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

Save Search

Popular searches Average rent Renters guide Demographics

View All California Cities

View All San Diego Neighborhoods

View All California Cities

Average rent in San Diego, CA

$3,016/mo San Diego, CA average rental price, July 2023

The average monthly rent of apartments in San Diego, CA is $3,016.

San Diego, CA apartment rent ranges

About 7% of apartment rents in San Diego, CA range between $1,501-$2,000. Meanwhile, apartments priced over > $2,000 represent 90% 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 $1,726, the average rent in San Diego, CA is $3,016.

Local Guides for Renters

Best Parks for Renters in San Diego to Unwind

Looking for an apartment to rent in San Diego? Or perhaps you’re already enjoying life as a renter in this vibrant coastal city. Either way, here is a list of San Diego’s best parks, perfect for your serene escapes: Balboa Park, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Mission Bay Park, Civita Park and Queen Califia’s Magical Circle. […]

The post Best Parks for Renters in San Diego to Unwind appeared first on RentCafe rental blog.

Best 5 Beaches for San Diego Renters

Are you in search of a rental apartment in San Diego? Or maybe you’re already relishing life as a renter in this lively coastal metropolis. No matter where you are in your renting journey, we picked the best beaches in San Diego for you to enjoy: Coronado Beach, Fletcher Cove, Black’s Beach, Ocean Beach and […]

The post Best 5 Beaches for San Diego Renters appeared first on RentCafe rental blog.

Top Things to Do for Renters in San Diego

Searching for a rental apartment in San Diego? Or maybe you’re already savoring the renter lifestyle in this lively coastal metropolis? If you’re looking for fun ways to spend your free time in this lovely SoCal city, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our top favorite things to do for renters in San Diego: surfing in […]

The post Top Things to Do for Renters in San Diego appeared first on RentCafe rental blog.

Getting around in San Diego, CA

32 /100

Car-Dependent

26 /100

Some Transit

12 /100

Somewhat Bikeable

Walk Score®: 32, Transit Score®: 26, Bike Score®: 12

Frequently asked questions

What are the best apartments in San Diego, CA?

The best apartments in San Diego, CA are: Apex Mission Valley, Nobel Court, The Rey, Pacific Sands and La Serena.

What is the average rent in San Diego, CA?

The average rent in San Diego, CA is $3,016. 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 $7,687. 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 $1,100 and $8,633. 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 $1,292 and $18,560. 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 $1,292 and $14,477. Browse all available 3-bedroom apartments in San Diego, CA.

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

In San Diego, 52% of the residents are renting compared to 48% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 20% of San Diego’s rentals, 60% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 19% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in San Diego, CA?

The average age of rental buildings in San Diego is 29 years old, with 43% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 5 stories, of which 77% are garden-style apartment communities, 21% are mid-sized buildings, and 10% are high-rises. These characteristics describe large-scale apartment communities of 50 apartments or more.

What apartment floorplans are common in San Diego, CA?

Rental apartments in San Diego come in a range of sizes and floorplans. Studio apartments represent 10% of units for rent, ideal for singles, renters on a budget and people who value central locations more than space. Rentals with 1-bedroom floorplans make up 38% of the total apartments in the city, while 2-bedroom floorplans represent around 44% of all rentals in San Diego. The rest are larger floorplans with 3 bedrooms or more, typically preferred by families, larger households or roommates sharing space.

San Diego, CA in the news

America’s Hottest Rental Markets at the Start of 2023: North Jersey Overtakes Miami as Competition Builds Up in the Northeast

San Diego, CA, ranks 13th among the nation's hottest rental markets at the start of 2023. Its Rental Competitivity Index (RCI) score of 87 reflects a high occupancy rate of 96.2%. That's mainly because zero apartments were opened recently in this market and because more than half of apartment dwellers renewed their leases. As a result, vacant apartments in San Diego are occupied after 34 days, on average, with 13 prospects competing for each available unit.

Rental Competitivity in California in 2022: Orange County Tops the List

San Diego was California's second hottest rental in 2022. Notably, this location attracted more interest from renters than California’s hottest market, as an average of 22 renters competed for one vacant apartment here in 2022. What's more, 97% of its apartments were already occupied and more than 55% of renters decided to renew their leases during that year.

How Much Space You Can Get for $1,500 in America’s Best Cities for Renters

Renters in large cities like San Diego, CA have to sacrifice space for other perks of the big-city life. In fact, the difference between these cities and the ones that offer the most space for $1,500 is quite significant, as a renter in Amarillo, TX can get three times the space in San Diego, for the exact same amount.

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.

Living in San Diego, CA

Boasting 70 miles of sandy coastline, cliffs, and ocean views is San Diego, a large city north of the Mexican border and 120 miles southeast of Los Angeles. San Diego draws renters who are college students, military personnel, vacationers, retirees, and ambitious professionals in the technology, biotech and health care industries. Flourishing with educational and career opportunities, the city hosts renowned institutions like UC San Diego and San Diego State University. Known for its nightlife and contemporary art scene, San Diego renters have an active lifestyle full of surfing, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. Renting in San Diego also enjoy culinary delights ranging from Brazilian and Hawaiian to Korean-Mexican fusion. Renters are also served by the San Diego Unified School District.

Renting in San Diego, CA

San Diego's architectural style ranges from contemporary, beachfront properties to high-rise apartment rentals to classic, Spanish-inspired houses for rent. For instance, Little Italy boasts luxury apartments for rent in upscale buildings with a vibrant food scene and Farmers' Markets, while East Village's converted warehouse lofts and high-rise apartment rentals are near Petco Park. Or, the Gaslamp District's historic buildings have apartments for rent in the trendy nightlife scene, whereas Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach feature beach-inspired apartment rentals and small cottages. Meanwhile, Point Loma offers ocean-view apartments for rent with access to Sunset Cliffs, and Hillcrest's small apartment complexes are near the Hillcrest Farmers' Market. Additionally, La Jolla-University City showcases luxury apartments for rent near La Jolla Cove and the University of California San Diego, and Mission Valley offers luxury apartment rentals that are similar to resorts and provide shopping center access to Fashion Valley Mall. Lastly, Carlsbad offers upscale apartments, condos, and beach houses for rent with additional attractions, like Legoland and The Flower Fields.

Shopping in San Diego, CA

The most popular shopping mall in San Diego is Westfield UTC, which has brands like Nordstrom, Macy's, Anthroplogie, Hermes and Free People. Or, Fashion Valley in Mission Valley boasts luxury brands like Gucci and Prada, and Westfield Mission Valley features Bloomingdale's Outlet and Nordstrom Rack for fantastic deals. Otherwise, Liberty Station in Point Loma features Pigment for gifts and home décor; Imperfects for renters who surf and skate; and Point Loma Tea for organic teas. There are also fashionable items to decorate new apartment rentals at Whiskey x Leather, while Shop Good has clean beauty and wellness products. And, along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village is where renters will find American Nostalgia, Kite Flite and San Diego Surf Co. Renters also go to Balboa Park to shop at the Spanish Village Art Center and the San Diego Museum of Art Store.

Transportation in San Diego, CA

Although interstates such as I-5 and I-805 keep renters connected throughout different neighborhoods, owning a personal vehicle is not necessary. That's because the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) operates three trolley lines: The Blue Line takes renters to the Mexican border, downtown and Old Town; the Orange Line takes renters through Lemon Grove and El Cajon; and the Green Line takes renters from Old Town to Santee, passing through Mission Valley and San Diego State University. Plus, with 89 bus routes, SDMTS extends far beyond the trolley network. There's even a GoCity app to make tracking bus routes more convenient for renters. Amtrak also connects San Diego renters to neighboring regions. Finally, the closest major airport when renting in San Diego is the San Diego International Airport.

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 $512 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	$2,401+
2 BEDS	$3,726+

Studio	$2,196+
1 BED	$2,366+
2 BEDS	$3,458+

1 BED	$3,171+
2 BEDS	$2,762+
3 BEDS	$4,885+

Studio	Ask for Pricing
1 BED	$2,270
2+ BEDS	$2,675

1 BED	Ask for pricing
2 BEDS	Ask for pricing

1 BED	$2,799+
2 BEDS	$3,795

Studio	$2,124+
1 BED	$2,729+
2 BEDS	$3,478+

1 BED	$2,410+
2 BEDS	$3,124+

1 BED	$1,997+
2 BEDS	$2,607+

Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA 1,708 Rentals Available

Popular searches by size

Popular searches by amenities

Popular searches by price

Rent prices in cities near San Diego, CA

Rent prices in San Diego, CA's popular neighborhoods

Popular zip codes in San Diego, CA

Houses for rent in cities near San Diego, CA

Storage units in cities near San Diego, CA

Popular apartments