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Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

Q: Are rent prices dropping in San Diego?

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.

Q: Why is it so expensive to rent in San Diego?

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.

1,188 rentals available

Asana at North Park
$2,293
3810 Wabash Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
(858) 358-5625
2 units available
2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, Stainless steel + more
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Dezi
$2,598
2696 Mission Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
(619) 613-2217
Rent Savings
22 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel, Air conditioning + more
Convenient Living
Modern design near Snapdragon Stadium and Convoy District.
DEZI offers brand-new apartments with striking modern designs. Residents enjoy top-notch finishes such as quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Located in Eastern San Diego, it provides easy access to Snapdragon Stadium and Convoy District, making it a prime choice for those who love vibrant urban living.
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900 F Street
$1,750
900 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 916-4298
Rent Savings
6 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Prime Location
Central hub in downtown San Diego
900 F Street is a fantastic choice for city living. Nestled in the heart of San Diego, it offers immediate access to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and an array of top-notch restaurants, entertainment venues, and public transportation all within walking distance. Enjoy modern amenities and the convenience of living at a standout location.
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Modera San Diego
$2,177
1445 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 391-3699
Rent Savings
36 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Urban Oasis
Prime Downtown San Diego Living
Modera San Diego offers sophisticated living in the heart of Downtown San Diego. With amenities like a rooftop pool and dog grooming area, it provides unbeatable comfort and convenience. Enjoy living within walking distance to attractions like Petco Park and the renowned Gaslamp District, enhancing your urban lifestyle.
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Vantage Pointe
$2,320
1281 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 383-1172
Rent Savings
66 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher + more
Prime Location
Downtown Living with Stunning Amenities
Experience vibrant downtown living at Vantage Pointe in San Diego. This pet-friendly community stands out with its remarkable rooftop pool and fitness center that promise to elevate your lifestyle. Just a stone's throw away from dining, transit, and entertainment, it's ideal for those seeking convenience with a dash of luxury.
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Entrada Apartments
$1,860
453 13th St, San Diego, CA 92101
(928) 235-9340
Rent Savings
9 units available
Studio • 1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Prime Location
Convenient downtown San Diego living with abundant amenities.
Entrada Apartments offers ideal city living with its prime location in East Village, San Diego. Residents rave about the easy walkability to grocery stores, coffee shops, and Petco Park. The apartments are especially welcoming to pets, offering a dog-friendly environment with nearby parks. The professional and friendly management team ensures a pleasant and hassle-free living experience.
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Carmel Terrace
$2,417
11540 Windcrest Lane, San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 375-5697
Rent Savings
19 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Convenient Location
Conveniently located in vibrant Carmel Mountain neighborhood.
Carmel Terrace offers a fantastic living experience with newly renovated homes situated in the vibrant Carmel Mountain neighborhood of San Diego. Located next to Carmel Mountain Ranch Town Center and moments from major highways, you'll experience the ease of accessing nearby stores, restaurants, and transit options. The property is both dog and cat-friendly, featuring top-tier amenities like multiple pools, a fitness center, and well-maintained green areas.
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Citrino
$2,499
6916 Fulton Street, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 879-1893
3 units available
1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Sustainable Luxury
Eco-friendly elegance in vibrant San Diego.
Citrino offers an exquisite living experience in Western San Diego, showcasing sustainability and modern design. This all-solar community provides eco-friendly features, such as EV charging, and welcomes both cats and dogs. Residents appreciate the stylish, well-maintained apartments and the surrounding conveniences including shopping and dining options.
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iL Palazzo
$2,635
2040 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 202-8631
Rent Savings
8 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Vibrant Locale
Boutique community in Little Italy's heart
Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Little Italy with iL Palazzo. Residents rave about the unbeatable location offering proximity to dining, shopping, and entertainment. With a variety of cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues just steps away, you'll enjoy the best of San Diego. The beautifully maintained units and friendly management team ensure a seamless living experience.
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Deerwood
$2,730
15640 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92127
(858) 386-4073
Rent Savings
16 units available
2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Cable included + more
Amenities Abound
Spacious living in serene Rancho Bernardo
Nestled in the peaceful Rancho Bernardo area, Deerwood Apartments offer a serene escape with easy access to amenities. Residents rave about the well-kept grounds, quick maintenance, and friendly management team. With spacious kitchens, cozy fireplaces, and large dogs happily accommodated, this pet-friendly community creates an inviting home.
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The Promenade Rio Vista
$2,987
2185 Station Village Way, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 361-8157
Rent Savings
20 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Metro Convenience
Prime location near trolley and Mission Valley attractions.
The Promenade Rio Vista stands out with its prime Mission Valley location, offering direct access to the Rio Vista Trolley Station for seamless commuting across San Diego. Residents relish the wide range of engaging community events, such as yoga classes and movie nights, that enrich the living experience. With pet-friendly amenities including a dedicated dog wash area, it’s a welcoming environment for furry companions.
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3167 Market Street
$2,100
3167 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92102
(912) 417-3483
Rent Savings
4 units available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Bike storage, Key fob access, Microwave + more
Prime Access
Exceptional connectivity to vibrant San Diego hotspots.
3167 Market Street offers an exceptional living experience with unmatched connectivity. Situated just 2 miles from downtown San Diego and half a mile from the trolley station, residents enjoy easy access to UCSD, SDSU, and Old Town. Cats and dogs are welcome, making it ideal for pet lovers. The vibrant community benefits from modern facilities, responsive management, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.
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Concert Towers
$1,578
955 Eleventh Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
(256) 293-5780
Rent Savings
254 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, New construction, Stainless steel + more
Spectacular Views
Luxury Living in Vibrant Downtown
Concert Towers provides luxurious living in the heart of downtown San Diego. Enjoy breathtaking city and Marina views from the newly constructed residences. Engage with premier amenities like a rooftop lounge, infinity pool, and expansive gym. The location offers unparalleled access to downtown attractions including the Historic Gaslamp District and PETCO Park.
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Spire San Diego
$2,405
1475 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(201) 975-6578
Rent Savings
102 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Luxurious Lifestyle
Elegant living with breathtaking views in prime location.
Spire San Diego combines luxury and a prime location, offering breathtaking views and high-end amenities. Residents rave about easy access to top restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center and rooftop pool. The property is also cost-effective compared to the metro average, adding great value to its offerings.
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4.0
Del Mar Ridge
$2,823
12629 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 925-5903
Top rated for Location
“the management was good for such a large complex. The only real issues with the space was the lack of sunlight and the fact that the smoke alarm would go off if you were cooking anything even if it was not burnt or making smoke.”
10 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Prime Locale
Exceptional community near shopping and dining attractions.
Del Mar Ridge offers an unbeatable location in the heart of Carmel Valley with easy access to shopping, dining, and major highways. Cats and dogs are welcome, making it perfect for pet lovers. Renowned amenities like a well-maintained pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center ensure residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. Residents appreciate the peaceful ambiance and top-tier management, making it a prime choice to call home.
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Prado
$2,190
6304 Rancho Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 789-5816
Rent Savings
11 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Walk in closets + more
Convenient Location
Spacious living in vibrant Mission Valley neighborhood.
Prado offers spacious homes in the heart of Mission Valley, an area known for its vibrant atmosphere and easy access to world-class shopping and dining. This neighborhood's location is ideal for convenient commuting with nearby transport options and freeway access. Residents enjoy beautiful courtyards, two pools, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
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The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in San Diego is $3,116, while the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $3,892. Rent rates updated 8 days ago

