Waring Gardens
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
Start your San Diego search
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- 5320 Adobe Falls Road, San Diego, CA 92120$2,245
- 6304 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108$5,825
6304 Friars Rd
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- 555 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101$5,945
555 Front St.
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- 1621 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92103$4,295
1621 Hotel Circle S
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 4753 35th Street, San Diego, CA 92116$4,495
4753 35th St
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 2001 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101$2,925
2001 4th Avenue Unit C11
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 450 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101$2,795
450 10th Ave Unit E31
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 4749 Niagara Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107$5,525
4749 Niagara Ave
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 3845 Richmond Street, San Diego, CA 92103$4,375
3845 Richmond st
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 600 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101$1,900
600 Front
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 4942 Baja Court, San Diego, CA 92115$8,200
4942 Baja Ct
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- 943 Torrance Street, San Diego, CA 92103$5,625
943 Torrance St
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- 939 South 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92113$3,690
939 16th St Unit D22
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- 939 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101$2,799
939 16th St Unit D21
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 2915 E Street, San Diego, CA 92102$2,295
South Park Place
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- 10041 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108$2,400
10041 Rio San Diego Drive Unit A21
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,608Trending up
- 1 Bed
- $3,142Trending up
- 2 Beds
- $3,918Trending up
- 3+ Beds
- $4,806Trending up
* 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
Western San Diego
What it’s like to live in Western San Diego
Beach proximity without premium pricing makes Western San Diego appealing for coastal enthusiasts on a budget. Neighborhoods like Ocean Beach and Point Loma offer more affordable alternatives to La Jolla while maintaining similar beach access. Many apartments feature ocean breezes reducing air conditioning needs during warm months, while the neighborhood's proximity to both beaches and downtown creates ideal positioning for enjoying all San Diego offers.
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
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- Vista, CA Apartments (41)
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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.