San Diego, CA Rental Market
San Diego anchors a military-heavy economy with the largest concentration of Navy and Marine Corps assets in the world, including Naval Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton. Beyond defense, the city hosts a thriving biotech and life sciences cluster, Qualcomm's headquarters, and UC San Diego — one of the nation's top research universities. Mild year-round weather and exceptional quality of life make San Diego consistently one of the most desirable rental markets in the Western U.S.
Get a rent estimate for an address in San DiegoAverage Rent in San Diego, CA
$2,550
per month · 2026-06
Market Score
Key Facts — San Diego, CA Rental Market
- Average rent in San Diego, CA:$2,550/mo
- Median rent:$2,346/mo
- Rent range:$1,275 – $5,600/mo
- Most common rental (2 bedrooms):$2,250/mo
- Active listings:3,200
- Avg days to lease:23 days
- Year-over-year change:+4.0%
- Median home value:$750,000
- Est. gross annual yield:4.1%
- Data as of:2026-06
Rent by Bedroom in San Diego, CA
Average monthly rent for each bedroom type based on current active listings in San Diego.
| Bedroom Type | Avg Rent/mo |
|---|---|
1 Bedroom | $1,825/mo |
2 Bedrooms | $2,250/mo |
3 Bedrooms | $2,850/mo |
4 Bedrooms | $3,525/mo |
5 Bedrooms | $4,025/mo |
San Diego Rental Market Statistics
Key indicators from the current San Diego, CA rental market.
3,200
Available now in San Diego
23
From list to lease
$1.70
Average across listings
1,500 sq ft
Typical rental size
$1,275 – $5,600
Min to max active listings
+4.0%
Avg rent vs. prior year
Investing in San Diego, CA Rental Properties
Estimated returns based on current market rents and median home values. Perform full due diligence before investing.
Median Home Value
$750,000
Typical purchase price in San Diego
Est. Gross Annual Yield
4.1%
Before expenses & vacancy
Avg Monthly Income
$2,550
At average market rent
Gross yield = (avg rent × 12) ÷ median home value. Does not include expenses, financing, vacancies, or management fees. Analyze a specific property in San Diego for a full cash-flow breakdown including all costs.
San Diego, CA Rental Market FAQ
Common questions about renting and investing in San Diego, CA.
What is the average rent in San Diego, CA?
The average rent in San Diego, CA is $2,550 per month as of 2026. One-bedroom units average $1,825/mo, two-bedrooms average $2,250/mo, and three-bedrooms average $2,850/mo. Coastal neighborhoods like La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and Mission Hills command the highest rents, while inland communities like Santee and El Cajon offer more affordable options within the metro.
Is San Diego, CA a good place to invest in rental property?
San Diego offers a 4.1% gross yield — slightly better than Los Angeles but still compressed by high home values. The military presence is a significant positive for investors: active-duty personnel receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that covers most of San Diego's rent range, providing reliable, government-backed tenant income. California landlord-tenant laws apply here as well, so investors should familiarize themselves with state and local regulations. Long-term appreciation has been exceptional.
How competitive is the San Diego, CA rental market?
San Diego is highly competitive with 3,200 active listings and an average of just 23 days on market. The military provides a floor on demand year-round, while UC San Diego, Scripps Research, and a growing biotech workforce add additional tenant depth. Properties near the coast and in neighborhoods with easy freeway access tend to lease the fastest.
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