The streets in San Diego are always full of people because it is a city that revolves around spending as much time as possible in the sun. From beaches and outdoor adventures to walkable streets packed with fun and events that draw huge crowds, life in San Diego is never slow. Yet, there are many quiet streets where you can settle in. There’s a neighborhood for every renter, which is why we’ve compiled the best neighborhoods in San Diego to help you find the best fit.
The five best neighborhoods in San Diego for renters are:
Pacific Beach
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego: $2,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Pacific Beach: $1,157/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Pacific Beach: 237 square feet
Why Pacific Beach is good for renters
For renters who want the beachside lifestyle that San Diego is known for, Pacific Beach is the place to be. Window shop on the boardwalk, chill on the beach, or enjoy the refreshing water via paddleboard or surfboard in the ocean or on Misson Bay. There’s a more relaxed and creative side to the neighborhood as well, with murals lining streets and local artists practicing their craft in parks. Don’t forget to call it “PB” once you move as that’s a sure sign you’re a local.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
60Pacific Beach has a walkability score of 60 out of 100. |
30Pacific Beach has a transit score of 30 out of 100. |
80Pacific Beach has a drivability score of 80 out of 100. |
70Pacific Beach has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100. |
Keep in mind
As such a popular neighborhood, you may have to compromise on your apartment must-haves, whether it’s a smaller square footage or less amenities.
Clairemont
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego: $2,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Clairemont: $2,048/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Clairemont: 628 square feet
Why Clairemont is good for renters
Clairemont's suburban lifestyle is perfect for cultivating a serene home to retreat from the active downtown and beaches, without having to be far removed from them. Everything a renter could need is within the neighborhood as well, from shopping centers to trails winding through canyons. Clairemont is also one of the best neighborhoods for students, thanks to its affordability and central location to many major universities.
|
Moderately Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
60Clairemont has a walkability score of 60 out of 100. |
30Clairemont has a transit score of 30 out of 100. |
90Clairemont has a drivability score of 90 out of 100. |
60Clairemont has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100. |
Keep in mind
Clairemont’s quiet atmosphere lacks the nightlife and entertainment of busier neighborhoods.
Hillcrest
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego: $2,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Hillcrest: $2,280/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Hillcrest: 629 square feet
Why Hillcrest is good for renters
Hillcrest has the same energy of Downtown San Diego, except with a community focus. Local restaurants and shops fill University Avenue and stay lit well into the night. It’s right atop Balboa Park for miles of parks and gardens to explore, or you can step into one of the many museums to marvel at the wonders of the world. Join the many events and celebrations that take place in and near Hillcrest.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
90Hillcrest has a walkability score of 90 out of 100. |
70Hillcrest has a transit score of 70 out of 100. |
100Hillcrest has a drivability score of 100 out of 100. |
60Hillcrest has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100. |
Keep in mind
Parts of Hillcrest can get noisy, thanks to events and a great nightlife scene.
North Park
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego: $2,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in North Park: $1,756/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in North Park: 513 square feet
Why North Park is good for renters
North Park is right next to Uptown San Diego and shares the same limitless energy, centered around the walkable intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street, which is home to restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. There are pockets of quiet where you can settle into an active routine with your furry friend. The area is one of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods in the city, thanks to walkable streets and Balboa Park’s trails and dog parks.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Good Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
90North Park has a walkability score of 90 out of 100. |
60North Park has a transit score of 60 out of 100. |
100North Park has a drivability score of 100 out of 100. |
70North Park has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100. |
Keep in mind
Look for apartments with parking as finding a spot for your car is a challenge in North Park, especially during evenings and weekends.
Rancho Bernardo
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Diego: $2,388/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rancho Bernardo: $2,445/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Rancho Bernardo: 655 square feet
Why Rancho Bernardo is good for renters
Rancho Bernardo may be on the outskirts of San Diego but it stands on its own thanks to its self-contained upscale lifestyle. All the big box stores are within a short drive, as well as longstanding restaurants that have become a community staple. The area is designed around outdoor recreation, with golf courses and pocket parks embedded into neighborhoods while trails lead into the surrounding mountains and canyons.
|
Car-Dependent |
Some Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Somewhat Bikeable |
40Rancho Bernardo has a walkability score of 40 out of 100. |
30Rancho Bernardo has a transit score of 30 out of 100. |
100Rancho Bernardo has a drivability score of 100 out of 100. |
40Rancho Bernardo has a bikeability score of 40 out of 100. |
Keep in mind
Rancho Bernardo is far from the beach and downtown areas of San Diego, so you’ll have to drive longer to get to those spots.
Ready to Make the Move?
Now that you’ve picked out the best neighborhood in San Diego for you, it’s time to find the perfect apartment. Whether you want to live in a downtown area for a short commute or next to the beach for easy access to the water, Apartments.com can help you find your next home.
Use comprehensive filters to narrow down your search to a selection that matches what you are looking for. Filter by price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, popular amenities, home type, and more! Wherever you are looking in San Diego, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on January 21, 2026.
FAQs
Is San Diego a good place to live?
Yes, San Diego is a good place to live for renters who want coastal weather, neighborhoods that support different lifestyles, tons of events of all kinds, and plenty of outdoor activities year-round.
Is San Diego an expensive place to live?
Yes, San Diego is an expensive place to live as the cost of living is 47.3 percent higher than the national average. Housing costs are 109.6 percent higher than the national rate.
What’s the average rent in San Diego?
The average rent in San Diego is about $2,388/month for a one-bedroom apartment. That price sits 46 percent higher than the average rent in the US.
What salary do you need to live in San Diego?
According to cost of living data, a comfortable salary to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in San Diego is $116,000.
