How much is rent in National City?

In National City, the average rent is $1,650+ for a studio, $2,167+ for a 1-bedroom, $3,070+ for a 2-bedroom, and $3,595+ for a 3-bedroom.* *Based on base prices that don’t include fees

How can I find a pet-friendly apartment in National City?

You can use the pet-friendly filter to find National City apartments that allow pets.

How much should I pay for rent in National City?

The answer to this question depends on your household income and a couple of other factors. You can use our Rent Calculator to figure out how much you should spend on rent in National City.

How can I find off-campus housing in National City?

You can use the off-campus housing filters to find apartments near colleges located in or around National City. Some of the colleges and universities in the area include San Diego State University , San Diego City College , Saddleback College , Point Loma Nazarene University , Brandman University , and Cuyamaca College .

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Apartments for Rent in National City, CA

22 rentals available

14 on Harding
$2,995
1924 Harding Avenue, National City, CA 91950
(619) 762-4340
2 units available
2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, and Pet friendly
Recently updated units
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NC18 Apartments
$1,995
1224 East 18th Street, National City, CA 91950
(858) 331-1389
5 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Granite counters, Dogs allowed, Parking, Recently renovated, Ceiling fan + more
Contemporary Comfort
Enjoy modern living in a prime, well-connected location.
NC18 Apartments boasts modern, fully renovated units with upgrades like quartz countertops and luxury flooring. Its favorable location provides easy access to downtown San Diego, major employers, and educational institutions. Residents can benefit from convenient on-site amenities such as laundry facilities and assigned parking. Plus, the community’s pet-friendly policy enhances the welcoming environment for dog owners.
Recently updated units
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The Commodore Apartments
$2,575
240 East 31st Street, National City, CA 91950
(619) 745-6683
Rent Savings
13 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel, Pool, Package receiving + more
Luxurious Haven
Luxurious living with stunning views and eco-friendly amenities
The Commodore Apartments offer a luxurious living experience in bustling National City with stunning views of San Miguel Mountain and Downtown San Diego. Top-tier community amenities like a pool, spa, and recreational areas make it a haven for relaxation and community engagement. The eco-conscious design, featuring solar power and EV charging stations, appeals to sustainable living enthusiasts.
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Modern 1x1 - Premier National City Location. Immediate Move-In!
$2,250
131 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950
(619) 577-4504
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
Verified listing
Verified
National City city guide
Everything you need to know
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Best market deals
These units are the best deal in town.
FOR RENT!!! Beautiful studio in National City FOR RENT!!! Studio, 1 Bath, $1650
Studio • 1 Bath • 400 sqft
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207 E 1st Street C
1 Bed • 1 Bath
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NC18 Apartments Unit 21
1 Bed • 1 Bath • 525 sqft
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836 Olive Avenue 1 Bed
1 Bed • 1 Bath • 500 sqft
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112 E 5th St 1 Bed
1 Bed • 1 Bath • 525 sqft
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CHARMING 2BR/2BA CONDO W/ GARAGE
$2,600
1908 Via Las Palmas, National City, CA 91950
(858) 449-7294
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Garage, Gym, Pool + more
Recently updated units
2 BEDROOMS 1 BATH APARTMENT IN NATIONAL CITY
$2,195
2228 I Avenue, National City, CA 91950
(619) 425-4295
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
Parking, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
207 E 1st Street
$1,795
207 East 1st Street, National City, CA 91950
(619) 359-2865
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
Recently updated units
2903 J Ave
$2,495
2903 J Avenue, National City, CA 91950
(858) 201-4066
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
2227 Prospect St
$2,650
2227 Prospect Street, National City, CA 91950
(619) 813-4361
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, and Air conditioning
Recently updated units
Modern Newly Renovated 2-Bed, 1-Bath Unit in National City!
$2,500
1301 East 28th Street, National City, CA 91950
(760) 602-0221
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Pet friendly, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, Air conditioning, Microwave + more
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Luxury apartments
Top units for an elevated lifestyle.
751 Paradise Way 2 Bed
2 Beds • 2 Baths • 1272 sqft
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1860 East 12th Street 1
3 Beds • 2.5 Baths • 1425 sqft
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Feb 1
1309 E 1st St 3 Bed
3 Beds • 1 Bath • 1066 sqft
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Now
531 E 15th St 3 Bed
3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1200 sqft
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3128 E 20th St 3 Bed
3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1000 sqft
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317 5th St
$2,300
317 East 5th Street, National City, CA 91950
(619) 651-9904
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
Hardwood floors, Courtyard, Garbage disposal, Range, Oven, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
112 E 5th St
$2,000
112 East 5th Street, National City, CA 91950
(619) 651-9904
1 unit available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, Air conditioning + more
Recently updated units
1702 East 7th Street
$2,600
1702 East 7th Street, National City, CA 91950
(617) 314-1215
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, Parking, and Recently renovated
Recently updated units
531 E 15th St
$3,550
531 East 15th Street, National City, CA 91950
(619) 900-6875
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Recently renovated, Range, and Refrigerator
Recently updated units
2215 K Avenue - 1
$2,675
2215 K Avenue, National City, CA 91950
(858) 270-1605
1 unit available
2 bed
Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated, Microwave + more
Recently updated units
1860 East 12th Street
$3,800
1860 East 12th Street, National City, CA 91950
(858) 282-6368
1 unit available
3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, and Guest parking
Recently updated units

