4.0
Cresta Bella
- Top rated for Amenities
- 17 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listing
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Start your San Diego search
How many bedrooms do you need?
- 11035 Via Livorno, San Diego, CA 92129(858) 408-6609$2,846
- 8583 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123(619) 356-2239Ask for price
Olympus Corsair
Rent Savings- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Putting green, Golf room, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors + more
Verified listingVerified - 15909 Avenida Venusto, San Diego, CA 92128(619) 202-8352Ask for price
The Overlook at Bernardo Heights
- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 5165 Luigi Terrace, San Diego, CA 92122(858) 330-6470Ask for price
Elan Terraza La Jolla
Rent Savings- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 8115 El Paseo Grande, San Diego, CA 92037(858) 758-1241Ask for price
Elan Beachcomber La Jolla
- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Recently renovated, Stainless steel, Ceiling fan + more
Verified listingVerified - 3443 Sandrock Road, San Diego, CA 92123(619) 558-2910Ask for price
Elán Sandrock Place Apartments
- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking, Recently renovated, Ceiling fan + more
Verified listingVerified - 1907 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 901-1993$2,775
Elan Luxo II
Rent Savings- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
Granite counters, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage, Stainless steel, Air conditioning + more
Verified listingVerified - 5295 Kona Springs Lane, San Diego, CA 92120(619) 304-9452Ask for price
The Parker Residences
- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 9890 Graduate Driveway, San Diego, CA 92131(858) 567-0039Ask for price
Ascent at Campus of Life
Rent Savings- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, New construction + more
Verified listingVerified - 13006 Signature Point, San Diego, CA 92130(619) 202-8176Ask for price
Signature Point
- Contact for Availability
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified - 1376 Thomas Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109(858) 293-1346$5,395
BEACH BAY - BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED HOME
- 1 unit available
- 3 bed
- Amenities
W/D hookup, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Recently renovated + more
Verified listingVerified - 2207 Howard Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104(619) 793-3816$3,600
Exquisite North Park/University Heights Townhome, Small Pet Ok!
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 3811 Riviera Drive, San Diego, CA 92109(858) 771-2360$3,295
2 WEEKS FREE!!! 2 BR with Partial Bay Views and Parking!
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, and Range
Verified listingVerified - 5402 Balboa Arms Drive, San Diego, CA 92117(858) 422-3843$3,595
Tastefully upgraded Clairemont Mesa 4-Bedroom in popular Balboa Ridge!
- 1 unit available
- 4 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, Gym + more
Verified listingVerified - 1075 Agate Street, San Diego, CA 92109(858) 683-1448$3,095
*OPEN HOUSE: 12/5 4-6PM* 2BR in Pacific Beach w/ a Fireplace and 2 Parking Spaces!
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Parking, Stainless steel, and Fireplace
Verified listingVerified - 10681 Village Haven Trail, San Diego, CA 92130(858) 348-5673$3,850
Fully Furnished 2-Bed, 2.5-Bath Home with Garage in HOA Community
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Dishwasher, Garage, Walk in closets, Pool, Clubhouse + more
Verified listingVerified
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.