Currently, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego is between $2,300 and $2,500, showing a significant price increase.

In areas like downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, and near Little Italy, listings often exceed $2,700.

On the other hand, if you head out to the outskirts like Mira Mesa or La Mesa, you can find listings in the low $2,000s, indicating a gap of over $500 between downtown and the outskirts. It's also important to consider that areas closer to the ocean tend to have a premium.

Studios generally range from $1,900 to $2,100, while 2-bedroom apartments are typically around $3,000.

There is a noticeable jump in price when moving from a 1-bedroom to a 2-bedroom, so if your budget is tight, it may be more practical to consider a 1-bedroom first.

Looking at the trends over the past year, it appears that rents in San Diego have maintained a gradual upward trend. However, compared to the sharp increases of previous years, the rate of increase has definitely slowed, suggesting the market may be stabilizing.

Compared to nearby cities, San Diego's prices are similar to or slightly lower than Los Angeles, and somewhat cheaper than Irvine or the Orange County coastline. Within Southern California, it is significantly higher than Riverside or San Bernardino, so you may need to consider how far you are willing to commute based on your budget.

Areas with a high concentration of Koreans include Kearny Mesa and Mira Mesa near Convoy Street, where access to Korean markets and restaurants tends to drive rents slightly above the San Diego average. If prioritizing school districts for children, looking towards Poway or Del Mar may be beneficial, while those prioritizing access to the Korean community and convenience might consider areas near Kearny Mesa.

As practical advice, San Diego has relatively strong tenant protection laws, so there are often limits on rent increases upon renewal, so it's advisable to carefully review the lease agreement terms.

The figures mentioned are estimates based on the first half of 2026, so please check the latest market rates before finalizing any rental agreements.