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Average Rent in San Diego, CA

San Diego combines beach lifestyle with more moderate rents than LA or SF. California's statewide rent cap (AB 1482) provides baseline protections, and the city has been adding housing supply to keep prices manageable.

+1.5%YoY
Studio
$1,750
1-Bedroom
$2,100
2-Bedroom
$2,700
3-Bedroom
$3,300

Market Overview

Year-over-Year Change+1.5%
Vacancy Rate4.8%
Renter Population47%
Median Income$79,646/yr
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.6%
Cost of Living Index146 (US avg: 100)

Market Condition

Balanced Market

Market is relatively balanced between landlords and tenants.

Tenant Protections

  • AB 1482 rent cap (5% + CPI, max 10%)
  • Just Cause eviction protections
  • Relocation assistance for no-fault evictions
  • Security deposit limited to 2 months (unfurnished)

HUD Fair Market Rent (2025)

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area.

Studio
$1,345
1-Bed
$1,578
2-Bed
$1,945
3-Bed
$2,518
4-Bed
$2,825

Rent by Neighborhood in San Diego

Pacific Beach

Beach community with surfing, boardwalk, and casual nightlife.

Walk Score: 65Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$2,300
2-Bed
$2,900
3-Bed
$3,500

Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown entertainment district with restaurants, clubs, and Petco Park.

Walk Score: 90Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$2,400
2-Bed
$3,000
3-Bed
$3,700

North Park

Hip neighborhood with craft beer scene, boutiques, and diverse dining.

Walk Score: 78Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$1,900
2-Bed
$2,400
3-Bed
$3,000

Hillcrest

Walkable neighborhood near Balboa Park with inclusive community and dining.

Walk Score: 82Safety: 7/10
1-Bed
$1,800
2-Bed
$2,300
3-Bed
$2,900

City Heights

Most diverse neighborhood with affordable rents and international food scene.

Walk Score: 62Safety: 5/10
1-Bed
$1,500
2-Bed
$1,900
3-Bed
$2,400

Buildings in San Diego

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Gaslamp Quarter Lofts

Gaslamp Quarter
4.0
85 units
$2,300
1-bed avg

North Park Village

North Park
4.3
36 units
$1,900
1-bed avg

Pacific Beach Surf House

Pacific Beach
3.9
22 units
$2,100
1-bed avg

Hillcrest Heights

Hillcrest
3.5
65 units
$2,200
1-bed avg

Tips for Renting in San Diego

  • 1AB 1482 caps annual increases at 5% + CPI (max 10%) for most rentals
  • 2Beach-adjacent areas command 20-30% premium - consider nearby neighborhoods
  • 3Parking can add $100-200/month - factor this into budget if you have a car
  • 4Spring/summer is peak season - look in fall/winter for better deals

Check Your Rent in San Diego

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Compare Other Cities

New York City
$3,450
1-bed avg
Los Angeles
$2,350
1-bed avg
Chicago
$1,750
1-bed avg
Houston
$1,200
1-bed avg

FareRent provides data for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice. Rent estimates are based on available market data and may not reflect your exact situation. Always verify independently before making housing decisions.