100 Best Apartments in San Diego, CA (with reviews)

Q: What are the best apartments in San Diego, CA?

The best apartments in San Diego, CA are: The Rey , La Serena , Ocean Air , Valentia and Metro Mission Valley .

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Rent prices in cities near San Diego, CA

Apartments in Aliso Viejo $3,016
Apartments in Bonita $2,436
Apartments in Carlsbad $3,049
Apartments in Chula Vista $2,364
Apartments in Coronado $3,608
Apartments in Dana Point $3,623
Apartments in El Cajon $2,049
Apartments in Encinitas $2,539
Apartments in Escondido $2,102
Apartments in Hemet $1,685
Apartments in Imperial Beach $2,395
Apartments in La Jolla $3,284
Apartments in La Mesa $2,313
Apartments in Laguna Beach $3,275
Apartments in Laguna Hills $2,758
Apartments in Laguna Niguel $3,034
Apartments in Laguna Woods $2,572
Apartments in Lake Elsinore $2,089
Apartments in Lakeside $1,923
Apartments in Lemon Grove $1,844
Apartments in Menifee $2,310
Apartments in Mission Viejo $2,796
Apartments in Murrieta $2,523
Apartments in National City $1,704
Apartments in Oceanside $2,476
Apartments in Poway $2,316
Apartments in Ramona $1,749
Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita $2,777
Apartments in San Clemente $2,909
Apartments in San Marcos $2,509
Apartments in San Ysidro $1,781
Apartments in Santee $2,255
Apartments in Spring Valley $2,231
Apartments in Sun City $2,234
Apartments in Temecula $2,339
Apartments in Vista $2,393
Apartments in Wildomar $3,108
Apartments in Winchester $2,216

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Rent prices in San Diego, CA's popular neighborhoods

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Popular zip codes in San Diego, CA

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Most Searched Apartments in California

Average rent in San Diego, CA

$2,916/mo San Diego, CA average rental price, July 2022

The average monthly rent of apartments in San Diego, CA is $2,916.

San Diego, CA apartment rent ranges

About 10% of apartment rents in San Diego, CA range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments priced over > $2,000 represent 87% of apartments. Around 2% of San Diego’s apartments are in the $1,001-$1,500 price range. 1% of apartments are priced between $701-$1,000.

San Diego, CA rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in San Diego by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,706, the average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,916.

Local Guides for Renters

Top Things to Do in San Diego

Located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, sun-kissed San Diego is famous for its near-perfect climate, glorious sunsets, amazing waves for surfing, vibrant food and cultural scene and that easy, breezy Southern California...

Top 5 Beaches in San Diego

With temperatures in San Diego hovering in the mid-70s most of the year and very low humidity, it’s no surprise that the city ranks first among the nation’s most pleasant places. Combine that near-perfect climate with...

Best Restaurants in San Diego

Famous for its sunny weather, miles and miles of stunning coastline and an abundance of attractions, San Diego is a mix of historic influences, cultures and ethnicities that is only matched by its ever-expanding culinary...

Best Parks in San Diego

Boasting amazing weather year-round, San Diego is a great place for nature lovers. From urban gardens to ocean parks, outdoor attractions abound in this sun-kissed city. There’s a green spot to enjoy for everyone, whether ...

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in San Diego, CA last updated?

Prices and availability in San Diego, CA were last updated on 28 Sep 2022.

What are the best apartments in San Diego, CA?

The best apartments in San Diego, CA are: The Rey, La Serena, Ocean Air, Valentia and Metro Mission Valley.

What is the average rent in San Diego, CA?

The average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,916. Start your search for apartments in San Diego, CA now.

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

The price range for a studio apartment in San Diego, CA is between $512 and $5,933. View all studio apartments in San Diego, CA.

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

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego, CA is between $655 and $7,970. Browse all available 1-bedroom apartments in San Diego, CA now.

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

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego, CA is between $1,300 and $18,500. Browse and find a 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego, CA.

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

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in San Diego, CA is between $1,300 and $12,053. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in San Diego, CA.

What type of rental buildings are in San Diego, CA?

In San Diego 53% of the housing is rented out compared to 47% of homes are owned, according to the most recent Census Bureau estimates. 20% of San Diego’s apartments are found in large buildings of 50 units or more, 60% are located in smaller apartment complexes with less than 50 units, and 20% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in San Diego, 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 San Diego are about 29 years old, on average. Of these, 42% 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 5 stories. About 57% of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, 18% are mid-rises, and 9% are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

What apartment floorplans are common in San Diego, CA?

Studio apartments in San Diego are around 10% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 38% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 44% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

San Diego, CA in the news

Trendiest Zoomer Hotspots in 2022: Gen Z Renters Are Giving Big Cities a Glow Up

Zoomers are becoming a sizeable presence in some of the nation’s largest cities: they account for more than one quarter of active renters in the past year in San Diego, Los Angeles, Manhattan and Philadelphia — all with a population of over one million.

2021 Year-End Report: Outdoor-Friendly Small Metros Were the Most Desirable for Rent, Led by Eugene, OR

San Diego came in second this rental season. Despite the rising cost of living and housing, high taxes and the risk of natural disasters, San Diego is still a preferred alternative to other expensive West Coast metros — especially now that hybrid work is on the rise. Plus, as a typically strong job hub, San Diego is already on track to recovery thanks to funding coming in through local and federal emergency programs. However, similar to other Southern California cities, there weren't enough apartments built here in the last two years to accommodate the growing demand in the metro: This year, it took 26 days for an apartment to be filled, with 29 people competing for a rental in America’s Finest City, twice as many as the national benchmark. And, this rental season, the typical San Diego apartment seeker boasted an average credit score of 671, the highest among the top 10 rental markets.

