1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in National City, CA (501 Rentals)

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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.

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Vista del Sol
1 Bedroom Apartments

Vista del Sol

1401-1543 Q AveNational City, CA 91950
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Mar at Laurel
1 Bedroom Apartments

Mar at Laurel

135 Laurel AveNational City, CA 91950
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Windsor Heights
1 Bedroom Apartments

Windsor Heights

910 Euclid AveNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included

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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Chateau Gardens
1 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau Gardens

2424-2440 E 8th StNational City, CA 91950
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Summercrest Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Summercrest Apartments

2615 E Plaza BlvdNational City, CA 91950
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1909 C Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1909 C Ave

1909 C AveNational City, CA 91950
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Sunny View Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sunny View Apartments

1809 E 17th StNational City, CA 91950
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Parkwood Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Parkwood Village

2101 L AveNational City, CA 91950
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Hilltop Villas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hilltop Villas

315 E 30th StNational City, CA 91950
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NC18 Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

NC18 Apartments

1224-1306 E 18th StNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included

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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Vista Palmera
1 Bedroom Apartments

Vista Palmera

310-340 Palm AveNational City, CA 91950
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Plaza 1640
1 Bedroom Apartments

Plaza 1640

1640 E Plaza BlvdNational City, CA 91950
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Paradise Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Paradise Village

2700 E 4th StNational City, CA 91950
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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921 N Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

921 N Ave

921 N AveNational City, CA 91950
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1434 E 18th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1434 E 18th St

1434 E 18th StNational City, CA 91950
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Woodlawn Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

Woodlawn Terrace

2540 E 8th StNational City, CA 91950
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1933 L Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1933 L Ave

1933 L AveNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included

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

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126 E 5th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

126 E 5th St

126 E 5th StNational City, CA 91950
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1724-1740 J Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1724-1740 J Ave

1724-1740 J AveNational City, CA 91950
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1937 L Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1937 L Ave

1937 L AveNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included
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2004 D Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

2004 D Ave

2004 D AveNational City, CA 91950
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122 E Plaza Blvd
1 Bedroom Apartments

122 E Plaza Blvd

122 E Plaza BlvdNational City, CA 91950
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1801-1811 J Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1801-1811 J Ave

1801-1811 J AveNational City, CA 91950
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334 E 4th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

334 E 4th St

334 E 4th StNational City, CA 91950
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1141 7th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1141 7th St

1141 7th StNational City, CA 91950
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638 M Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

638 M Ave

638 M AveNational City, CA 91950

National City, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
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 Luxury Apartments in the Northwest Chula Vista Area neighborhood and is 978 square feet priced from $3,199. Casa Estilo - 55+ Active Living Community 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 Luxury ApartmentsA7978 Sq Ft$3,199
Casa Estilo - 55+ Active Living CommunityB.L - 1-Bed with Loft846 Sq Ft$3,596
Bonita Cedars1 Bed 1 Bath800 Sq Ft$2,419
Backhouse Apartments1x1 B-2704 Sq Ft$2,625
Point BonitaDesign 1G684 Sq Ft$2,191
Beacon Cove - Call for Great Specials1 Bedroom / 1 Bath ($1,200 MOVE IN BONUS *)668 Sq Ft$2,330
Windsong ApartmentsSeabreeze665 Sq Ft$2,102
Bella Vita Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath665 Sq Ft$2,295
230 Church1/1 B640 Sq Ft$2,475
The KimballOne Bedroom580 Sq Ft$2,450

Cheapest Available National City 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of July 10, 2025 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in National City, CA is the 1 Bedroom Model starting from $1,174 at Naranja Apartments in the Mt Hope neighborhood. The second most affordable National City 1 Bedroom is the One Bedroom Furnished Model at Woodlawn West Apartments starting at $1,695 in the Interstate 5 Corridor District neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in National City is currently $2,253. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in National City:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Naranja Apartments1 Bedroom$1,174
Woodlawn West ApartmentsOne Bedroom Furnished$1,695
Bayview Tower Condominiums1-1 - Unfurnished$1,734
Vista Hermosa Apartments - All Utilities Incl1 Bed 1 Bath$1,795
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom$1,800
Casa VictoriaCV1bd1ba$1,895
Parkview Apartments1BR/1BA$1,900
ViewSpectacle$1,903
Mar at LaurelTide$1,992

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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 Naranja Apartments listed at $1,174.

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 $2,253.

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 $3,199 at Urbana Chula Vista Luxury 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 435 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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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.