Aerial view of the Tower Bridge in Sacramento

If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Sacramento, there are plenty of neighborhoods from which to choose. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in Sacramento based on the following factors:

  • Rental availability
  • Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
  • Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
  • Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards

The five best neighborhoods in Sacramento for renters are:

  1. Med Center
  2. Boulevard Park
  3. East Sacramento
  4. Midtown Sacramento
  5. Land Park

Med Center

Why Med Center is good for renters

Med Center is a convenient neighborhood located near UC Davis Medical Center and major transit lines. It’s ideal for renters who want easy access to work or school, and the area features a mix of apartments, older homes, and modern complexes. Renters here can enjoy quieter streets while still being close to Downtown Sacramento.

Very Walkable

Some Public Transit

Moderately Drivable

Moderately Bikeable

80

Med Center has a walkability score of 80 out of 100

50

Med Center has a transit score of 50 out of 100

70

Med Center has a drivability score of 70 out of 100

70

Med Center has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100

Keep in mind

While the neighborhood offers great convenience, parking can be tight and traffic may be heavier during hospital shifts and peak hours.

Boulevard Park

A colorful residential building on a main street in Boulevard Park
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Sacramento: $1,565/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Boulevard Park: $1,449/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Boulevard Park: 597 square feet

Why Boulevard Park is good for renters

Boulevard Park is known for its historic charm, tree-lined streets, and beautifully preserved homes. This neighborhood offers a quieter, more residential feel while still being within walking or biking distance of Midtown’s amenities. It's ideal for renters who want character and calm in the heart of the city.

Exceptionally Walkable

Some Public Transit

Moderately Drivable

Very Bikeable

90

Boulevard Park has a walkability score of 90 out of 100

50

Boulevard Park has a transit score of 50 out of 100

70

Boulevard Park has a drivability score of 70 out of 100

80

Boulevard Park has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100

Keep in mind

Many rentals in Boulevard Park are located in converted homes or smaller buildings, so modern amenities and in-unit laundry may be harder to find.

East Sacramento

  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Sacramento: $1,565/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in East Sacramento: $1,519/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in East Sacramento: 634 square feet

Why East Sacramento is good for renters

East Sacramento offers a classic neighborhood feel with craftsman homes, green parks, and walkable streets. Renters enjoy proximity to coffee shops, restaurants, and bike paths — and the neighborhood is just a short drive or ride to Downtown. It’s a solid choice for renters who value charm and a strong sense of community.

Moderately Walkable

Limited Public Transit

Moderately Drivable

Moderately Bikeable

70

East Sacramento has a walkability score of 70 out of 100

30

East Sacramento has a transit score of 30 out of 100

70

East Sacramento has a drivability score of 70 out of 100

60

East Sacramento has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

Keep in mind

Rental options in East Sacramento often come in the form of duplexes or older properties, which may offer less variety in floor plans and modern finishes.

Midtown Sacramento

An aerial view of residential buildings in Midtown
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Sacramento: $1,565/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Midtown Sacramento: $1,542/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Midtown Sacramento: 602 square feet

Why Midtown is good for renters

Midtown is the cultural hub of Sacramento. With art galleries, nightlife, restaurants, and music venues, this neighborhood is ideal for renters who want an active, walkable lifestyle. Apartment options range from historic buildings to modern mid-rises, and the overall vibe is creative and energetic.

Exceptionally Walkable

Some Public Transit

Moderately Drivable

Very Bikeable

100

Midtown Sacramento has a walkability score of 100 out of 100

50

Midtown Sacramento has a transit score of 50 out of 100

70

Midtown Sacramento has a drivability score of 70 out of 100

80

Midtown Sacramento has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100

Keep in mind

With limited parking and a lively street scene, Midtown renters may find it easier to get around by bike, scooter, or public transit rather than relying on a car.

Land Park

  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Sacramento: $1,565/month
  • Average 1-bedroom rent in Land Park: $1,557/month
  • Average 1-bedroom size in Land Park: 530 square feet

Why Land Park is good for renters

Land Park is a leafy, residential neighborhood known for its spacious homes, beautiful parkland, and proximity to Sacramento Zoo and William Land Park. If you value outdoor space and a quieter environment, you will find this neighborhood especially appealing. It’s still close to Downtown, offering convenience without the hustle.

Moderately Walkable

Some Public Transit

Very Drivable

Moderately Bikeable

60

Land Park has a walkability score of 60 out of 100

40

Land Park has a transit score of 40 out of 100

80

Land Park has a drivability score of 80 out of 100

60

Land Park has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100

Keep in mind

While Land Park offers a scenic and residential feel, many rentals lack the modern amenities found in newer apartment communities, such as fitness centers or rooftop lounges.

Ready to Make the Move?

If Sacramento has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place.

Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan. Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.

Methodology

Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.

This article was originally published on December 12, 2025, and has been updated to reflect April 2026 data.

FAQs

Is Sacramento a good place to live?

Yes, Sacramento is a great place for renters who want a mix of city energy and small-town charm. With walkable neighborhoods, public parks, historic architecture, and access to the American River Parkway, Sacramento offers something for everyone.

Is Sacramento an expensive place to live?

Compared to California’s coastal cities, Sacramento is more affordable. Rent and cost of living are generally lower than in San Francisco or Los Angeles, though prices have risen in recent years due to high demand.

What’s the average rent in Sacramento?

The average rent in Sacramento is $1,565 per month, as of April 2026. This is 5% below the national average rent of $1,640 per month.

What salary do you need to live in Sacramento?

According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Sacramento would be around $98,000 before taxes.

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Sharon Livsey

As a content writer for Apartments.com, Sharon brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in content moderation, renter support, and marketing within the multi-family housing industry. Drawing on extensive frontline knowledge of how renters search, evaluate, and secure apartments, she develops actionable guidance that empowers apartment seekers to navigate every stage of the rental journey with confidence. Sharon holds a pre-law degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and is a graduate of Emory University’s paralegal program.

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