There are so many things about San Diego that put a smile on residents’ faces. Enviable year-round warm temperatures, beautiful Pacific Coast beaches, endless entertainment, and more attract renters each year. This coastal city provides opportunities for amazing sea activities, such as whale watching, sailing, and snorkeling. San Diego’s white sand beaches with spacious, lush parks and rugged mountain peaks are great for hiking and biking. Beachside Belmont Park features an old-school wooden roller coaster, vintage games and more. After you’ve moved into your new rental, visit Mission Trails Regional Park, a 7,220 acre natural area with a lake and over 60 miles of trails. The wonders of San Diego go far beyond its enchanting landscapes. This bustling city is home to several historic sites, world-class shopping and dining, and a vibrant nightlife. San Diego is also home to the University of California San Diego campus and Marine base Miramar.
Built in 1868, residents flock to Balboa Park, one of the oldest recreational parks in the United States. This jaw-dropping national historic site houses 17 museums, gardens, and the city’s renowned zoo. Waterside Seaport Village offers stylish shopping, delectable eateries, and more. After hours, you’ll find young professionals and students in the Gaslamp Quarter, a thrilling downtown district known for its nightlife hotspots from dive bars to the renowned Balboa Theater. Plentiful amenities shape San Diego into a haven for renters of every age and lifestyle.
Sunset in San Diego
San Diego Skyline
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
Architecture in San Diego
Balboa Park
Hotel del Coronado
As of April 2025, the average apartment rent in San Diego, CA is $1,997 for a studio, $2,347 for one bedroom, $2,967 for two bedrooms, and $3,883 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in San Diego has decreased by -0.3% in the past year.
The cost of living in San Diego, CA is 44.2% higher than the national average. Generally, housing in San Diego is 115.0% more expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,997 - $3,883. You can expect to pay 14.2% more for groceries, 20.0% more for utilities, and 34.5% more for transportation.
If you're looking for an affordable neighborhood in San Diego, here are the top 10.
What's it like to live in sunny San Diego? Here's what you can expect.
If you're looking to live next to outdoor activities in San Diego, then read about the best neighborhoods to be close to nature.
Dreaming of beach life? Grab your sunscreen and explore 10 of the best beachfront neighborhoods in the greater San Diego area.
Discover the best San Diego neighborhoods for students!
Very Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.
Some Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.
Public
Grades K-5
520 Students
Public
Grades K-4
397 Students
Public
Grades K-3
361 Students
Public
Grades K-5
742 Students
Public
Grades K-5
644 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,317 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,040 Students
Public
Grades 7-8
919 Students
Public
Grades 7-8
768 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
1,515 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,336 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,257 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,984 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,614 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,607 Students
3,221
Communities
894,661
Units
829
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58
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4,632
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16
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33
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907
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8
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67
Communities
7,235
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29
Cities
621
Communities
106,801
Units
222
Cities
28
Communities
1,670
Units
9
Cities
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2025.
