Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA Under $500 (1 Rental)
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.
San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Diego?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
San Diego Studio Apartments Under $500 | $2,405 | $1,033 | $7,770 |
San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments Under $500 | $2,856 | $995 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments Under $500 | $3,670 | $855 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments Under $500 | $4,764 | $930 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 4 Bedroom Apartments Under $500 | $4,524 | $850 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 5 Bedroom Apartments | $6,716 | $792 | $10,000+ |
Explore San Diego
San Diego, CA Local Guide
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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.
Getting Around San Diego, CA
Walk Score®
74 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
57 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
46 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
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.
San Diego, CA Area Reviews
Hayden • 4+ years in San Diego
March 6, 2025San Diego is an amazing city for families, young professionals, and retirees!
Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego
How much are Studio apartments in San Diego?
There are currently 1,189 Studio Apartments in San Diego with rent ranges from $1,033 to $7,770 with an average price of $2,405.
What is the current price range for One Bedroom San Diego Apartments for rent?
Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in San Diego ranges from $995 to $11,602 with an average monthly rent of $2,856.
What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in San Diego cost?
The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in San Diego range from $855 to $28,673. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,670.
How expensive are San Diego Three Bedroom Apartments?
There are currently 1,681 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in San Diego on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $930 to $30,000 - averaging $4,764 for the location.
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.

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.

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.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Written by: Sandy Baker
Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.