Apartments for Rent in Pacifica, CA (371 Rentals)

OceanAire Apartment Homes

Pacifica Park Apartments

The Bluffs at Pacifica Apartments

Skyline Vista

Horizons West Apartments

eaves Pacifica

Pacific View Apartments
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.

111 Magellan Dr
San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson
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.
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.
How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit
Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.
Pacifica, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Pacifica?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Pacifica Studio Apartments | $2,694 | $1,874 | $4,835 |
Pacifica 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,909 | $1,300 | $6,133 |
Pacifica 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,530 | $2,895 | $6,353 |
Pacifica 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,038 | $3,600 | $4,550 |
Pacifica 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,750 | $4,500 | $9,000 |
Browse Top Apartments in Pacifica
Explore Pacifica
Pacifica, CA Local Guide

- Pacifica Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Pacifica Overview
Pacifica, CA is a small town that lies just a mountain range away from San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. While residents here will have to hop a bus or take the car to get to those bigger city amenities, they likewise will have plenty of outdoor activities and cozy local shops and attractions here to enjoy. So if you like walking to the beach and eating local cheeses, then continue reading to learn why now might be a great time to start researching apartments in Pacifica, CA.
What is the history of Pacifica?
With a place as beautiful as Pacifica, it's no wonder that it's steeped in history. Two significant Ohlone Indian villages stood here before the advance of Europeans, and when those settlers did come, this was the first discovery made in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1957, the town was officially incorporated under the banner of Jean Fassler, one of the first female California mayors.
How is the weather in Pacifica?
As typical of most of coastal California, Pacifica enjoys a cool summer Mediterranean climate with summer's average highs being around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and winter's average lows being around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The community's location between the Pacific Ocean and coastal mountains does mean its windier with more rainy days than other areas of southern California. Heavy fog is also a frequent event during the fall months.
How do I get around town?
Both the biggest pro and the biggest con of living in Pacifica, CA is that it is one of the areas's most isolated suburbs. Here, residents are just 15 miles from San Francisco's Mission District, yet to get there you'll either need to be patient with the bus system or take a car. The BART system does connect Pacifica with the rest of the Bay Area, but this isn't as convenient as driving. Around town, all you need is your two feet or a sturdy bike thanks to the close-knit nature of this town.
What is the Pacifica commute like?
When you live in apartments in Pacifica, CA, you may be just 15 miles from the Mission District and San Francisco's Financial District but it will take longer than just 15 minutes to get there. Traffic into San Francisco can be bad so residents here should expect a thirty-minute to an hour commute depending upon their work hours. Because Pacifica is surrounded on three sides by natural preserves, there is only one route that drivers can take to get to San Francisco to the north or Miramar and El Granada to the south. That route is US Highway 1.
What are the local media outlets?
Pacifica, CA is a small coastal town and as such doesn't have any media outlets of its own. However, its close proximity to San Francisco means that residents can enjoy plenty of regionally local media outlets. Get a subscription to the SFGate and San Francisco Chronicle or tune in to 106.1 KMEL or 98.9 KPOO, a unique and noncommercial radio station.
Why live in Pacifica, CA?
Pacifica, CA is the ideal place to live for the nature-lover, the person who wants to be close to the city but wants to live in the mountains. There really aren't a lot of places like Pacifica, and if the idea of quiet, beach-meets-mountain environment appeals to you, then this is the perfect place for you.
What Pacifica landmarks should I see?
Pacifica, CA may be a small town, but it has two really unique landscapes that are popular for both residents and tourists. First up, there's the Pacifica Coastside Museum which might just be the only museum that serves up and sells cheese. It does so in tribute to the town's cheesy history -- a history you should learn when you visit. The other cool landmark here is called simply Sam's Castle. Now a museum, this landmark is a medieval fortress that was constructed by a survivor of the 1906 earthquake who vowed to never again have a home susceptible to such a disaster.
What is there to do around Pacifica?
The very best thing Pacifica has going for it is its nature. The town itself lies in the heart of a valley and is verifiably surrounded by fantastic landscapes. There's the Pacific Ocean itself to the west and residents can enjoy the ocean waves at Pacifica State Beach. McNee Ranch State Park and San Pedro Valley lie to the south and southeast of the downtown and offer miles upon miles of biking and hiking trails for residents to explore. Mori Point and other coastal ranges offer the same to the north and east of the town. If you're hungry, chow down on a massive sandwich at Colombo's Deli or rub elbows with the locals while sipping delicious brews at Pedro's Point Brewing.
Any annual festivals or Pacifica events to know?
Being such a small coastal town, Pacifica itself doesn't host too many festivals but the one it does host is pretty significant and not to be missed by anyone who lives here or nearby. That festival is known as the Fog Fest and is uniquely celebrated as a festival by and for the community--meaning the community organizes it and all proceeds go back to community groups. Fog Fest occurs every September and includes local arts, music, crafts, and more.
Where are the nearby vacation spots?
If you like having vacation variety around you, then you'll love all the options available to you when you live in apartments in Pacifica, CA. To the north, you have all of the fantastic opportunities the entirety of the Bay Area. Rent a sailboat and cruise around the bay or beyond during the summer or take the family to favorite tourist spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Fisherman's Wharf. If you're eager to further, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Portland are all within a day's drive or a fast flight.
Where is the best place to move in Pacifica?
Spread across 12 square miles, Pacifica, CA certainly isn't a very large one but it does have a healthy population of nearly 40,000. This means that newcomers to the area will find plenty of homes and apartments to choose from. All of this community's neighborhoods are renown for having low crime, high walkability, and easy access to the region's many natural beauties. Thus, the biggest question of where is more of what do you want to see outside your apartment window. If it's beaches and local shops, look at apartments along US Highway 1. Or if its coastal mountains you love, then check around for apartments in the Park Pacifica and Linda Mar neighborhoods. Rockaway Beach and Vallemar also offer some great living spaces.
Best Local Schools in Pacifica, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Pacifica, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Pacifica, CA
Getting Around Pacifica, CA
Walk Score®
65 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
41 / 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Minimal bike infrastructure
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pacifica
How much are Studio apartments in Pacifica?
There are currently 42 Studio Apartments in Pacifica with rent ranges from $1,874 to $4,835 with an average price of $2,694.
What is the current price range for One Bedroom Pacifica Apartments for rent?
Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Pacifica ranges from $1,300 to $6,133 with an average monthly rent of $2,909.
What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Pacifica cost?
The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Pacifica range from $2,895 to $6,353. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,530.
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.

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

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.

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.

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.