City Guide

The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in National City is $2,167+, while the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $3,070+. Rent rates updated 3 days ago

Studio: $1,650+Trending up
1 Bed: $2,167+Trending up
2 Beds: $3,070+Trending up
3+ Beds: $3,595+Trending up

* Averages are based on the rental prices of properties listed on Apartment List that don’t include fees

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Bedrooms

1 Bedroom Apartments in National City (6)

Amenities

Find an apartment for rent in National City, CA

Searching for an apartment for rent in National City, CA? Look no further! Apartment List will help you find a perfect apartment near you. There are 22 available rental units listed on Apartment List in National City. Click on listings to see photos, floorplans, amenities, prices and availability, and much more!

The average rent in National City is $1,650 for a studio, $2,167 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $3,070 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you are looking for a deal, keep an eye out for a red pulsing icon that indicates rent specials.

Tired of browsing? Take our personalized quiz. You’ll answer a couple of simple questions and we’ll put together a list of National City apartments that are best for you. We’ll also factor in your commute, budget, and preferred amenities. Looking for a pet-friendly rental, or an apartment with in-unit washer and dryer? No problem, we’ll provide you with apartments that match that criteria.

You can trust Apartment List to help you find your next National City, CA apartment rental! After all, everyone deserves a home they love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

National City: The San Diego suburb that proudly served as the movie location for Return of the Killer Tomatoes!

National City is located in San Diego County, just east of the San Diego Bay. About 59,000 people live in this city, which is among the oldest in San Diego with an incorporation date of 1887. In fact, Brick Row on Heritage Square is a group of row houses built the same year the city was incorporated, and its now on the National Register of Historic Places. But don't worry there are newer properties you can live in if you're not into buildings that were constructed before your grandparents were born. There are also other landmarks in the area, including the Naval Base San Diego, which is located along the three-mile stretch of the bay right next to National City. Within a mere 15-minute drive are the beaches of San Diego, Coronado Island, and the Mexico/California border, so there is plenty to do in this area.

Having trouble with Craigslist National City? Can't find that special apartment for rent on Apartment Finder or Zillow? Apartment List is here to help!

Searching for Rentals in National City

Only about 31% of National City residents can afford to own a home here, so if you plan to rent, you'll be joining the majority, since 61% of the homes here are rentals. The vacancy rate is about 8%, which means you should give yourself a head start of at least two months if you want to be sure to find a place before you have to move.

What will a rental run you in this city?

The cost of living is a little higher here than the national average, but that's par for the course in Southern California, especially when you're this close to the Pacific Ocean. In fact, once you get a look at the cost of living in more affluent cities nearby, you'll rush back to National City, eager to pay the comparatively lower rent!

How should you prepare to find a rental?

Just make sure your credit score and rental history are both decent enough for any sane landlord to want to take a chance on you, especially if you want a nice place. The better you look on paper, the faster you'll find a spacious two-bedroom apartment or house rental that has been well taken care of. Of course, having the means to put down a deposit right away can also help during your search for an apartment or rental house.

