom units suitable for families or those who prefer more space. These areas boast a strong sense of community and a slower pace compared to downtown.
Finally, venturing outside the core city, you'll find numerous suburbs offering a variety of apartment complexes, townhomes, and single-family homes for rent. These areas tend to be more affordable and family-friendly, with amenities like pools, gyms, and pet-friendly policies.
Average Rent in Sacramento
The following rent averages come from current listings on our website. Rent prices listed are averages and may not reflect the cost of specific units. Rental prices can vary depending on factors like size, location, amenities, and availability.
How Much Is Rent for a Studio Apartment in Sacramento?
On average, expect to pay around $1,726 per month for a studio apartment in Sacramento.
How Much Is Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Sacramento?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sacramento is approximately $2,069 per month.
How Much Is Rent for a 2-Bedroom Apartment in Sacramento?
In Sacramento, a 2-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $2,530 per month.
How Much Is Rent for a 3-Bedroom Apartment in Sacramento?
A 3-bedroom apartment in Sacramento will cost, on average, $3,135 per month.
Transportation in Sacramento
Sacramento offers a mix of transportation options, though a car is the most convenient way to get around, especially for reaching suburbs. Here's a breakdown:
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Car: The city is fairly spread out, and many points of interest lie outside the downtown area. Sacramento has a grid system in the downtown/midtown area, making navigating with a car easier. There's ample parking available, including garages and street parking.
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Public Transportation: The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) runs a light rail and bus system covering the city and extending to some suburbs. While convenient and affordable, some users find it crowded and with inconsistent service. You can find schedules and fares on their website [Sacramento Regional Transit District].
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Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are available throughout Sacramento.
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Biking and Scooters: Sacramento has a growing biking infrastructure with protected lanes on some streets. There are also dockless bike and scooter rental options available.
Pet-Friendly Apartment Hunting in Sacramento
They would also say bring along your favorite furry buddy, including Bonzo (Ronald Reagan would have said that's cool). After all, this is California. Sacramento is pet friendly with lots of good walking spots and many trees to claim. However, breed restrictions often apply and 40 lb. weight limits are not uncommon.
- Weight & breed restrictions: While dogs are popular even in the busiest parts of the city, be aware that many buildings (especially high-rises) have weight or breed limits for pets, often stricter than other locations.
- Building size and amenities: Larger buildings and those with dedicated pet amenities like dog runs are more likely to be pet-friendly.
The good news? Major rental listing websites like Apartment List allow filtering by pet-friendliness. Simply select “Dog-Friendly” or “Cat-Friendly” in your preferences when you start your search.
FAQs about Apartments in Sacramento
Still have questions about renting in Sacramento? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people who are moving to the city for the first time:
Are rents dropping in Sacramento?
As of April 2024, rent prices in Sacramento had fallen 1.6% over the previous year. They were up slightly (0.4%) over the previous month.
What is a livable salary in Sacramento?
Using a budgeting rule that says rent should be no more than 30% of your income in order to be affordable, then at a median rate of $1,349 for a one-bedroom (as of April 2024), we estimate you would need to earn a little over $50,000 a year to live in Sacramento.
Is moving to Sacramento worth it?
That depends! Sacramento has a lot to offer, but it also has some drawbacks. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Pros:
- More affordable housing: Compared to some other parts of California, Sacramento offers a lower cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing.
- Pleasant weather: Sacramento enjoys warm, dry summers and mild winters.
- Outdoor activities: The city is close to the mountains and the delta region, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, water sports, and more.
- Sacramento Kings: If you're a basketball fan, you'll have an NBA team to cheer for!
Cons:
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Hot summers: The summers can get quite hot, reaching triple digits for extended periods.
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Limited public transportation: While there is a light rail and bus system, it's not as comprehensive as in some other cities. A car is often necessary.
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Sacramento Kings (sometimes): Being a Kings fan can be emotionally challenging .
