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- 2525 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 492-5490$2,725
Treehouse
- 91 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, New construction, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 1401 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 391-4230$3,325
Simone
Rent Savings- 39 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
Pet friendly, Parking, and Bike storage
Verified listingVerified - 2291 Dunlop Street, San Diego, CA 92111(619) 492-7906$2,300
Pacific Heights Apartments
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, New construction, 24hr maintenance, Garage, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 3536 1st Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 648-1065Ask for price
3536 First Ave
- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, 24hr maintenance, Garage, Dog park + more
Verified listingVerified - 4431 Cleveland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116(619) 215-5357$1,895
02
- 2 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Parking, Range, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 6975 Golfcrest Drive, San Diego, CA 92119(619) 304-8870$2,6945.0
Mission Trails
- Top rated for Location
- “Rita was wonderful at giving me the tour!”
- 14 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated + more
Verified listingVerified - 6916 Fulton Street, San Diego, CA 92111(858) 879-1893$2,000
Citrino
- 1 unit available
- Studio
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 899 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 304-5158$2,155
Idea1 Apartments
- 14 units available
- Studio • 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Google fiber, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 453 13th St, San Diego, CA 92101(928) 235-9340
Entrada Apartments
$1,700+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 10 units available
- Studio • 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 5050 Niagara Avenue, Unit 106, San Diego, CA 92107(619) 431-4478$1,895
Surfcaster
- 7 units available
- Studio • 1 bed
- Amenities
E-payments, Online portal, and CC payments
Verified listingVerified - 10802-B Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126(858) 212-0126
The Casas
$2,358+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 33 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 1440 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108(619) 492-3548
Griffis Mission Valley
$2,487+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 26 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 4560 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120(619) 737-1754
Gravity
$2,198+ moTotal price14-mo leaseRent Savings- 22 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Putting green, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 5550 Balboa Arms Drive, San Diego, CA 92117(831) 653-5869$2,865
Pacific Sands
Rent Savings- 8 units available
- 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
24hr laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Verified listingVerified - 4440 Twain Ave, San Diego, CA 92120(614) 758-35065.0
Vora Mission Valley
$2,284+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- Top rated for Location
- 74 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher + more
Verified listingVerified
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,609+Trending down
- 1 Bed
- $3,092+Trending down
- 2 Beds
- $3,855+Trending down
- 3+ Beds
- $4,813+Trending down
* Averages are based on the rental prices of properties listed on Apartment List that don’t include fees
Top neighborhoods in San Diego
College East
What it’s like to live in College East
Navy families and SDSU grad students share 1960s courtyard units. Naval Medical Center proximity ensures military discounts but 5AM reveille echoes through thin walls.
Great for
College Students
Grad Students
Academics
Young Renters
Remote Workers
Neighborhood vibe
Mixed-Use
Peaceful
Mixed-Use & Commercial
Mid-city
What it’s like to live in Mid-city
Authentic diversity thrives in Mid-City San Diego, where global communities have created one of the city's most vibrant culinary scenes along El Cajon Boulevard. The neighborhood offers significantly better rental value than coastal or downtown options while maintaining straightforward access to both through excellent public transportation. As San Diego's original streetcar suburb, Mid-City features distinctive architecture spanning multiple eras, creating character increasingly rare across the city's newer developments dominated by contemporary styling with limited architectural diversity.
Great for
Families
Retirees
Professionals
Young Renters
Commuters
Neighborhood vibe
Mixed-Use
Peaceful
Mixed-Use & Commercial
La Jolla
What it’s like to live in La Jolla
Beyond the picture-perfect postcards, La Jolla's rental market offers surprising diversity from vintage cottages to luxury high-rises. The Village provides European-style walkability rare in Southern California, where errands become pleasant strolls rather than traffic-clogged drives. Many apartments include outdoor space with ocean views or glimpses between buildings, while sea breezes create natural air conditioning during warmer months. The microclimate stays noticeably cooler than inland neighborhoods, though early summer "May Gray" and "June Gloom" marine layers sometimes persist all day. Parking challenges increase dramatically during summer tourism season, making rentals with dedicated spots worth the premium. When seeking outdoor recreation, the protected cove offers swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling literally steps from many residential buildings.
Great for
Families
Retirees
Professionals
Young Renters
Commuters
Neighborhood vibe
Mixed-Use
Peaceful
Mixed-Use & Commercial
More Rental Options
Amenities
Property Type
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- El Cajon, CA Apartments (33)
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- San Juan Capistrano, CA Apartments (6)
- Menifee, CA Apartments (46)
- Coronado, CA Apartments (33)
- North Tustin, CA Apartments (4)
- Palm Desert, CA Apartments (320)
- Aliso Viejo, CA Apartments (14)
- Anaheim, CA Apartments (97)
- Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA Apartments (9)
- Dana Point, CA Apartments (34)
- Carlsbad, CA Apartments (93)
- Perris, CA Apartments (10)
Explore Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA
Whether you’re looking for your first place near the local University of California campus or diving into the bustle of La Jolla, there are plenty of apartments for rent in San Diego, CA.
With Apartment List, you’ll find an AI-curated catalog of affordable San Diego rentals based on your preferences. When personalizing options, the algorithm considers factors like proximity to your work or whether the apartment has pool or gym access. Enjoy a range of choices that match your dream home’s requirements — or come close enough to warrant a tour.
Rest assured, you’ll find a new home that ticks all your boxes in less time than it takes to finish the Seven Bridge Walk.
Take the Renter Quiz, review the list of apartments in San Diego for rent, and enjoy the warmth of the Pacific Beach sunshine in no time.
Can You Live Cheaply in San Diego?
Even though the apartment rental market in San Diego is competitive, the city has pockets of affordable apartments. Areas like Hillcrest and Fox Canyon are budget-friendly, offering access to popular San Diego attractions like parks, museums, and restaurants. These features rival the more expensive suburbs like Little Italy and Scripps Ranch.
Across the city, the median rental rate for a San Diego, California apartment is:
- 1BR: $1,975/month - 2BR: 2,475/month
Remember, no matter where you choose to rent an apartment in San Diego, you can rely on affordable, accessible public transport. This makes the entire city — from the San Diego Zoo to Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá — your playground.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everyone from a first-time renter to a 10-time A-Lister needs to know how to determine rental affordability. With this understanding, you’ll avoid stretching the budget and increase the likelihood of approval.
Property managers in San Diego recommend that rent not exceed 40% of the household income. So, landlords renting a 2BR/1BA apartment in Casa de Oro for $2,995 would expect tenants to earn upwards of $7,487.50/month.
San Diego rental costs are down 3.1% year-over-year. Still, outside factors such as job growth, low housing inventory, and the city’s desirability indicate the trend is unlikely to continue.
There are two reasons for higher rents in San Diego. First, a limited supply of deed-restricted affordable rental units forces tenants to pay market rates for housing. Second, many San Diego suburbs like La Jolla and Mission Bar are within walking distance of the beach. This proximity makes them highly desirable areas, increasing the competition.