Apartments for Rent in San Diego County, CA

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What to Know About

Life in San Diego County & Beyond

San Diego County 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

San Diego County, CA

As of June 2026, San Diego County's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. San Diego County's average rent is 5.3% ($147) lower than the California average of $2,756 and 45.2% ($812) higher than the U.S. average of $1,797.

Average Rent
$2,609
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
Increased0.2% ($5)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
Decreased0.8% ($21)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
27
Unit Type Average Rent Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed $2,333 Increased0.7% ($17) Increased2.3% ($53)
2 Beds $2,821 Increased1.3% ($36) Decreased0.3% ($8)
3 Beds $3,638 Decreased0.1% ($3) Increased1.9% ($68)
Cities within San Diego County Average Rent Avg. Rent vs. San DiegoAverage Rent vs. San Diego County Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
San Diego $2,713 Increased4% ($104) 26 days
Chula Vista $2,646 Increased1.4% ($37) 24 days
El Cajon $2,126 Decreased18.5% ($483) 39 days
Oceanside $2,613 Increased0.2% ($4) 23 days
Imperial Beach $2,555 Decreased2.1% ($54) 28 days
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Diego County Rental Market FAQs

Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in San Diego County, CA.

The average rent in San Diego County, CA is $2,609 per month.
Apartments in San Diego County typically rent for between $1,633 and $4,729 per month, with an average of $2,609 per month.
In San Diego County, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,333 per month, for a 2-bedroom apartment, $2,821 per month, and a 3-bedroom apartment is $3,638 per month.
The average rent in San Diego County is 45.2% ($812) higher than the national average of $1,797 per month.
The average rent in San Diego County has increased by 0.2% ($5) in the last month and decreased by 0.8% ($21) over the past year.
The rental market in San Diego County, CA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In San Diego County, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 27 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 3,145 rental properties available in San Diego County, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $112,840 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego County.
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