Neighborhoods in Sacramento
Old Sacramento: Why not start with Sacramento's austere beginnings and eventual gold rush headquarters? Lying along the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento (Old Sac - did you really think there wasn't a nickname?) is now a 28-acre neighborhood of recreations and tourist attractions. Featuring everything one might expect of a re-booming boom town - dining, shopping, all sorts of live entertainment, saloons/pubs, and old-west store fronts and facades that make you feel you're on the set of Bonanza, all that’s missing is an ample supply of living spaces. Yes, apartments are limited in Old Sac, though there are a couple of luxury buildings (converted, so the architecture can be alluring) and lofts nearby. There's also a smattering of older-smallish apartment buildings in the half-mile range. Think of Old Sacramento as Atlantic City without the Atlantic, casinos, or Donald Trump - phew. 1 BR $900, 2 BR around $1,175.
Downtown: The home of the State Capitol (pretty impressive for history and architecture buffs) and Westfield Downtown Plaza (pretty impressive for food court and Macy's buffs), Downtown Sacramento is the city's most cosmopolitan neighborhood. The Sacramento Ballet, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Wells Fargo Pavilion (theater in the round) all provide settings for your cultural urges. The dozens of bars and clubs handle all your social purges. Public transportation (including light rail) is here, but parking is difficult. Downtown Sacramento is always buzzing with something - just think of all those politicians (largest state government in the country) vying to be the next one not on Twitter. Choose from a wide range of apartments in Downtown: Modern apartment developments are $1,000 - $1,500 for a 1 BR (add $300 - $500 for a 2 BR) and there are many smaller homes and buildings with apartments (with little or no amenities) for $700 for a 1 BR, $875 for a 2 BR. With a range so wide, suffice it to say you get what you pay for.
Midtown: As the Tree City, you might be thinking that Sacramento probably has trees somewhere. You’re right, it does! Midtown is their showcase with arbor-canopied streets and the colorfully majestic Victorian houses under which they sit. Sutter's Fort and an actual winery are located in Midtown. Here you’ll find a younger vibe with loads of clubs, bars, and come-as-you-are restaurants. There is a large Asian community with roots from the gold rush that calls Midtown Sacramento home. Lavender Heights, part of the bouquet of Midtown. Midtown is one of Sacramento's more expensive rental choices with 1 BR apartments for $700 (basic yet nice) - $1,200+ (top notch Victorian or townhouse development). Add $350 - $700 for the 2nd BR.
Uptown: Sacramento is a city of many nicknames. Uptown used to be called North Sacramento until North Sacramento became, well, uptown. Possibly inspired by Billy Joel or George and Weesie, Uptown is now where art lovers gather. Of course, where there's artists, there's art buyers. Where there's art buyers there's fancy restaurants and cafés. Where there's all of these things in one place, there's possibly bratty children. The handy Point West neighborhood should handle that with the Arden Fair Mall (Apple Store), movie theaters, and name recognized dining and lodging. 1 BR apartments with nice but standard amenities are around $700, 2 BR for $875. There is some variation as this area tends to have older, smaller complexes - take the landscaped courtyard or big pool out of the equation and rents fluctuate.
East Sacramento: East Sac is a prized location - Ronald Reagan lived here for all but 4 months as Governor. The quality of life here is a bit mellower than in other areas and it’s home to 32-acre McKinley Park and the uber-beautiful "Fabulous Forties" neighborhood. Due to its relative tranquility but proximity to Midtown, the Capitol, and freeways, East Sacramento has experienced relatively high price escalation. This, however, is not hurting its popularity - especially with outdoorsy folks who appreciate East Sac's commitment to biking and walking. Apartments in East Sac are generally in the form of homes rather than complexes, except closer to Cal State Sac. Sometimes duplexes, sometimes cottages, either way you’re looking at around $675 - $900 for a 1 BR, $850 - $1,200 for a 2 BR.
Natomas: The last holdout in the rapid redevelopment of Sacramento, Natomas' growth may have become vastly more fertile with the building of the Power Balance Pavilion - home to the NBA's Sacramento Kings. In the N.W. quadrant of the city, Natomas (There's North and South, but they're fairly close and intertwined) has the Sacramento and American rivers nearby (closer to South Natomas, but the Kings play closer to North - anyway, everybody relax, there's no Mason-Dixon line). In other words, Natomas is an active place that is Sacramento's most up and coming. It’s also one of the more ethnically woven parts of the city and has the easiest access to major highways and the airport. 1 BR is around $675, 2 BR about $900.
