Nestled in the heart of California’s BSilicon Valley, Sunnyvale is one of the most in-demand places to live in the nation. Not only is Sunnyvale an integral part of Silicon Valley and home to many technology companies, but it also houses a United States Air Force facility.

With a population of just 140,000 residents, Sunnyvale is far from the largest community in the Bay Area. Yet, with its numerous employment opportunities and many natural and cultural attractions, it’s no surprise that finding a great place to live here can feel a bit like a competition.

On an index where the national average is 100, the Sunnyvale, California, cost of living is 300.1, making it much more expensive than national or even state averages. To put it into perspective, the cost of living index in California is 149.9. Let’s look at how apartment prices in Sunnyvale compare to other locations in the Bay Area and review some ways to find more affordable places to rent in the metro area.

How expensive is an apartment in Sunnyvale?

Because of its generally high cost of living, Sunnyvale, California, can be expensive, especially when it comes to housing. In fact, the city’s cost of housing index is 721.2, making it substantially more expensive than the national average.

However, our Sunnyvale rent research shows that costs may be more affordable than you think. By and large, the vast majority of apartments in Sunnyvale are priced between $1,500 and $2,800 per month. About 20% have monthly rents between $2,800 and $4,000, while just over 10% are priced over $4,000.

While location has a big impact on rent prices, apartment size tends to be the most significant factor. Studio apartments in Sunnyvale are usually the cheapest, with a median rent price of $1,745. One-bedrooms average $1,995 per month, while two-bedroom units cost about $2,585 per month. When you start looking at larger rental units, the median price generally jumps. Three-bedroom apartments cost an average of $3,600 per month, while four-bedroom units average $4,300 per month.

Although the cost of living in Sunnyvale is high and the Bay Area often makes headlines for being one of the most expensive places to live in the country, rent prices have actually gone down in recent years. For example, the cost of living in Sunnyvale, California, from 2018 has decreased at a rate of 13% to 30% per year.

In some respects, the Sunnyvale, California, cost of living is lower than national or state averages. For example, the utility cost index in Sunnyvale is 84.5, which is significantly lower than California’s cost index of 102.4. The cost index for miscellaneous living expenses, such as clothing and dining, is about 104 for both Sunnyvale and California.

If you’re considering other Bay Area communities as well, then a Sunnyvale, California, cost of living comparison can help inform your decision. Some neighboring cities are significantly more expensive. Mountain View has a cost of living index of 315.4 and a housing index of 771.9, while Cupertino has a cost of living index of 354.6 and a housing index of 893.2. Communities like San Jose are much more affordable, with a cost of living index of 214.5 and a housing index of 433.9.

How do I find cheap apartments in Sunnyvale?

If you’re on a strict budget, then the relatively high Sunnyvale cost of living could make it challenging to find an affordable place to live. You can increase your chances of finding a cheap apartment when you keep these tips in mind.

• Avoid the most expensive neighborhoods: If you definitely want to live in the Sunnyvale city limits but you want to stick to a limited budget, don’t waste your time looking for apartments in the priciest areas. Neighborhoods like Ortega Park, Gavello Glen, and the Heritage District tend to have much higher rents than other areas of Sunnyvale.
• Look beyond the city limits: Sunnyvale is part of a major metro area, and there are many more affordable options beyond its borders. On average, apartments in the metro area but outside of Sunnyvale cost at least $200 less per month. If you don’t necessarily need to live within the limits of Sunnyvale and you don’t mind a short commute, consider looking for an inexpensive apartment in San Jose instead.
• Search for an all-inclusive apartment: In most cases, rent is one of several housing-related fees you have to pay every month. Some landlords charge for utilities, amenities, and other extras separately, which can make it tough to budget. Look for a landlord who charges an affordable flat rate for all housing-related fees or a community with amenities like a pool and a gym that will save you money down the road.

What is the cheapest rent in Sunnyvale?

Since the Sunnyvale, California, cost of living is comparatively high, finding an inexpensive place to rent can be tricky. To find the cheapest apartments in the Sunnyvale area, follow these tips.

• For studios, check Sunnyvale West, where the monthly rent averages $1,650.
• For one-bedroom apartments, take a look at SNAIL or Morse Park, where the average rent is under $1,800 per month.
• For two-bedroom units, check out San Miguel, where you can reliably find apartments under $2,200 per month.
• For three-bedroom apartments, neighborhoods like Lakewood and Ponderosa Park have average monthly rents of around $3,500 per month.
• For four-bedroom units, Lowlanders and Birdland are your best bet for finding an apartment priced under $4,000 per month.

If you want to take advantage of the reduced rental rates and cost of living in Sunnyvale, California, now is a great time to make a move. Whether you’re in the market for a compact studio or a spacious four-bedroom unit, this vibrant Bay Area community has just what you’re looking for in a home. Start your Sunnyvale apartment search today and find the ideal place for your budget.

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