Average Rent in San Diego, CA (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego, CA is $2,621/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 108 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +1.0% year over year. Rents range from $1,950 to $3,690.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,621/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 108 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +1.0%
Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego, CA is $2,621/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 108 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 1.0% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego is 119% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in San Diego, CA ranges from $1,950 to $3,690 across 108 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in San Diego, CA is approximately 1.0% for 2026. An increase above 1.0% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in San Diego, CA?
The average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego, CA is $2,621/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 108 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,950 to $3,690 depending on neighborhood — a $1,740/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $104,840/year.
Is rent going up in San Diego?
Rents in San Diego have increased 1.0% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in San Diego?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 1.0% is in line with the San Diego market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Note: California has rent increase protections — the cap is generally 5% + local CPI (max 10%). Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in San Diego
+1.0%
Rents in San Diego are rising at +1.0% year-over-year.
ℹ Limited data
Market sources range from -1.0% to +6.7%
Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+2.0%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (-1.0%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in San Diego right now.
Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in San Diego?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in San Diego typically rents for $2,439 – $2,634.
Rents above $3,029 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in San Diego typically rents for $2,621 – $2,831.
Rents above $3,256 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in San Diego typically rents for $3,198 – $3,454.
Rents above $3,972 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in San Diego typically rents for $4,263 – $4,604.
Rents above $5,295 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in San Diego typically rents for $5,162 – $5,575.
Rents above $6,411 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for San Diego
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$2,439
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,621
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$3,198
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$4,263
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$5,162
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in San Diego
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
Showing top 20 of 108 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific.
How Does San Diego Compare?
Questions about rent in San Diego
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego, CA?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in San Diego, CA is $2,621/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 108 ZIP codes in the city. This is 119% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,950 to $3,690 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in San Diego?
A rent increase up to about 1.0% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in San Diego. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,621/month.
Are rents going up or down in San Diego?
Rents in San Diego have increased 1.0% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 108 ZIP codes in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA area.
How much do rents vary across San Diego?
1-bedroom rents across San Diego range from $1,950 to $3,690 on this page, a $1,740/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in San Diego?
In San Diego, rent increases are regulated under California protections. The maximum increase is generally 5% + local CPI (max 10%). Landlords must also follow applicable state notice requirements before issuing a rent increase.
How much should I spend on rent in San Diego?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego at $2,621/month, a household would need approximately $104,840/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse San Diego ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in California →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in California.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →