Homes for Rent in San Jose, CA (687 Rentals)

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property at 1298 Sandra Dr

1298 Sandra Dr

San JoseCA95125
property at 6554 McAbee Rd

6554 McAbee Rd

San JoseCA95120
property at 1094 Esparanza Way

1094 Esparanza Way

San JoseCA95138

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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property at 409 Meridian Ave

409 Meridian Ave

San JoseCA95126

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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property at 2615 Glenrio Dr

2615 Glenrio Dr

San JoseCA95121
property at 2206 Beech Circle

2206 Beech Circle

San JoseCA95131
property at 7084 Via Ramada

7084 Via Ramada

San JoseCA95139
property at 721 Emerson Ct

721 Emerson Ct

San JoseCA95126
property at 869 Harding Ave

869 Harding Ave

San JoseCA95126

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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property at 3727 Kersten Dr

3727 Kersten Dr

San JoseCA95124
property at 3556 Lisbon Dr

3556 Lisbon Dr

San JoseCA95132
property at 5939 Pala Mesa Dr

5939 Pala Mesa Dr

San JoseCA95123

How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

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San Jose, CA Local Guide

Photo of Bobbi Jackson - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Bobbi Jackson
Local Guide Expert

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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San Jose Overview

San Jose is fourth on the U.S. News list of Best Places to Live. It’s very easy to see why. San Jose, California has a population of just over 950,000 and its own metro area of 1.8 million people, making it the third-largest city in the state and the tenth largest in the US. It represents over a quarter of the entire San Francisco Bay Area population of over 7.7 million. So, you can live and work in San Jose or commute to San Francisco / Oakland on the north end of the bay. Silicon Valley is in San Jose, so this may be the best place in the western hemisphere for a future in the tech industry. Some other reasons why people move to San Jose include the beautiful beaches, the short drive to Napa Valley wine country, abundant excellent job options, a casual vibe, and endless gorgeous natural areas accessible to residents in San Jose rentals.

What is the history of San Jose?

From a humble pueblo to the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose has a storied past. Spanish explorers established California’s first governed settlement in 1777 on the south side of the bay and called it El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. It was originally a community of farmers and ranchers. Previously, the Ohlone people’s Tamien tribal nation had occupied the area. In 1821, after the end of the Mexican War of Independence, San Jose became part of Mexico. In 1846, the city was named the first capital of the newly established American state. The town became a gold trading depot, and nearby San Francisco became a train travel hub. San Jose has since become synonymous with Silicon Valley, home to some of the world's most recognized tech development and manufacturing giants. 

How is the weather in San Jose?

If you’ve dreamed of living in the perfect climate, you can live your dream in San Jose.  The story of the climate is best told by the annual seasonal temperatures here. The average annual high for January is about 60° and the average low is around 42°. There is an average of only about 7 rain days for this deepest winter part of the year. The average high for July is only around 82° and the average low for that month is only about 58° with an average of 0 rain days. The semi-arid climate of San Jose makes it very comfortable even on the hottest and coldest days in Santa Clara County. The fertile ground here bears many indigenous species across the grasslands and forests. Further, the very successful farming and ranching economy includes grains, beans, cherries, lettuce, grapes, fruit and nut trees, olives, and many other cash crops. San Jose offers the ideal climate for outdoor sports and nature lovers.

How do I get around town?

It’s California, which means you need a reliable car. To make the most of your San Jose experience, have a good car. Around town, especially near downtown, you can make your daily life work with a bike or public transportation. But, beyond the innermost ring of the metro radii from the city center, neighborhoods become less walkable and bikeable. Mass transit options for commuting to Frisco, Oakland, and throughout Santa Clara County include the Valley Transportation Authority, Santa Cruz Metro, Greyhound, Amtrak Thruway, Monterey-Salinas Transit, and Santa Cruz Metro, among others providing bus and/or light rail services. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system offers heavy-rail transportation up the San Francisco Peninsula. An extensive e-scooter and e-bike rental network is also available in San Jose. For long-distance work and leisure travel, there are three major airports, including the San Francisco International Airport (the largest), the San Jose International Airport, and the Oakland International Airport. 

What is the San Jose commute like?

San Jose may be one of the country’s most accessible cities.  I280 goes north through Palo Alto to San Francisco. Northbound I880 goes to Oakland. State Hwy 101 goes from San Jose south through central California past Carmel Valley to Santa Barbara. Near Palo Alto in the northern San Jose metro area, local Route 84 west links to coastal Route 1, for the state’s globally famous destination road trips down the Pacific coastline past San Luis Obispo to San Clemente, and on southward past LA, where it becomes I5 to Tijuana Mexico. (Watch out for landslides, especially in rainy weather.) Route 130 connects near the San Jose urban center to rural points west and trails off to the Sierra Nevadas. So, there are lots of cross-town options and quick access points throughout San Jose metro commuters to the northern Bay Area. 

