Renter Resources
Tenant Rights 101: What Every Renter Should Know
Your landlord can't just walk in, raise your rent overnight, or kick you out on a whim, but many renters don't know that.
•13 min read
What to Know About
Living in San Diego, CA
San Diego is a sun-kissed city where ocean breezes and a relaxed lifestyle meets a thriving cultural scene. San Diego is a major center for tourism and the military, with several prominent institutions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Known for its pristine beaches, like Mission Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach, San Diego is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts who want to surf, swim, or soak up the sun. But San Diego is more than just a beach town - it's a hub for culture and entertainment, fantastic nightlife, and high-end restaurants, mixed with renowned museums like the San Diego Museum of Art and the USS Midway Museum.
Sports fans will enjoy the city's passion for competition with the San Diego Chargers (NFL), San Diego Padres (MLB), and the San Diego Gulls (AHL). And remember the city's beautiful parks, Balboa Park and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, perfect for picnics, hikes, and other outdoor activities.
If you're searching for a place to call home that offers the perfect balance of city and beach life, look no further than San Diego, which has it all.
Rental Market Trends
San Diego, CA
As of November 2025, San Diego's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. San Diego's average rent is 7.4% ($191) higher than the California average of $2,591 and 55.0% ($987) higher than the U.S. average of $1,795.
Average Rent
$2,782
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
2.5% ($71)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
12.2% ($387)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
26
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $2,422 | 2.9% ($72) | 10.5% ($283) |
| 2 Beds | $3,134 | 1.1% ($36) | 9.4% ($324) |
| 3 Beds | $3,852 | 0.7% ($29) | 11.6% ($507) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. San DiegoAverage Rent vs. San Diego | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coronado | $6,329 | 127.5% ($3547) | 34 days |
| National City | $2,633 | 5.4% ($149) | 29 days |
| Lemon Grove | $2,228 | 19.9% ($554) | 26 days |
| La Mesa | $2,510 | 9.8% ($272) | 30 days |
| San Ysidro | $2,672 | 4% ($110) | 27 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Diego Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in San Diego, CA.
The average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,782 per month.
Houses in San Diego typically rent for between $1,695 and $5,008 per month, with an average of $2,782 per month.
In San Diego, the average rent for a 1-bedroom house is $2,422 per month, for a 2-bedroom house, $3,134 per month, and a 3-bedroom house is $3,852 per month.
The average rent in San Diego is 55% ($987) higher than the national average of $1,795 per month.
The average rent in San Diego has decreased by 2.5% ($71) in the last month and decreased by 12.2% ($387) over the past year.
The rental market in San Diego, CA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In San Diego, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 26 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There is currently 1,979 rental property available in San Diego, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $125,360 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom house in San Diego.