Renter's guide to San Diego, CA

San Diego isn't known as “America’s Finest City” for nothing. Its unique combination of great weather, world class amenities, and friendly people regularly land it near the top of surveys and lists of the best places to live.

How big is San Diego? At 325 square-miles, it’s the second-largest city in the state and the eighth largest in the U.S., coming it at more than five times the size of San Francisco but only about two-thirds the size of nearby LA.

That's right, San Diego is just 120 miles from Los Angeles. Las Vegas and San Francisco are also within road trip distance, at 331 miles and 501 miles respectively. If that weren't enough, San Diego is right near the Mexican border, making quick trips to Tijuana or Baja a tempting possibility.

One of people's favorite things about San Diego is the weather. That's because the city features a dry Mediterranean climate, which treats residents to nearly perfect conditions year round. Summers are cool, with average high temperatures of less than 80ºF, while winter lows rarely drop below 50ºF.

Tips for renting in San Diego, CA

Convinced San Diego is the place for you? Well, before you go, let's take a look at the tenant laws in the area.

Like all tenants in California, those in San Diego have the right to a habitable unit with working heat and no peeling paint, broken windows, or rodents. San Diego doesn't have any rent control laws, which means landlords can increase the rent în a month-to-month lease at any time. CSA San Diego, a nonprofit, helps resolve many landlord/tenant issues.

Like many major cities in the U.S. with a surging job market, San Diego is experiencing a large increase in monthly rents. With vacancies at historic lows and a lack of newly constructed apartments hitting the market, competition is fierce. Be sure to have your rental application filled out completely and your references ready when seeking a new apartment.

Craigslist San Diego may be a popular starting point for rental searches, but it's also filled with scams. Instead, choose a service like RENTCafé, so you can get the best deal on rent.

San Diego, CA demographics

1,414,545Total Population
699,580 Female

714,965 Male
35.2Median Age

San Diego, CA has a population of 1,414,545 according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. 699,580 of San Diego’s residents are women and 714,965 are men. The median age of those who live in San Diego, CA is 35.2.

Living in San Diego, CA

San Diego's weather is quite simply the best in the continental U.S., and commute times are relatively short in spite of its size. There are also lots of things to do here year round, especially outdoors. Parking near the beaches and parks is still free!

The downside to paradise is that compared to Los Angeles and San Francisco, there are less cultural and entertainment options available. Though to be fair, LA and SF are among the best în the country în those two areas.

Another minor disadvantage is that due to San Diego's size and layout, public transportation can be really inconvenient, perhaps even more so than LA. Most residents choose to drive instead.

San Diego, CA households

308,007 Family

203,655 Non-family
145,192 Children

366,470 No Children

511,662Total Number of Households
2.69Average People Per Household
$83,454Median Household Income

According to U.S. Census data, there are 511,662 households in San Diego, CA. 308,007 are family households and 203,655 are non-family households. There are 145,192 households with children in San Diego and 366,470 households without children. On average, about 2.69 people live in a household in San Diego, CA.

Things to do in San Diego, CA

San Diego is all about fun in the sun, with its beaches and parks drawing crowds all year round.

Sports fans can root for the San Diego Padres baseball team or the San Diego Chargers football team while enjoying a game at their outdoor stadiums.

The world-famous San Diego Zoo is another top attraction, along with the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Or catch a show at the San Diego Old Globe Theater, which regularly sends performers to Broadway.

Another local favorite, Seaworld San Diego, offers fun things to do for families of all sizes. Thrill-seekers can ride the ray on the park’s double-launch roller coaster, and enjoy special attractions such as Turtle Reef and the Shark Encounter!

If you're looking to mingle, singles and socialites will enjoy the nightlife around the Gaslamp District in Downtown.

San Diego also has a number of popular annual events, including the San Diego Crew Classic in April, the Dixieland Jazz Festival in November, and let’s not forget the LGBT Pride festival and the San Diego Comic Con, both in July.

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, brave one of the roller coasters at the oceanfront amusement park Belmont Park, where you'll find The Giant Dipper roller coast, The Plunge pool, aș well aș carnival games, rock climbing, and more!

Free things to do in San Diego include going to Balboa Park, which is a great destination for both families and couples, as well as the excellent beaches. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Shores are a few you won't want to miss.

Once you've worked up an appetite, you can satisfy your hunger with a burger at Hodad's in Ocean Beach or at the more upscale Fish Market San Diego, which overlooks the harbor. With its proximity to Mexico, San Diego also has plenty of great Mexican food restaurants, like The Old Town Mexican Cafe for starters.

Of course, a little shopping is always nice, and Mission Valley, Fashion Valley, and University Town Center in the north are a few of San Diego’s most popular shopping destinations.

San Diego, CA employment & economy

For years, San Diego has been known as a hub of the aerospace industry, with General Dynamics being one of the city's largest employers. Because of its strong tourism, San Diego also has a large hospitality sector. Healthcare jobs in San Diego are abundant too, with Kaiser Permanente being the largest provider in the region and anesthesiologists topping the list of highest paid jobs.

Education in San Diego, CA

San Diego’s public education system, called the San Diego Unified School District, is the second largest in California. It has an enrollment of 130,000 students and is generally perceived as one of the best in the state.

Top colleges in San Diego include San Diego State University, including their college football team, the SDSU Aztecs, as well as University of California San Diego, which offers strong science and arts programs.

San Diego, CA education statistics

The level of education of the population of San Diego, CA is as follows: 5% have no high school education, 22% completed some high school, 23% partially completed college, 7% have an Associate Degree, 26% have a Bachelor Degree, and 17% have a Graduate Degree.

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 San Diego, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA apartments with rents starting from $1,685 and submit your rental application today!

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Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA 1,004 Rentals Available

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