Want ‘affordable’ rents in California? Look inland

California renters seeking lower apartment costs may find better options inland, according to a review of CoStar’s third-quarter data. Average effective rent in 13 inland California markets was $1,815 a month, compared with $1,738 across markets outside the state. Inland prices varied widely, from $1,227 in El Centro to $2,094 in the Inland Empire, while coastal California markets generally cost more.