4840 College Ave
- 1 unit available
- 5 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, and Ice maker
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- 4840 College Avenue, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 988-8253$7,500
- 6347 Lake Arago Avenue, San Diego, CA 92119(619) 431-4827$3,600
Stunning 3BD/1.5 BA W/ Attached Garage Private Pool in Lake Murray
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated + more
- 1465 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 431-4827$2,065
Beautiful East Village Condo w/ W/D, A/C Balcony Views!
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
- 2842 Copley Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116(619) 623-4965$2,195
2842 Copley Ave
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
Cats allowed
- 361 69th Street, San Diego, CA 92114(619) 917-3305$3,650
Unique 3 Bedroom 2 Bath House in Encanto
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel, and Air conditioning
- 6033 Estelle Street, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 431-4827$2,750
Great 2 bed/2bath condo w/AC and detached garage!
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning + more
- 5149 Tipton Street, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 626-8046$4,445
Beautiful Remodeled 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Home, Walking Distance of SDSU, Available Now $4,445
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated + more
- 10943 Shy Bird Lane, San Diego, CA 92128(858) 901-8238$4,150
Updated 3 Bed / 2 Bath in Sabre Springs!!
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
- 4180 39th Street, San Diego, CA 92105(858) 449-7294$2,500
2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in a gated community.
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Air conditioning, Fireplace + more
- 3887 Pell Place, San Diego, CA 92130(619) 333-7991$2,695
Stylish Coastal Living: Spacious 1BD with Huge Patio + Premium Amenities
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Garage, Recently renovated + more
- 1009 Alexandria Drive, San Diego, CA 92107(619) 983-0072$6,450
Gorgeous Ocean View Sunset Cliffs Home
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Garage, Walk in closets + more
- 3990 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 604-7409$3,300
***Beautiful 2 bed/2 bath Condo in the Heart of Hillcrest - Available NOW*
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
- 4790 Arizona Street, San Diego, CA 92116(619) 604-4775$3,000
Experience the Best of University and Normal Heights from This Modern 2-Bedroom Home!
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated + more
- 3741 10th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 535-8761$2,695
Charming 2 Bedroom Craftsman House w/Porch and Private Back Patio in Hillcrest
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Coffee bar, Ceiling fan + more
- 4920 Art Street, San Diego, CA 92115(858) 914-7366$7,600
5BD 3 BA with a Great Yard!
- 1 unit available
- 5 bed
- Amenities
Patio / balcony and Garage
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,594+Trending up
- 1 Bed
- $3,126+Trending up
- 2 Beds
- $3,903+Trending up
- 3+ Beds
- $4,819+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
Northern San Diego
What it’s like to live in Northern San Diego
Coastal-mountain fusion defines this enclave near Torrey Pines Gliderport. Renters enjoy canyon views but contend with Santa Ana winds rattling windows October-December. The UCSD Blue Line eases commutes but brings light rail noise.
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
Neighborhoods
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Amenities
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- Laguna Niguel, CA Apartments (84)
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- Fallbrook, CA Apartments (7)
- Mission Viejo, CA Apartments (68)
- Coto de Caza, CA Apartments (7)
- La Presa, CA Apartments (5)
- Carlsbad, CA Apartments (98)
- Cathedral City, CA Apartments (105)
- Winchester, CA Apartments (5)
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.