New rent data shows apartment prices are declining across much of Los Angeles County, with some of the biggest drops in Pomona, Pasadena and Santa Monica.
After years of rising housing costs, renters across Southern California are finally seeing some relief. Apartment rents are declining in 60% of the region’s cities, with some of the biggest discounts appearing in Los Angeles County communities.
According to the latest ApartmentList rent report, rents fell in 32 of 53 Southern California cities tracked. The regional median rent declined 0.4% over the past year, with average prices reaching about $1,921 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,359 for a two-bedroom.
The biggest changes are happening in Los Angeles, where many renters have struggled with high housing costs for years.
Los Angeles County Leads Southern California Rent Drops
Los Angeles County recorded one of the strongest rental declines in the region. Nearly 80% of cities tracked in the county — 11 out of 14 — saw rents decrease, with a median drop of 2.2%.
For renters searching for more affordable housing, several Los Angeles County communities are becoming more attractive:
Pomona: Rents dropped about 5%, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,515 and two-bedroom units around $1,912.
Pasadena: Rents declined about 5%, with one-bedrooms averaging $2,110.
Santa Monica: Rents fell about 6%, bringing one-bedroom prices to about $2,215.
Monrovia: Rents decreased about 4%, with one-bedrooms averaging $1,712.
Latino Communities See Potential Relief
Many Latino neighborhoods across Los Angeles County have been among the communities most affected by rising rents. Families, essential workers, and younger renters have faced growing pressure as housing costs increased faster than many incomes.
Cities such as Pomona and other communities in the Eastside, San Gabriel Valley, and parts of the San Fernando Valley are now seeing a different rental environment. More available apartments and slower demand are giving tenants more options to compare prices and negotiate with landlords.
For many Latino renters, even a modest monthly reduction can have a meaningful impact — helping families manage expenses, stay closer to relatives, and remain connected to the communities where they live and work.
Why Southern California Rents Are Falling
Several factors are pushing rents lower:
More apartment construction has increased the number of available units.
Population growth has slowed, reducing competition among renters.
A cooling economy is making landlords more cautious.
Higher vacancies are encouraging property owners to offer lower prices or incentives.
The trend is especially noticeable in areas where landlords previously benefited from strong demand and limited housing supply.
Not Every Southern California City Is Seeing Lower Rents
While Los Angeles County has experienced broad declines, some areas continue to see rent increases.
Orange County remains one of the region’s most expensive rental markets, with one-bedroom apartments averaging about $2,340 and two-bedrooms around $2,747.
Some Inland Empire cities are also seeing increases. Chino rents rose about 4%, while Moreno Valley increased about 2%.
What Falling Rents Mean for Los Angeles Renters
The Southern California rental market is shifting. After years of steep price increases, tenants now have more opportunities to find better deals.
For renters in Los Angeles — especially in Latino communities where affordability remains a major concern — falling rents could mean more choices, stronger negotiating power, and a chance to reduce one of the biggest monthly expenses: housing.
The biggest discounts may not appear everywhere, but for renters willing to search carefully, Southern California’s changing rental market is creating new opportunities.
