California Rental Investment Insights

California averages a 3.9% gross long-term rental yield on a $687,000 median 3-bedroom house, with $2,271 monthly rent. Yields range widely across the 1795 neighborhoods in our dataset; the city guides below cover the markets investors most often ask about.

Property tax averages 0.67% of value across the state. Regulatory environments vary by city, short-term rental rules in particular are a city-by-city question, not a state-wide one. Each linked city guide covers its specific regulations, suburb-level yields, and total operating costs.

City Markets Covered in California

• Los Angeles Yields 3.7% as Investors Bet on Appreciation
• Oakland's 3.0% Yield Means Appreciation Must Do the Heavy Lifting
• San Diego Short-Term Rentals Gross 76% More, but Costs Erase the Gap
• San Francisco Yields 2.3% with No Short-Term Rental Option for Investors
• San Jose's Thin Rental Yields Make It an Appreciation Play

Browse the dashboard → Free preview · every neighborhood in California

California State-Level Snapshot

State-level medians smooth across very different markets. For example, in California the spread between top-yielding neighborhoods in cheaper metros and premium metros often exceeds 6 percentage points. Click into any city guide above to see neighborhood-level rankings.

Data reflects market conditions as of April 2026. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Regulations and market conditions change frequently. Verify current rules with local authorities before making investment decisions.