100 Best Apartments in Carlsbad, CA (with reviews)

Save Search

Popular searches Average rent Renters guide Demographics

Apartments in Bonita $2,618
Apartments in Cardiff by The Sea $2,998
Apartments in Chula Vista $2,595
Apartments in Coronado $3,303
Apartments in Dana Point $3,392
Apartments in Del Mar $3,489
Apartments in El Cajon $2,230
Apartments in Encinitas $2,853
Apartments in Escondido $2,338
Apartments in Fallbrook $1,806
Apartments in Imperial Beach $2,549
Apartments in La Jolla $3,499
Apartments in La Mesa $2,492
Apartments in Laguna Hills $2,806
Apartments in Laguna Niguel $2,914
Apartments in Lake Elsinore $2,144
Apartments in Lakeside $2,114
Apartments in Lemon Grove $2,001
Apartments in Menifee $2,247
Apartments in Mission Viejo $2,783
Apartments in Murrieta $2,369
Apartments in National City $2,056
Apartments in Oceanside $2,615
Apartments in Poway $2,498
Apartments in Ramona $2,123
Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita $2,769
Apartments in San Clemente $3,067
Apartments in San Diego $3,001
Apartments in San Marcos $2,734
Apartments in Santee $2,513
Apartments in Spring Valley $2,460
Apartments in Temecula $2,343
Apartments in Vista $2,541
Apartments in Wildomar $2,910

View All California Cities

View All Carlsbad Neighborhoods

View All California Cities

Average rent in Carlsbad, CA

$3,221/mo Carlsbad, CA average rental price, November 2024

The average monthly rent of apartments in Carlsbad, CA is $3,221.

Carlsbad, CA apartment rent ranges

Carlsbad, CA rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in Carlsbad by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,748, the average rent in Carlsbad, CA is $3,221.

Getting around in Carlsbad, CA

17 /100

Car-Dependent

23 /100

Minimal Transit

21 /100

Somewhat Bikeable

Walk Score®: 17, Transit Score®: 23, Bike Score®: 21

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in Carlsbad, CA last updated?

Prices and availability in Carlsbad, CA were last updated on 13 Jan 2025.

What are the best apartments in Carlsbad, CA?

The best apartments in Carlsbad, CA are: Montecito Apartments at Carlsbad, The Lofts at Carlsbad Village, Elan Tamarack Shores, Elan Beachpointe Carlsbad and Elan Sandcastle Shores.

What is the average rent in Carlsbad, CA?

The average rent in Carlsbad, CA is $3,221. Start your search for apartments in Carlsbad, CA now.

What is the price range for a studio apartment in Carlsbad, CA?

The price range for a studio apartment in Carlsbad, CA is between $1,995 and $7,831. View all studio apartments in Carlsbad, CA.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA is between $1,189 and $7,831. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in Carlsbad, CA now.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA is between $1,408 and $7,961. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Carlsbad, CA is between $1,606 and $9,607. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in Carlsbad, CA.

What type of rental buildings are in Carlsbad, CA?

In Carlsbad 38% of the housing is rented out compared to 62% of homes are owned, according to the most recent Census Bureau estimates. 12% of Carlsbad’s apartments are found in large buildings of 50 units or more, 69% are located in smaller apartment complexes with less than 50 units, and 17% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Carlsbad, CA?

The age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city.  In this case, the apartment buildings in Carlsbad are about 28 years old, on average. Of these, 47% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 3 stories. About all of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, none are mid-rises, and none are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

What apartment floorplans are common in Carlsbad, CA?

Studio apartments in Carlsbad are around 1% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 32% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 52% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

Living in Carlsbad, CA

Known as “The Village by the Sea,” Carlsbad is situated some 35 miles north of San Diego. This small city is a popular location in the North County region of San Diego and is one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., famous for its stunning sandy beaches, pleasant climate and upscale lifestyle. This coastal city has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging between 55°F and 70°F throughout the year. The city gets 263 days of sunshine per year on average, making it the perfect spot for renters who want to enjoy long days on the beach and other outdoor activities. Carlsbad is also a golfer’s paradise, home to some of the biggest golf companies and award-winning golf courses in the San Diego area.