Where to Live in National City

You won't exactly find beachfront neighborhoods here like you might in other San Diego suburbs, but you'll still enjoy that casual Southern California vibe anywhere you go in this city. So if you're a fan of the laid-back, fun-loving feel of this region, you'll be happy in any of National City's neighborhoods. Plus, you'll be saving money by choosing this area over the beach cities! Here's an overview of some of the most well-known parts of this town.

City Center: As you might guess, this is an urban area toward the center of the city. As such, it is easily walkable and features lots of rental properties, including high-rise apartments and single-family homes. The population here is diverse and includes people of all ages, and it's conveniently located next to the all-important freeway in SoCal Interstate 5. $$

Lincoln Acres: Another urban area is Lincoln Acres, which is near where State Route 54 intersects with Interstate 805. This community features mostly small apartment complexes, single-family homes, and some mobile homes. It's within a short distance of National City Golf Course and Las Palmas Park. Plus, there's National City Municipal Pool nearby, and it's perfect for those days that you have your swimsuit and towel all ready to go but don't want to drive the extra few minutes to get to the beach! $

Stockman and Sweetwater: Just south of Lincoln Acres is a rather expensive area that's technically the farthest southeast you can go without leaving National City. This area is urban, like most of the city, but the homes here are larger and mostly owner-occupied. It encompasses Sweetwater Heights Park and is right next to Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course in the neighboring city of you guessed it Chula Vista. $$$$

Plaza and Euclid: This is another affluent neighborhood in National City. Located at the northeastern edge, it is near Paradise Valley Hospital, which also happens to be this city's largest employer. This area is also close to Paradise Valley Park and Recreation Center, several shopping centers, and naval housing. $$$$

National City Blvd and Civic Center:You cant miss this part of town because it's closest to the bay, and set up along some of the busiest roads in this city, giving it an urban feel. If you want to live rather close to the coast in National City, this is where you need to look for properties, most of which are rentals that are on the small side. This is another area that's near I-5, and it's also fairly close to Naval Base San Diego. Plus, it encompasses Pepper Park and is conveniently nearby lots of shopping plazas. $$

Life in National City

The average commute time here is 26 minutes, which is a little less than the state's average. That's pretty good for a Southern California area, so maybe those traffic horror stories you hear don't apply to National City! Then again, it helps that more residents than average carpool in this city.

Plus, the percentages of people who walk to work, work from home, and use public transportation are higher than both the state and national average here. Your public transportation options include the San Diego Trolley, which can take you all around San Diego and its many suburbs. In particular, the Blue Line of the trolley serves this area. National City is also served by about 10 city bus routes and two Amtrak stations that are within a few miles of this area.

As for things to do in this city, shopping is a big one. Westfield Plaza Bonita is a mall with several department stores, eateries, and a movie theater. And have you ever heard of the Mile of Cars? No, that's not a nickname for rush hour in Southern California! It's the mile of new car dealerships lining National Blvd. -- with more than 20 dealerships to choose from, you should be able to find your dream car here, and you're going to need it as a resident of the sprawling San Diego area!

If you've been looking for affordable housing in the San Diego area and are about to give up on what seems like a pipe dream, make sure you take a look at National City before you leave. Remember that if it was good enough for the sequel to _Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, _it's probably good enough for most people.

Apartments for Rent in National City, CA

14 on Harding

NC18 Apartments

The Commodore Apartments

Modern 1x1 - Premier National City Location. Immediate Move-In!

CHARMING 2BR/2BA CONDO W/ GARAGE

2 BEDROOMS 1 BATH APARTMENT IN NATIONAL CITY

207 E 1st Street

2903 J Ave

2227 Prospect St

Modern Newly Renovated 2-Bed, 1-Bath Unit in National City!

317 5th St

112 E 5th St

1702 East 7th Street

531 E 15th St

2215 K Avenue - 1

1860 East 12th Street

Average rent in National City, California

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Find an apartment for rent in National City, CA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Living in National City, CA

National City Apartment Renter's Guide

National City Apartment Renter's Guide