Traditional 1 Story Tierrasanta Home
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Garage, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Air conditioning, Fireplace + more
Start your San Diego search
How many bedrooms do you need?
- 5436 Mantua Court, San Diego, CA 92124(619) 683-9274$4,595
- 4603 Almayo Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117(858) 254-3517$2,795
Private Yard Space, No Shared Walls, Views, New Luxury
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry and Pet friendly
- 8740 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA 92037(858) 578-7284$4,400
2 bed, 2 bath Townhome – LA JOLLA/UTC
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated, and Microwave
- 1401 Reed Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109(619) 535-8761$2,550
Beautiful Pacific Beach Condo Walking Distance To Beach and Bay
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Parking, Stainless steel + more
- 12626 Springbrook Drive, San Diego, CA 92128(858) 832-7800$3,200
Beautiful 2 Bed, 2 Bath Sabre Springs Townhome with 1 Car Garage
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
- 7014 Amherst Street, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 648-2723$1,845
1 Bedroom Home near SDSU!
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
Parking, Air conditioning, Carpet, Range, Oven, and Refrigerator
- 5262 Tipton Street, San Diego, CA 92115(858) 914-7368$5,550
4 BD House!
- 1 unit available
- 4 bed
- Amenities
Internet access
- 4821 Monroe Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 227-0949$2,150
Gorgeous Newly Constructed ADU in Talmadge
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Pet friendly, New construction, Recently renovated, Air conditioning, and Range
- 5248 Tipton Street, San Diego, CA 92115(858) 914-7368$9,000
7 Bed 3 Bath House on Tipton- Great for Big Groups!!
- 1 unit available
- 7 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Garage, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, Air conditioning + more
- 16924 Caminito Santico, San Diego, CA 92128(858) 576-2176$2,695
16924 Caminito Santico
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- 5556 Mary Lane Drive, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 277-7355$7,995
Large 5 Bedroom 3 Bath House that Sleeps 6-7, Behind the UT
- 1 unit available
- 5 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Garage, Walk in closets, Air conditioning, Bbq/grill + more
- 5546 Waring Road, San Diego, CA 92120(858) 273-2255$3,800
m458 - Fujihara
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Garage, Air conditioning, and Range
- 5513 Adobe Falls Road, San Diego, CA 92120(619) 607-7560$2,495
2nd Floor 3 bed/2 bath Condo!
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel + more
- 11775 Ramsdell Court, San Diego, CA 92131(858) 598-1111$4,395
Beautiful Modern 3 Bedroom Home in Scripps Ranch!
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
- 9270 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, CA 92121(619) 222-4836$3,295
2BD/2.5BA townhome in UTC Near UCSD!
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Garage, Recently renovated, and Stainless steel
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,610+Trending up
- 1 Bed
- $3,065+Trending up
- 2 Beds
- $3,802+Trending up
- 3+ Beds
- $4,789+Trending up
* 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
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
More Rental Options
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- La Mesa, CA Apartments (36)
- Lemon Grove, CA Apartments (10)
- Santee, CA Apartments (26)
- El Cajon, CA Apartments (34)
- Temecula, CA Apartments (52)
- Moreno Valley, CA Apartments (50)
- Newport Beach, CA Apartments (161)
- Carlsbad, CA Apartments (94)
- Del Mar, CA Apartments (8)
- Riverside, CA Apartments (129)
- Redlands, CA Apartments (41)
- Bonita, CA Apartments (4)
- Huntington Beach, CA Apartments (146)
- Coronado, CA Apartments (36)
- Jurupa Valley, CA Apartments (19)
- Perris, 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.