Studio: $2,598Trending down
1 Bed: $3,116Trending down
2 Beds: $3,892Trending down
3+ Beds: $4,766Trending down

* 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

Mid-city

What it’s like to live in Mid-city

Authentic diversity thrives in Mid-City San Diego, where global communities have created one of the city's most vibrant culinary scenes along El Cajon Boulevard. The neighborhood offers significantly better rental value than coastal or downtown options while maintaining straightforward access to both through excellent public transportation. As San Diego's original streetcar suburb, Mid-City features distinctive architecture spanning multiple eras, creating character increasingly rare across the city's newer developments dominated by contemporary styling with limited architectural diversity.

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

Neighborhoods

More Rental Options

Bedrooms

Price

Amenities

Property Type

San Diego Short-term Apartments (62)

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.

Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

Asana at North Park

Dezi

900 F Street

Modera San Diego

Vantage Pointe

Entrada Apartments

Carmel Terrace

Citrino

iL Palazzo

Deerwood

The Promenade Rio Vista

3167 Market Street

Concert Towers

Spire San Diego

Del Mar Ridge

Prado

Average rent in San Diego, California

Top neighborhoods in San Diego

More Rental Options

Explore Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

Can You Live Cheaply in San Diego?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much rent should I pay in San Diego?

Are rent prices dropping in San Diego?

Why is it so expensive to rent in San Diego?