525 Olive Balboa Park
$2,779+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
- 14 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Verified listing
Verified
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- 525 Olive Street, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 762-1651
- 635 Robinson Ave., San Diego, CA 92103(619) 330-8276
Mode
$2,635+ moTotal price12-mo lease- 13 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 5075 Camino de la Siesta, San Diego, CA 92108(858) 330-3137$2,490
The Townsend
Rent Savings- 20 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 12629 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130(858) 925-5903$3,2804.0
Del Mar Ridge
- Top rated for Location
- “the management was good for such a large complex. The only real issues with the space was the lack of sunlight and the fact that the smoke alarm would go off if you were cooking anything even if it was not burnt or making smoke.”
- 10 units available
- 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 13138 Kellam Court, San Diego, CA 92130(858) 519-5536$2,888
The Village at Del Mar Heights
- 10 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 9904 Kika Court, San Diego, CA 92129(858) 762-9800$3,099
Montierra
Rent Savings- 9 units available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Cable included, Carport + more
Verified listingVerified - 11540 Windcrest Lane, San Diego, CA 92128(858) 375-5697$2,375
Carmel Terrace
Rent Savings- 20 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 1471 Eighth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 345-5971$2,438
Gema
Rent Savings- 24 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 4888 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111(858) 810-6360
Alexan Camellia
$2,870+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 492 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 3775 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 353-7779$2,199
Rowyn
Rent Savings- 379 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Cats allowed, Parking, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 12520 Camino Del Sur, San Diego, CA 92129(619) 649-6366
Folia
$3,131+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 189 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
Pet friendly
Verified listingVerified - 6440 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 759-7903
64 Forty
$2,045+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 15 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Gym + more
Verified listingVerified - 2260 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104(760) 388-6973
Tenney North Park
$2,480+ moTotal price12-mo leaseRent Savings- 64 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 10615 Calle Mar De Mariposa, San Diego, CA 92130(619) 536-0848$3,0205.0
Torrey Gardens
Rent Savings- Top rated for Location
- “Amazing experience and would like to extend the contract. The staff are nice and very helpful.”
- 12 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Verified listingVerified - 9065 Sydney Court, San Diego, CA 92122(315) 825-0700$3,150
360 Luxury Apartments
Rent Savings- 4 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 9515 Genesee Avenue, San Diego, CA 92121(507) 578-8518$2,365
La Jolla Canyon
Rent Savings- 10 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,603+Trending down
- 1 Bed
- $3,048+Trending down
- 2 Beds
- $3,798+Trending down
- 3+ Beds
- $4,802+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
Northeastern San Diego
What it’s like to live in Northeastern San Diego
Tech employees gravitate to Northeastern San Diego for its perfect positioning between multiple corporate campuses and outdoor recreation in Mission Trails Regional Park. Newer apartment communities typically include business centers, high-speed internet, and flexible spaces supporting remote work. The area's diverse dining reflects San Diego's international population, with authentic options beyond tourist-oriented fare. Though lacking the nightlife of downtown districts, many residents appreciate the quieter evenings after intense workdays.
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 (36)
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- Santa Ana, CA Apartments (65)
- Costa Mesa, CA Apartments (65)
- Newport Beach, CA Apartments (163)
- Coronado, CA Apartments (36)
- French Valley, CA Apartments (16)
- Riverside, CA Apartments (134)
- Ladera Ranch, CA Apartments (20)
- Tustin, CA Apartments (37)
- Loma Linda, CA Apartments (19)
- Irvine, CA Apartments (266)
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.