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During a time when most California cities dropped in national rankings for renters, Fresno and Bakersfield were some of the only risers, according to RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters report. RentCafe evaluated 150 cities based on affordability, job opportunity and quality of life.

RentCafe provides apartment market insights, rental trends and housing data. 

Fresno rose 14 spots up to 112th — the only city in California to make that large of an increase. According to the study, Fresno’s climb was attributed to fast job growth, rising renter incomes and relative affordability.

Job growth in Fresno leads the state at 2.7%, while renter income grew by 46.9%. The cost of living is only 8.1% above the national average and is continuing to trend downwards.

The report also highlighted improved access to amenities, with nearly 20% of apartments located near essential services and commutes under 30 minutes.

However, some challenges remain. Fresno still struggles with air quality, a high unemployment rate and a public transit use rate just under three percent (2.8%). Additionally, only 5.6% of apartments have been built in the last five years.

Bakersfield also rose slightly, gaining two spots to 140th. Meanwhile, Stockton dropped five spots to 146th due to a rise in the cost of living.

San Diego was the highest-ranked California city at 95th, followed by Oakland (105th) and Fresno.

Nationally, McKinney, Texas, topped the list, as Southern cities made up the entirety of the top 10.