Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA

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What to Know About

Life in La Mesa & Beyond

La Mesa shares many of the great qualities that make California a desirable place to live.

California is the most populous state in the United States and is home to some of the world's most iconic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. It's known for its thriving economy and diverse landscapes, including beaches, deserts, and mountains. Immerse yourself in the state's history and traditions by visiting museums like the California Science Center and the Getty Center or attending worldwide renowned universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.

There are also many outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surfing along the Pacific Coast, and hiking in Yosemite National Park. There's something for everyone. Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), or Golden State Warriors (NBA). Also, check out famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Disneyland, Hollywood, the historic city of San Francisco, and the mecca of Los Angeles.

With its warm and inviting climate, thriving economy, and high quality of life, Embrace the Golden State and discover why California is a great place to live.

Rental Market Trends

La Mesa, CA

As of August 2025, La Mesa's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. La Mesa's average rent is 7.3% ($188) lower than the California average of $2,567 and 32.9% ($589) higher than the U.S. average of $1,790.

Average Rent
$2,379
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
Decreased5.3% ($134)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
Decreased7.6% ($196)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
30
Unit Type Average Rent Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed $2,181 Decreased3% ($67) Decreased1.5% ($33)
2 Beds $2,619 Increased0.3% ($8) Decreased3.4% ($91)
3 Beds $3,613 Increased7.2% ($243) Increased4.1% ($141)
Nearby Cities Average Rent Avg. Rent vs. La MesaAverage Rent vs. La Mesa Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
Lemon Grove $2,354 Decreased1.1% ($25) 26 days
Spring Valley $2,333 Decreased1.9% ($46) 27 days
El Cajon $2,162 Decreased9.1% ($217) 39 days
Santee $2,435 Increased2.4% ($56) 27 days
Bonita $2,408 Increased1.2% ($29) 25 days
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
La Mesa Rental Market FAQs

Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in La Mesa, CA.

The average rent in La Mesa, CA is $2,379 per month.
Apartments in La Mesa typically rent for between $1,527 and $4,697 per month, with an average of $2,379 per month.
In La Mesa, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,181 per month, for a 2-bedroom apartment, $2,619 per month, and a 3-bedroom apartment is $3,613 per month.
The average rent in La Mesa is 32.9% ($589) higher than the national average of $1,790 per month.
The average rent in La Mesa has decreased by 5.3% ($134) in the last month and decreased by 7.6% ($196) over the past year.
The rental market in La Mesa, CA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In La Mesa, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 30 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 79 rental properties available in La Mesa, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $104,760 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment in La Mesa.
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