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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.

1,252 rentals available

Ridgewood Village
$2,294
12435 Heatherton Court, San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 762-9777
Rent Savings
24 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Carport + more
Nature Retreat
Serene living within preserved nature and top schools
Ridgewood Village offers a peaceful community surrounded by over 800 acres of preserved nature trails and parks. The location provides easy access to top-rated schools in the Poway Unified School District, making it a delightful environment for educational growth. Amenities such as sparkling pools, a fitness center, and pet-friendly policies—welcoming both cats and dogs—add to its charm.
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The Promenade Rio Vista
$2,695
2185 Station Village Way, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 361-8157
Rent Savings
21 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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City Villas
$1,835
841 16th Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 257-6258
Rent Savings
3 units available
1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Garage, Recently renovated + more
Prime Location
Downtown Living with Perks Galore
City Villas offers a prized location right in the heart of Downtown San Diego, with easy walkability to vibrant dining and entertainment. The community is both dog and cat-friendly, embracing furry companions with open arms and no additional pet rent.
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Terraces at La Jolla Village Apartments
$3,194
8801-8879 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego, CA 92037
(602) 223-1261
3 units available
2 bed
Amenities
Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Parking, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
Prime Location
Minutes from Shopping and Dining in La Jolla
Discover a vibrant lifestyle at Terraces at La Jolla Village Apartments, nestled in a prime location just steps from The Shops at La Jolla Village. With access to an array of dining and shopping options, residents relish in convenience and variety. The sleek, modern interiors, featuring stainless steel appliances and wood-style flooring, add to the enjoyment of this community.
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Prado
$2,190
6304 Rancho Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 789-5816
Rent Savings
9 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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Mission Hills Commons
$2,965
4021 Falcon Street, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 492-7332
2 units available
1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage, Walk in closets + more
Charming Locale
Ideal location near vibrant amenities in Mission Hills.
Mission Hills Commons boasts a terrific location in the charming neighborhood of Mission Hills, San Diego. Residents enjoy being close to a plethora of dining options, grocery stores, and essential services. The peaceful environment and the excellent management team have garnered positive reviews, ensuring a delightful living experience. Plus, both dogs and cats are welcome, making it perfect for pet owners.
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The Presidio Apartments
$1,508
3350 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 483-2815
4 units available
Studio • 1 bed
Amenities
On-site laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance, Cable included + more
Coastal Paradise
Cost-effective living near beaches and shopping!
The Presidio Apartments provide a wonderful living experience with cost-effective pricing below the metropolitan average. Located in the charming Point Loma Peninsula, residents enjoy being within walking distance of beaches, shops, and a vibrant dining scene. The property warmly welcomes pets, making it perfect for animal lovers, and offers a host of amenities including a pool and air conditioning.
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Mira Bella Apartments San Diego
$2,701
3455 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123
(619) 356-2492
Rent Savings
18 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, 24hr maintenance + more
Convenient Oasis
Luxury apartments in vibrant Kearny Mesa, San Diego.
Mira Bella Apartments offer a prime location in San Diego's Kearny Mesa neighborhood. Promising comfort with stunning views, the community is adjacent to parks and top-rated schools. Cats and dogs are warmly welcomed, and residents praise the amenities like the saltwater pool and resident lounge for enhancing their living experience.
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900 F Street
$2,335
900 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 916-4298
Rent Savings
5 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 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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Monroe
$2,469
3090 Polk Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
(805) 410-9310
Rent Savings
102 units available
Studio • 1 bed • 2 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Garage, Stainless steel + more
Modern Luxury
Luxury living in vibrant North Park, San Diego.
Monroe Apartments in North Park San Diego offer a premium lifestyle combining luxury and convenience. Residents adore vibrant surroundings with a wide variety of dining and shopping just steps away. The property is pet friendly and offers a wide array of amenities like a rooftop clubroom with stunning views.
