Average Rent in San Diego 2026
The average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,300 for a 1-bedroom, $3,000 for a 2-bedroom, and $3,800 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in San Diego is 60% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $92,000.
San Diego Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$2,300
per month
2 Bedrooms
$3,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$3,800
per month
Cost of Living in San Diego
160
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
San Diego's cost of living index is 160, which is 60% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
San Diego at a Glance
Population
1.4M
Median Income
$85,750
COL Index
160
Rent Control
Yes
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in San Diego?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in San Diego by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$2,300/mo rent
$92,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$3,000/mo rent
$120,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$3,800/mo rent
$152,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in San Diego
Save $800/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$2,300
per month
Split 2BR
$1,500
per person/month
Annual Savings
$9,600
per year
Instead of paying $2,300 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,000) with one roommate brings your share to $1,500. That is $9,600 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in San Diego
San Diego has rent control or rent stabilization
San Diego is covered by California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local CPI (up to a maximum of 10%) for properties built more than 15 years ago. The city does not have its own separate rent control ordinance beyond the state law.
Rent Calculators for San Diego Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your San Diego rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in San Diego
Is San Diego expensive to rent in?
San Diego is an expensive rental market. A 1-bedroom averages $2,300 per month in 2026, about 60% above the national average. Popular beach communities like Pacific Beach and La Jolla command premium rents, while areas like City Heights and El Cajon are more affordable.
How much income do you need to rent in San Diego?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $7,667 per month ($92,000 annually) to afford an average $2,300/month 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in San Diego?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($3,000/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,500, saving $800 per month or $9,600 per year compared to renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in San Diego?