Start Free

Section 8 rent in Salinas, CA

FY2025 HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents for the Salinas, CA MSA, covering 39 ZIP codes.

$3,006Avg 2BR FMR / mo
$3,307Avg 2BR at 110% Standard
39ZIP Codes

Fair market rent by bedroom count

Base SAFMR across all ZIP codes in this market. Housing authorities may set payment standards between 90% and 110% of these rates.

BedroomsLowest ZIPAverageHighest ZIPAvg 110% Standard
Studio$2,110$2,421$3,320$2,663
1 Bedroom$2,140$2,477$3,410$2,725
2 Bedrooms$2,600$3,006$4,100$3,307
3 Bedrooms$3,600$4,094$5,530$4,503
4 Bedrooms$3,960$4,485$6,030$4,934

Small multifamily Section 8 income

Estimated gross monthly and annual rent for 2-to-4 unit properties, assuming every unit is rented to Section 8 at this market's average fair market rent. Small multifamily is a favorite for long-term buy-and-hold investors stacking stable voucher income across multiple doors.

Property TypeUnit MixGross Monthly RentGross Annual Rent
Duplex2 × 2BR$6,012$72,144
Triplex3 × 2BR$9,018$108,216
Fourplex4 × 2BR$12,024$144,288
Fourplex4 × 3BR$16,376$196,512

Gross scheduled rent before vacancy, maintenance and management. Run any California multifamily listing through RealG to model it against real operating costs, or try the rental property calculator.

Highest-paying ZIP codes

Top 15 of 39 ZIP codes in this market, ranked by 2-bedroom SAFMR.

ZIP Code1BR2BR3BR4BR
93921 $3,410 $4,100 $5,530 $6,030
93950 $3,280 $3,950 $5,330 $5,810
93908 $3,200 $3,890 $5,400 $5,940
93953 $3,200 $3,890 $5,400 $5,940
93962 $3,200 $3,890 $5,400 $5,940
93944 $3,060 $3,690 $4,970 $5,420
95076 $2,780 $3,650 $4,500 $4,960
93940 $2,960 $3,560 $4,800 $5,230
93923 $2,800 $3,370 $4,550 $4,950
93924 $2,730 $3,290 $4,440 $4,830
93955 $2,610 $3,140 $4,240 $4,620
93907 $2,600 $3,130 $4,220 $4,600
93906 $2,560 $3,080 $4,160 $4,530
93902 $2,480 $2,980 $4,020 $4,380
93912 $2,480 $2,980 $4,020 $4,380

Quick cash flow check

Free Tool

Estimate monthly cash flow renting to Section 8 at this market's average fair market rent.

Section 8 rent (avg FMR)—
Est. mortgage payment (PITI)—
Est. monthly cash flow—

30-year fixed. Taxes and insurance estimated at 1.5% and 0.5% of price per year. Before vacancy, maintenance and management. For a full itemized analysis, run this market in RealG.

Analyze Real California Listings Free

Frequently asked questions

How much does Section 8 pay for a 2-bedroom in Salinas, CA?
For FY2025, the average 2-bedroom Small Area Fair Market Rent in the Salinas, CA MSA is $3,006 per month, ranging from $2,600 to $4,100 depending on ZIP code. Local housing authorities may set payment standards between 90% and 110% of these rates, so the average 2-bedroom payment standard can reach $3,307.
What is a Small Area Fair Market Rent (SAFMR)?
SAFMRs are fair market rents that HUD publishes at the ZIP code level instead of one rate for a whole metro area. They reflect what modest rental housing actually costs in each ZIP, which means higher payment standards in more expensive neighborhoods. Housing choice voucher payments in this market are based on these rates.
Why do rents vary so much between ZIP codes here?
In Salinas, CA, 2-bedroom SAFMRs run from $2,600 to $4,100 per month. HUD sets each ZIP's rate from local rent data, so neighborhoods with stronger rental markets get higher voucher payment standards. For investors, the spread matters: the same house price can produce very different Section 8 rents a few ZIP codes apart.
How do I find Section 8 investment properties in California?
RealG searches live listings across California, runs Section 8 numbers on every property using these HUD rates, and grades each deal A through D against your buying criteria. You can start free with no credit card and see graded deals in this market in minutes.

More California markets

Alpine County, CA Amador County, CA Bakersfield, CA Calaveras County, CA Chico, CA Colusa County, CA Del Norte County, CA El Centro, CA Fresno, CA Glenn County, CA All California markets →

These are the rents. RealG finds the properties.

Every California listing analyzed against real HUD rates and graded A–D. The AI agent calls the sellers.

Start Free