Renting in Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad attracts both renters and homebuyers seeking a warm climate and upscale lifestyle. Neighborhoods located in the northwest feature older cottages, bungalows and ranch-style homes. This area is close to malls, parks, beaches and restaurants, as well as convenient transit options, so it’s the best spot for renters. Meanwhile, the northeastern quadrant features quiet neighborhoods with mostly large single-family homes close to top-ranking schools and golf clubs, so it’s mostly populated by families with children, as well as seniors. South Carlsbad is home to some of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the San Diego area, with newer homes located on large lots. Neighborhoods here include gated communities and master-planned developments with apartments, condos and detached homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Top amenities such as high-rated schools, proximity to the ocean and entertainment options come at a higher cost for renters and homebuyers. Renting in Carlsbad comes at a premium, but the city has rent control programs to prevent steep spikes. Renters may be required to pay a nonrefundable application fee for renter screening and put forth a security deposit in order to secure an apartment in Carlsbad.

Shopping in Carlsbad, CA

Carlsbad is a top shopping location where you can find brand apparel, luxury jewelry and antique shops. The most popular malls in Carlsbad are The Forum Carlsbad, The Shoppes at Carlsbad and La Costa Town Square, all of which feature brand names such as Zara, H&M, Pandora, Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, Macy’s and many more. Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall is a unique shopping destination where renters can find fine art, jewelry, furniture, and other unique antiques and collectibles. For grocery shopping, renters head to Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market and Smart & Final Vons, as well as regional supermarket chains like Stater Bros. Markets, Ralph’s and Gelson’s. Other well-known retail chains in Carlsbad include Costco, Walmart, Target, The Home Depot and Aldi.

Transportation in Carlsbad, CA

Interstate 5 and state Highway 78 are the main pathways in Carlsbad, but they can get slightly congested during busy hours as most renters commute by car. The North County Transit District (NCTD) provides public train, bus and shuttle transportation services in Carlsbad. NCTD’s Coaster is a commuter rail service operating between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. Similarly, Sprinter, a hybrid rail service, connects Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido with stops in Carlsbad, while Breeze is a public bus service operating in North San Diego. Another form of public transportation called Flex has fixed schedules and routes that can deviate to pick up and drop off passengers on demand. NCTD also provides transportation services to individuals with disabilities. Carlsbad is also very bike-friendly, with multiple biking trails and parking spots for bicycles. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available for Carlsbad renters. The closest major airport to Carlsbad is the San Diego International Airport, about 35 miles south.

Look for apartments near me

Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Carlsbad, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Carlsbad, CA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Carlsbad, CA apartments with rents starting from $1,189 and submit your rental application today!

Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!

1 BED	$2,798+
2 BEDS	$3,274+
3 BEDS	$4,052+

1 BED	$2,508+
2 BEDS	$2,699+

1 BED	$3,100+
2 BEDS	$3,970+
3 BEDS	$4,445+

1 BED	$2,395+
2 BEDS	$2,725+

1 BED	$2,726+
2 BEDS	$2,591+
3 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

STUDIO	Ask for Pricing
1 BED	Ask for Pricing
2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

1 BED	$2,300+
2 BEDS	$2,434+

1 BED	$2,669+
2 BEDS	$3,528+
3 BEDS	$3,844+

1 BED	$1,934
2 BEDS	$2,164

Apartments for Rent in Carlsbad, CA 155 Rentals Available

Popular searches by size

Popular searches by amenities

Popular searches by price

Rent prices in cities near Carlsbad, CA

Rent prices in Carlsbad, CA's popular neighborhoods

Houses for rent in cities near Carlsbad, CA

Storage units in cities near Carlsbad, CA

Popular apartments