Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA
828 Rentals Available

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

The best apartments in San Diego, CA are: The Rey , La Serena , Pointe Luxe Apartment Homes , Vive Luxe and The Missions at Rio Vista .

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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 ...

San Diego, CA in the News

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.

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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!

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 19 May 2022.

What are the best apartments in San Diego, CA?

The best apartments in San Diego, CA are: The Rey, La Serena, Pointe Luxe Apartment Homes, Vive Luxe and The Missions at Rio Vista.

What is the average rent in San Diego, CA?

The average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,756. 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 $477 and $7,248. 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 $1,350 and $12,000. 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 $1,550 and $20,000. 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 $1,685 and $50,000. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in San Diego, CA.

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.

San Diego, CA Demographics

Total Population1,409,573
Female 711,134

Male 698,439
Median Age34.9

San Diego, CA has a population of 1,409,573 according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. 698,439 of San Diego’s residents are women and 711,134 are men. The median age of those who live in San Diego, CA is 34.9.

Cost of Living in San Diego, CA

Most San Diegans prefer driving to work, probably because the city has some of the shortest commute times in the country.

But public transportation is still available în the form of bus, trolley, and commuter rail. A one-way ride on the MTS Trolley line, which runs from Santee to Downtown, is $2.50.

If you're dining out at one of San Diego's delicious mid-range restaurants, you can expect to pay about $60 for dinner for two. Then again, there are also the endless Mexican restaurants, where you can get a quick and easy fish taco for under $5.

If you happen to be renting a 915-square-foot apartment, your average utility bills – including electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal – will be around $107, which is well below the național average of $147.

Average Rent in San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA Average Rental Price, February 2022 $2,756 ^/mo

The average monthly rent of apartments in San Diego, CA is $2,756.

San Diego, CA Apartment Rent Ranges

About 12% of apartment rents in San Diego, CA range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments priced over > $2,000 represent 84% 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

Average Rent	Nov / 2018	Mar / 2019	Jul / 2019	Nov / 2019	Mar / 2020	Jul / 2020	Nov / 2020	Mar / 2021	Jul / 2021	Nov / 2021	Feb / 2022
San Diego, CA	$2,186	$2,155	$2,216	$2,223	$2,235	$2,176	$2,201	$2,237	$2,377	$2,610	$2,756
National	$1,362	$1,367	$1,399	$1,407	$1,409	$1,399	$1,403	$1,412	$1,495	$1,591	$1,628

Compared to the national average rent of $1,628, the average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,756.

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

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.

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.

San Diego, CA Households

Total Number of Households507,580
Family 307,217

Non-family 200,363
Children 148,671

No Children 358,909

Average People Per Household2.7
Median Household Income$79,673
Median Housing Costs Per Month$1,806

According to U.S. Census data, there are 507,580 households in San Diego, CA. 307,217 are family households and 200,363 are non-family households. There are 148,671 households with children in San Diego and 358,909 households without children. On average, about 2.7 people live in a household in San Diego, CA. The median income of a San Diego household living in San Diego is $79,673 per year. The median housing costs per month are $1,806.

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: 6% have no high school education, 23% completed some high school, 23% partially completed college, 7% have an Associate Degree, 25% have a Bachelor Degree, and 16% have a Graduate Degree.

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.

Most Expensive Rental
Elite Properties $12,000 - $50,000
Least Expensive Rental
Lincoln Hotel $477 - $556

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 $477 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!

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Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA 828 Rentals Available

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