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Surfcaster
$1,895
5050 Niagara Avenue, Unit 106, San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 431-4478
5 units available
Studio • 1 bed
Amenities
E-payments, Online portal, and CC payments
Beachfront Living
Prime Beachside Location with Pet-Friendly Amenities
Surfcaster offers a prime beachside location, just steps from sun, sand, and surf. Residents love the pet-friendly community, with nearby dog parks adding to its appeal. Enjoy spacious floor plans and stylish interiors for a comfortable living experience.
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Pinnacle on the Park
$2,145
424 15th St Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 773-0760
Rent Savings
94 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly + more
Vibrant Location
Thriving East Village lifestyle with top amenities.
Situated in San Diego's dynamic East Village, Pinnacle on the Park offers a prime location with easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Residents love the breathtaking city and bay views, with outstanding amenities such as a pool, gym, and pet-friendly features. The location is ideal for experiencing the vibrant lifestyle of Downtown San Diego.
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5.0
Shift Apartments
$2,038
1501 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(256) 388-2711
Top rated for Location
“Management and maintenance have been fast, friendly and great to work with. My only gripe is that even 2 bedroom apartments have to pay $150 for a tandem parking spot. Amenities are awesome.”
17 units available
Studio • 1 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Nest technology, Patio / balcony, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, New construction + more
Vibrant Living
Modern charm in thriving East Village.
Shift Apartments offer a lively experience in San Diego's vibrant East Village. With a vast array of amenities such as a luxurious pool, modern gym, and ample outdoor spaces, residents find endless enjoyment and relaxation. Nearby attractions, dining, and entertainment are conveniently accessible, enhancing the urban lifestyle this neighborhood is celebrated for.
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5.0
Dylan Point Loma
2930 Barnard Street, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 361-8107
$2,425+ moTotal price12-mo lease
Rent Savings
Top rated for Location
“We love living here, we love the space. Not crazy about the overall location and wish it wasn't so dense in the neighborhood in general but we love management our apartment and amenities and the maitenence crew is awesome! The rental rates in San Diego are a bit out of control and we do wish it was a bit less expensive but it is worth it for the pool and other amenities etc”
31 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Granite counters, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Resort Lifestyle
Resort-inspired amenities and prime coastal location.
Dylan Point Loma offers a stunning blend of resort-inspired amenities and a prime coastal location in San Diego. Residents love the convenience of nearby ocean access and major freeways, alongside excellent community features like the pool and dog park. The property boasts a friendly management team and is a short distance from top schools, parks, and a myriad of dining options.
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Carmel Terrace
$2,432
11540 Windcrest Lane, San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 375-5697
Rent Savings
16 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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Casa Mira View
$2,650
9800 Mira Lee Way, San Diego, CA 92126
(984) 300-4138
Rent Savings
54 units available
1 bed • 2 bed • 3 bed
Amenities
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, Pet friendly, Garage + more
Resort Living
Luxurious amenities at Casa Mira View.
Casa Mira View offers residents a luxurious life with an array of top-notch amenities, including multiple pools, rooftop retreats, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Perfectly positioned in Mira Mesa, everyday conveniences are just moments away with easy access to major highways. The property is ideal for pet lovers with its dedicated pet park and services.
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The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in San Diego is $3,108+, while the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $3,882+. Rent rates updated 2 days ago

Studio: $2,623+Trending up
1 Bed: $3,108+Trending up
2 Beds: $3,882+Trending up
3+ Beds: $4,886+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

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

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

Neighborhoods

More Rental Options

Bedrooms

Price

Amenities

Property Type

San Diego Short-term Apartments (59)

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

Ridgewood Village

The Promenade Rio Vista

City Villas

Terraces at La Jolla Village Apartments

Prado

Mission Hills Commons

The Presidio Apartments

Mira Bella Apartments San Diego

900 F Street

Monroe

Surfcaster

Pinnacle on the Park

Shift Apartments

Dylan Point Loma

Carmel Terrace

Casa Mira View

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?