Mission Arbor
- 5 units available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Parking, Stainless steel, Pool + more
Verified listing
Verified
Start your San Diego search
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- 4555 Vandever Avenue, San Diego, CA 92120(619) 759-6883$2,645
- 5060 La Jolla Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92109(858) 544-0024$4,395
Casa Del Mar
Rent Savings- 7 units available
- 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated + more
Verified listingVerified - 1707 Essex Street, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 494-3150$2,495
Park Diplomat
Rent Savings- 5 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Parking, Stainless steel + more
Verified listingVerified - 338 University Place, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 853-4257$1,695
338-340 University Place
- 1 unit available
- Studio
- Amenities
Parking, Ceiling fan, Range, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 2758 Lake Pointe Drive, San Diego, CA 91977(928) 857-8422$2,544
Lakeview 88
- 4 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, 24hr gym + more
Verified listingVerified - 7015 Eastman Street, San Diego, CA 92111(858) 771-2749$2,485
Village Apartments
- 6 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Pet friendly, Smoke-free community, E-payments, Courtyard, Online portal + more
Verified listingVerified - 4103 54th Place, San Diego, CA 92105(619) 759-7357$2,085
Parkview Terrace
- 6 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Carport, Recently renovated + more
Verified listingVerified - 1266 Benicia Street, San Diego, CA 92110(619) 975-3298$2,695
1266 Benicia Street
- 1 unit available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Parking, Recently renovated + more
Verified listingVerified - 7050 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108(619) 649-6031$2,395
Rivair Apartment Homes
Rent Savings- 50 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, New construction, Garage + more
Verified listingVerified - 3950 Mahaila Avenue, San Diego, CA 92122(619) 304-0268$2,520
Axiom La Jolla
Rent Savings- 11 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Verified listingVerified - 8780 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92126(858) 544-1716$2,495
Mira Mesa
- 3 units available
- 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Carport, Stainless steel, and Range
Verified listingVerified - 557 22nd Street, San Diego, CA 92102(619) 404-4630$1,825
Upgraded Sherman Heights 1 Bedroom, Available Now!
- 1 unit available
- 1 bed
- Amenities
Pet friendly, Parking, Recently renovated, Oven, and Refrigerator
Verified listingVerified - 1980 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 901-1405$2,571
Instrata Little Italy
Rent Savings- 18 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
Pet friendly, Garage, Gym, Pool, Elevator, Smoke-free community + more
Verified listingVerified - 3505 Reynard Way, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 853-6217$1,995
Aspen Park
- 5 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Cats allowed, Parking + more
Verified listingVerified - 1150 E St, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 413-9784$1,578
Broadway Towers
Rent Savings- 256 units available
- 1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher + more
Verified listingVerified - 4353 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92103(619) 569-1776$2,657
Winslow
Rent Savings- 17 units available
- Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
- Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Verified listingVerified
Average rent in San Diego, California
- Studio
- $2,609Trending down
- 1 Bed
- $3,133Trending down
- 2 Beds
- $3,921Trending down
- 3+ Beds
- $4,805Trending 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
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.