California median rent reaches $2,104 per month, highest in U.S.

California recorded the highest median gross rent in the United States at $2,104 per month, according to an Investopedia report released Friday. The state received a composite cost-of-living index of 143.1, 43 percent above the national average. Its housing subindex reached 199.4, nearly double the U.S. figure.

Migration and affordability California ranked as the top state for outbound migration in 2025, with housing costs listed as the primary reason cited by residents. Oklahoma posted the lowest composite index at 84.7 and a housing subindex of 68.8. Its median home value stood at $222,100.

Massachusetts recorded the second-highest composite index at 148.5. Hawaii led all states with an index of 183.9 and a housing subindex of 299.0. After cost-of-living adjustments, Oklahoma median household income of $66,148 equates to roughly $78,100 in purchasing power.

Massachusetts median household income of $104,828 falls to about $70,600 after the same adjustment.