4.0
Driftwood
- Top rated for Location
- “Easy staff and quite apartment”
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking + more
Verified listing
Verified
Start your San Diego search
How many bedrooms do you need?
- 3956-3996 Shasta St, San Diego, CA 92109(619) 332-3156$3,999
- 610 Del Sol Dr, San Diego, CA 92108(858) 251-6811$2,747
Bradbury at The Society
Rent Savings- 11 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking + more
Verified listingVerified - 1302 Frankfort St, San Diego, CA 92110(858) 766-6805$2,855
The Seaton
- 8 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Verified listingVerified - 1919 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 568-2317$2,6665.0
Valentina by Alta
Rent Savings- Top rated for Location
- “Great place with great people”
- 11 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 3350 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110(619) 483-2815$1,508
The Presidio Apartments
- 4 units available
- Studio • 1 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Cable included + more
Verified listingVerified - 7901 Civita Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92108(717) 373-2124$2,639
Purl
- 12 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Golf room, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 9072 Gramercy Dr, San Diego, CA 92123(330) 615-6842$2,209
Gramercy
- 19 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
24hr laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, Pool, and Accessible
Verified listingVerified - 11832 Stoney Peak Drive, San Diego, CA 92128(619) 202-8258$2,452
Jefferson at Carmel Mountain
- 20 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 3275 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego, CA 92130(401) 355-8629$2,956
One Paseo
Rent Savings- 25 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Gym, Pool + more
Verified listingVerified - 7777 Westside Dr, San Diego, CA 92108(619) 357-4987$2,284
West Park Apartments
- 58 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Verified listingVerified - 5550 Balboa Arms Drive, San Diego, CA 92117(831) 653-5869$2,431
Pacific Sands
Rent Savings- 5 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
24hr laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Verified listingVerified - 7134 Schilling Avenue, San Diego, CA 92126(858) 216-2140$2,615
Westbrook Apartments
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, Carport, Walk in closets + more
Verified listingVerified - 9085 University City, San Diego, CA 92122(858) 683-6692$2,6004.0
La Jolla Crossroads
- Top rated for Location
- “I love the location but it is noisy place. I have several complaint about my upstair neighbor’s noise. I couldn’t get a result about it. Heavy footsteps, constantly through heavy stuff on their floor which is my roof. Apart from that, smoke odor is normal everyday. It means some people smoke without care. Those are the main problems I have in my side. Talking about the rent amount, it looks like a little excessive if I take into account the poor maintenance of the washer, dryer, stove, microwave and so on. Apart from that, I don’t have any complaint to add.”
- 31 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 3801 Marquette Place, San Diego, CA 92106(619) 458-3112$2,272
Gables Point Loma
- 12 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
24hr laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Verified listingVerified - 11355 Zapata Avenue, San Diego, CA 92126(858) 239-0138$2,465
Mesa Village
Rent Savings- 2 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Verified listingVerified - 7980 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111(619) 383-1689$2,345
Mesa Vista
- 6 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated + more
Verified listingVerified
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,598Trending down
- 1 Bed
- $3,116Trending down
- 2 Beds
- $3,892Trending down
- 3+ Beds
- $4,766Trending down
* Averages are based on the rental prices of properties listed on Apartment List
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
Cities
- La Mesa, CA Apartments (39)
- Lemon Grove, CA Apartments (11)
- Santee, CA Apartments (17)
- El Cajon, CA Apartments (30)
- Rancho San Diego, CA Apartments (5)
- Redlands, CA Apartments (45)
- Corona, CA Apartments (53)
- Yorba Linda, CA Apartments (21)
- Fountain Valley, CA Apartments (12)
- Bermuda Dunes, CA Apartments (15)
- Colton, CA Apartments (16)
- Canyon Lake, CA Apartments (9)
- Eastvale, CA Apartments (18)
- Coronado, CA Apartments (33)
- San Clemente, CA Apartments (73)
- Banning, CA Apartments (12)
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.