La Regencia
- 13 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking + more
Verified listing
Verified
Start your San Diego search
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- 7681 Palmilla Drive, San Diego, CA 92122(571) 322-8811$2,675
- 3840 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 704-7205$2,350
Denizen
Rent Savings- 18 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Dogs allowed, Walk in closets, Gym, Pool, and Pool table
Verified listingVerified - 3585 Aero Court, San Diego, CA 92123(619) 848-0357$2,870
AMLI Aero
Rent Savings- 129 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Putting green, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 7050 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108(619) 649-6031$2,395
Rivair Apartment Homes
Rent Savings- 50 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, New construction, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 9515 Genesee Avenue, San Diego, CA 92121(507) 578-8518$2,365
La Jolla Canyon
Rent Savings- 7 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 4352 Marlborough Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105(619) 304-0387$1,895
4352 Marlborough Ave
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
Verified listingVerified - 13385 Highlands Place, San Diego, CA 92130(218) 292-9744$3,013
Sola at Pacific Highlands Ranch
Rent Savings- 14 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher + more
Verified listingVerified - 4525 Twain Avenue, San Diego, CA 92160(619) 836-6149$2,200
Stadium Arms Apartments
- 2 units available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Cats allowed, Gym, Pool, Pool table, Sauna + more
Verified listingVerified - 4225 Kansas Street, San Diego, CA 92104(619) 305-1899$2,325
4225 KANSAS STREET
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
Stainless steel, Microwave, Range, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 2085-89 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110(619) 586-6118$2,350
San Diego Ave. 2085-89 ***
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Range, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 5011 Auburn Drive, San Diego, CA 92105(858) 302-4365$1,695
5011-5015 Auburn Dr.
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
Range, Oven, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 3235 Collier Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116(619) 853-0680$1,595
3235-3239 Collier Avenue
- 1 unit available
- Studio
- Amenities
Range and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 5109 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117(619) 566-2128$1,650
5109-5139 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
- 4 units available
- Studio • 1 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, All utils included, Parking, and Pool
Verified listingVerified - 6415 Spear Street, San Diego, CA 92120(619) 268-8379$6,500
Prestigious Home In Beautiful Del Cerro ~ 5 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom House!!!
- 1 unit available
- 5 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, Ceiling fan + more
Verified listingVerified - 3934 Hamilton Street, San Diego, CA 92104(858) 331-9090$3,100
3934 HAMILTON STREET
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
Fireplace, Range, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 2285 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA 92111(619) 505-0837$1,925
MC Tower
- 10 units available
- Studio • 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, New construction, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,609Trending down
- 1 Bed
- $3,133Trending down
- 2 Beds
- $3,921Trending down
- 3+ Beds
- $4,805Trending down
* Averages are based on the rental prices of properties listed on Apartment List
Top neighborhoods in San Diego
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
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
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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- Winchester, CA Apartments (4)
- Rancho Mirage, CA Apartments (135)
- Dana Point, CA Apartments (94)
- Temecula, CA Apartments (79)
- Rancho San Diego, CA Apartments (8)
- Murrieta, CA Apartments (80)
- Norco, CA Apartments (6)
- Villa Park, CA Apartments (4)
- French Valley, CA Apartments (11)
- Loma Linda, CA Apartments (16)
- Wildomar, CA Apartments (13)
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.