Typical rent ranges by unit size
The table below blends ranges published by major listing platforms with typical asking rents seen across the city. Treat these as a budgeting guide, not gospel — individual listings swing widely based on condition, location, and what's included.
How Redlands compares
- Vs. the U.S. average: Redlands rents sit roughly 25–30% above the national norm — typical for Southern California.
- Vs. the coast: Comparable units in Los Angeles or Orange County commonly run several hundred dollars higher; Redlands is one of the cheaper ways to stay in the greater LA orbit with real character.
- Vs. neighbors: Redlands generally prices above San Bernardino and Highland, roughly in line with Loma Linda, and slightly below the most desirable pockets of Yucaipa and Rancho Cucamonga.
What's driving Redlands rents
Esri. The mapping software giant employs thousands at its Redlands campus and keeps steady pressure on the mid- and upper-tier market.
Healthcare. Loma Linda's hospital cluster and the VA are just west of city limits, feeding constant demand from medical staff, residents, and traveling clinicians.
The University of Redlands. Around 2,000+ students create a predictable seasonal cycle — competition spikes in late spring and summer, softens in winter.
Limited new supply. Redlands grows slowly and deliberately. New apartment construction has been modest relative to demand, which keeps vacancy low and rents firm.
Budget beyond the listed rent
The advertised number is rarely the whole cost. When comparing Redlands rentals, add up:
- Utilities: The City of Redlands runs its own municipal utility (water, sewer, trash) — whether it's billed to you varies by property. Electric is Southern California Edison; gas is SoCalGas. Summer A/C can add $100–$200+/month to an Edison bill.
- Amenity and admin fees: Newer complexes on the Lugonia corridor often add monthly fees for trash valet, amenities, or parking — sometimes $50–$150 on top of rent.
- Application and holding fees: California caps application screening fees (adjusted annually for inflation, roughly in the mid-$60s).
- Security deposit: State law caps most deposits at one month's rent — see the tenant rights guide.
- Renter's insurance: Typically $12–$25/month, and frequently required by lease.
- Pet costs: Pet rent of $25–$75/month per pet is common — details in the pet-friendly guide.
Finding the lower end of the range
- Look at West Redlands and the University District — consistently the most affordable pockets in city limits.
- Time it for winter. December through February is the softest leasing season; the student-driven summer rush pushes prices and competition up.
- Consider nearby cities. Highland, Mentone, and parts of San Bernardino run cheaper — though you'll trade away Redlands' schools, downtown, and city services.
- Ask about lease terms. Some landlords discount for 18–24 month leases, and offering a longer term can beat negotiating the monthly number.
- Check what's included. An older duplex at $1,900 with water and trash covered can beat a $1,850 complex unit once fees are added.
About these numbers: Rent data on this page is compiled from publicly available listing-platform aggregates and local market observation, and reflects asking rents rather than signed leases. Figures are estimates for budgeting purposes and change over time — always verify current prices on live listings before making decisions.
Last updated September 2026.