2 Bedroom Townhouse with Canyon views from two levels
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Extra storage, and Some paid utils
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- 4950 Lantana Drive, San Diego, CA 92105(858) 832-7800Ask for price
- 6495 Carthage Street, San Diego, CA 92120(619) 431-4827Ask for price
Great 3B/2BA House in Allied Gardens with a Pool!
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
- 1401 Reed Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109(619) 535-8761Ask for price
Beautiful Pacific Beach Condo Walking Distance To Beach and Bay
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- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Parking, Stainless steel + more
- 2922 Preece Street, San Diego, CA 92111(619) 431-4827Ask for price
Great 2B/1BA House in Linda Vista!
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated, Air conditioning + more
- 12626 Springbrook Drive, San Diego, CA 92128(858) 832-7800Ask for price
Beautiful 2 Bed, 2 Bath Sabre Springs Townhome with 1 Car Garage
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
- 7014 Amherst Street, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 648-2723Ask for price
1 Bedroom Home near SDSU!
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- Amenities
Parking, Air conditioning, Carpet, Range, Oven, and Refrigerator
- 14787 Caminito Orense Oeste, San Diego, CA 92129(619) 694-6469Ask for price
Refined Penasquitos Townhome with Panoramic Backyard Views Modern Upgrades!
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
- 6358 Rancho Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108(619) 220-8317Ask for price
Newly Renovated 1 Bed / 1 Bath Condo for Rent in Mission Valley!
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- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Parking, Recently renovated, Pool, Air conditioning + more
- 5262 Tipton Street, San Diego, CA 92115(858) 914-7368Ask for price
4 BD House!
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- Amenities
Internet access
- 4335 1/2 Louisiana Street, San Diego, CA 92104(619) 797-1471Ask for price
Smaller 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Duplex Unit with Garage Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups
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- Amenities
W/D hookup, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated, Some paid utils, and Range
- 1239 Hornblend Street, San Diego, CA 92109(858) 298-4961Ask for price
50% OFF FIRST MONTH! Studio in Pacific Beach Apartment Community
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- Amenities
On-site laundry, Pet friendly, All utils included, Parking, Bike storage, Courtyard + more
- 5001 Rockford Drive, San Diego, CA 92115(858) 914-7368Ask for price
5001 Rockford Dr.
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- 4869 70th Street, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 431-4827Ask for price
Beautiful 2BD/2BA W/ Reserved Parking and In-Unit Laundry in La Mesa!
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Dogs allowed, Garage, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
- 5248 Tipton Street, San Diego, CA 92115(858) 914-7368Ask for price
7 Bed 3 Bath House on Tipton- Great for Big Groups!!
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Garage, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, Air conditioning + more
- 5478 Mary Lane Drive, San Diego, CA 92115(619) 204-2618Ask for price
Huge 2 story 8 bed room Home: a hop and a skip from SDSU! You will never be late to class!
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- Amenities
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Parking, Stainless steel, Microwave + more
- 16924 Caminito Santico, San Diego, CA 92128(858) 576-2176Ask for price
16924 Caminito Santico
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Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,609+Trending down
- 1 Bed
- $3,092+Trending down
- 2 Beds
- $3,855+Trending down
- 3+ Beds
- $4,813+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
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
Hillcrest
What it’s like to live in Hillcrest
LGBTQ+ energy pulses through this district near Balboa Park, with renters loving walkable access to University Avenue's indie cafes. Nightlife noise from The Rail tests soundproofing until 2AM weekends. Parking permits cost $180+/year.
Great for
Artists
Creatives
Young Professionals
Music Lovers
Entrepreneurs
Neighborhood vibe
Trendy
Creative
Revitalized
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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.