Why live in San Jose, CA?

San Jose is within the outermost radius of the San Francisco Bay metropolis, yet a world away. What really makes living in San Jose rentals so special is the northern California lifestyle. The city has a thriving local economy, and it’s separated from the two North Frisco bay commercial hubs by the entire length of the bay. It’s surrounded on the other three sides by vast expanses of national and state park lands and nature preserves all the way to the Pacific on one side and the Nevada border on the other. Only Modesto to the far northeast and Fresno to the distant south interrupt the otherwise complete wilderness covering central California beyond San Jose. It’s no wonder so many leaders in innovation want to live and work here, including Cisco Systems, Adobe, eBay, Zoom, PayPal, and Broadcom. In March 2024, U.S. News and World Report ranked San Jose Number 4 on its list of the Best Places to Live. That makes sense, as the city has one of the top three GDP per capita ratios in the world, following only Oslo and Zürich. Altogether, it’s fair to say that living in San Jose is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in North America.

What San Jose landmarks should I see?

“Do you know the way to San Jose?” Yes, head for the Pacific and stop south of the Frisco bay!  There are so many reasons why people ask the way to San Jose — in addition to hearing that song with the catchy lyrics about it. Anyway, it’s like the song says, “LA is a great big freeway.” But San Jose has a very different vibe than the Los Angeles megalopolis a few hundred miles to the south. This area is steeped in Western US history and profound academic pursuits, and features many monuments reflecting that. Some of the most popular include many museums in the downtown area, like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the Japanese American Museum, and many others. Further, the world-renowned Stanford University is 23 miles from downtown. San Jose State University is the oldest on the US West Coast. Other sights not to be missed include the spectacular Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph and numerous other splendid architectural works. The Irazú Volcano National Park outside San Jose and the Poas Volcano National Park are for those craving much grander sights to behold. Also, visit the La Paz Waterfalls and many, many other gorgeous wilderness sites near San Jose.

What is there to do around San Jose?

San Jose is replete with all the good things you want your town to offer. This truly is the good life! There are seemingly countless reasons why tourists find their way to San Jose. Those include the mountain ranges with incomprehensible groves of giant trees, awe-inspiring volcanoes, great beaches, museums, historical landmarks, and so much more. Residents in San Jose rental homes can never run out of exciting, fun, and interesting things to do year-round. Surfing at every level is available near San Jose year-round. At Santa Cruz Beach, the Capitola Jetty, and other great spots, beginners can practice longboarding on gentle waves. On the bay, there are Ocean Beach, Linda Mar Beach, Half Moon Bay, and others. Bodega Bay has waves year-round for all skill levels. There’s no limit to the hiking and backpacking adventures available in the open wilderness around San Jose. And, as you can rightly presume, the restaurants, entertainment venues, clubs, bars, and other nightlife in the San Francisco Bay Area are among the best in the US and in the world.

Where is the best place to move in San Jose?

Imagine living in the heart of north-central California, immersed in opportunities and wonders. The metro area along the south end of the bay is a striking mix of charming neighborhoods to accommodate newcomers seeking rental homes in San Jose at any price point. Some of the most popular include the safe and affordable Evergreen, Cambrian Park, West San Jose, and Berryessa neighborhoods. Blossom Valley is known to offer abundant amenities at affordable rent rates. Visit the Campbell neighborhood to live near Silicon Valley. Expect higher rents there. Appealing neighborhoods for renting nearer to major employers, include Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Cupertino. Downtown San Jose features the full range of rental options, including high-rise condos, apartments in historical buildings, and very desirable single-family houses. It's very walkable, and it’s an excellent neighborhood for biking to work. Public transportation is plentiful in that area of town too.

San Jose, CA
Population: 1,030,119

Ranked #10

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Jose, CA

Ranked #13

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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San Jose, CA Area Reviews

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Shannon

May 4, 2025

Wonderful place to live if you work remotely, in tech, or in the creative arts. Fantastic vibes and really very affordable compared to other cities like San Francisco. Lots of amazing places to grab a quick bite or waste a spare afternoon, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose

What type of rentals are currently available in San Jose?

There are currently 7955 Apartments for Rent in San Jose, CA with pricing that ranges from $800 to $20,881. There are also 687 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Jose ranging from $900 to $12,000.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in San Jose?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in San Jose ranges from $900 to $12,000 with an average monthly rent of $4,354.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in San Jose?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in San Jose range from $2,132 to $15,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,200 to $9,600. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,450 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $4,030.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose article

A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose

Written by: Shannon Hilson

If you’ve spent much time in San Jose, you’ve likely heard it referred to as “the capital of Silicon Valley” a time or two, and with good reason. San Jose has it all when it comes to the modern California lifestyle and then some.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.