1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in National City, CA (595 Rentals)

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

property at 930 B Ave

930 B Ave

National CityCA91950
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1909 C Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1909 C Ave

1909 C AveNational City, CA 91950
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1740 E Plaza Blvd
1 Bedroom Apartments

1740 E Plaza Blvd

1740 E Plaza BlvdNational City, CA 91950
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1305 E 9th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1305 E 9th St

1305 E 9th StNational City, CA 91950
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Romero Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Romero Apartments

131-139 E 18th StNational City, CA 91950
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530 E 4th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

530 E 4th St

530 E 4th StNational City, CA 91950
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940 E 16th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

940 E 16th St

940 E 16th StNational City, CA 91950

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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831-839 E 7th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

831-839 E 7th St

831-839 E 7th StNational City, CA 91950
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1427 Roosevelt Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1427 Roosevelt Ave

1427 Roosevelt AveNational City, CA 91950
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34 D Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

34 D Ave

34 D AveNational City, CA 91950
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637 E 2nd St
1 Bedroom Apartments

637 E 2nd St

637 E 2nd StNational City, CA 91950
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1237 E 18th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1237 E 18th St

1237 E 18th StNational City, CA 91950
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204 E 2nd St
1 Bedroom Apartments

204 E 2nd St

204 E 2nd StNational City, CA 91950
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622-642 B Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

622-642 B Ave

622-642 B AveNational City, CA 91950
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411-421 E Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

411-421 E Ave

411-421 E AveNational City, CA 91950
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1101 E Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1101 E Ave

1101 E AveNational City, CA 91950

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Playa Vista
1 Bedroom Apartments

Playa Vista

835 E 18th StNational City, CA 91950
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612 M Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

612 M Ave

612 M AveNational City, CA 91950
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Villa Real
1 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Real

304-320 J AveNational City, CA 91950
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41-47 E 6th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

41-47 E 6th St

41-47 E 6th StNational City, CA 91950
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314 E 31st St
1 Bedroom Apartments

314 E 31st St

314 E 31st StNational City, CA 91950
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230 G Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

230 G Ave

230 G AveNational City, CA 91950

San Diego's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Diego and the best places to live with original content written by our , Local Expert Hayden Goldberg

National City, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Largest Available National City 1 Bedroom Apartments

The largest available 1 Bedroom apartment unit in National City, CA is found at Urbana Chula Vista Apartments in the Northwest Chula Vista Area neighborhood and is 978 square feet priced from $2,888. Casa Estilo - Luxury Living in the South Third Avenue District neighborhood has the second largest 1 Bedroom, which is sized at 846 square feet and currently listed start at $3,596. Here is today’s list of the largest available 1 Bedroom units in National City:

Apartment ListingModel NameSquare FootagePriced From
Urbana Chula Vista ApartmentsA7978 Sq Ft$2,888
Casa Estilo - Luxury LivingB.L - 1-Bed with Loft846 Sq Ft$3,596
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom750 Sq Ft$1,700
C + C Flats on Church and Center1BR/1.0BA717 Sq Ft$2,275
Union Apartments1x1 D710 Sq Ft$2,595
Backhouse Apartments1x1 B-2704 Sq Ft$2,650
Bonita Woods1 Bedroom700 Sq Ft$1,925
Plaza 16401 Bed / 1 Bath657 Sq Ft$2,195

Cheapest Available National City 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of November 17, 2025 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in National City, CA is the 1 Bed, 1 bath Model starting from $834 at Jean C. McKinney Manor in the Valencia Park neighborhood. The second most affordable National City 1 Bedroom is the 1-bed/1-bath - classic Model at Bay Breeze Apartments starting at $1,625 in the Northwest Chula Vista Area neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in National City is currently $2,346. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in National City:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Jean C. McKinney Manor1 Bed, 1 bath$834
Bay Breeze Apartments1-bed/1-bath - classic$1,625
Naranja Apartments1 Bedroom - 70% AMI$1,650
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom$1,700
Windsor Heights1-Bed/1-Bath$1,700
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom$1,700
Essex Manor Apartments1-Bed/1-Bath$1,700
2551 Commercial StOAa-G$1,720
Mar at LaurelTide$1,732
Bayview Tower Condominiums1-1 - Unfurnished$1,734

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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National City Overview

The second-oldest city in the vicinity of San Diego County, National City is a southern California destination that currently acts as home to well over 50,000 residents. Known as a tourist destination among the scenic shores of the west coast, National City is an excellent city well worth discovering.

Why live in National City, CA?

When it comes to west coast living, it doesn't get much more 'California' than a rental in National City, seaside views, excellent fish tacos and, you guessed it, plenty of surfboards help define this relaxed cityscape. The locals are generally to be found warm and welcoming, and this intangible ambiance carries through to the quaint eateries and charming shops that line downtown. Close enough to San Diego to offer a steady job market while still feeling a world away from the concept of a 'large city', National City is a truly idyllic place to call home.

National City, CA
Population: 61,431

Ranked #612

in US Census Population by City

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore National City, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around National City, CA

Walk Score®

77 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

56 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

51 / 100

Good Transit

Many nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Bedroom National City Apartments

What is the Cheapest apartment in National City with 1 Bedroom?

Currently the most affordable 1 Bedroom in National City is at Jean C. McKinney Manor listed at $834.

How much is the average rent for a 1 Bedroom National City Apartment?

The average rent for a 1 Bedroom Apartment in National City is $2,346.

What is the largest available 1 Bedroom National City Apartment for rent?

Today's apartment with the most square footage in National City is a 978 square feet unit starting from $2,888 at Urbana Chula Vista Apartments.

What is the average size for National City 1 Bedroom Apartments for rent?

The average size for a 1 Bedroom rental in National City is currently 485 sq ft.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide

Written by: Hayden Goldberg

Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.