Is a 1-bedroom or studio apartment a better value in San Diego?

In San Diego, 1-bedrooms average $2,295/mo versus $1,962/mo for a studio. For solo renters on a tight budget, compare both filters on Rentler before applying. If you work from home or spend significant time in your apartment, the extra separation of a larger unit may be worth the difference.

Are 1-bedroom apartments in San Diego pet-friendly?

Pet policies on 1-bedroom apartments vary by landlord and building — there's no blanket rule. Use Rentler's pet-friendly filter to narrow your search, then confirm breed, weight, and deposit requirements directly with the landlord before applying.

Can I find furnished 1-bedrooms in San Diego, CA?

Furnished 1-bedrooms are available in San Diego but represent a smaller share of total inventory compared to unfurnished units. Use Rentler's furnished filter to surface move-in-ready options. Furnished units are most common in newer construction buildings and in complexes that cater to corporate or short-term renters.

How much should I earn to rent a 1-bedroom in San Diego?

Most landlords in San Diego require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a 1-bedroom at San Diego's current average of $2,295/mo, that means demonstrating roughly 2.5–3x that amount in gross income. If you're below that threshold, a co-signer, larger security deposit, or prepaid rent may be accepted by some landlords — always worth asking.

1-Bedroom Rentals in San Diego, CA – Page 30

1250 Results

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$1,895

1 bed1 bathApartment

4178 Kansas St, San Diego, CA, 92104

$1,660

1 bed1 bath738 sqftApartment

715 15th Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

$1,925

1 bed1 bath630 sqftApartment

160 & 162 Brightwood & 161 Fifth, Chula Vista, CA, 91910

$1,700

1 bed1 bathApartment

3710 1St Ave., San Diego, CA, 92103

$2,595

1 bed1 bath977 sqftApartment

819 D Avenue, National City, CA, 91950

$2,695

1 bed1 bath1,026 sqftApartment

715 J Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

$1,950

1 bed1 bath728 sqftApartment

945 Estes Street, El Cajon, CA, 92020

$1,950

1 bed1 bath728 sqftApartment

945 Estes Street, El Cajon, CA, 92020

$2,000

1 bed1 bath650 sqftApartment

3660 Eagle St., San Diego, CA, 92103

$1,995

1 bed1 bath650 sqftApartment

5045 Woodyard Avenue #D, La Mesa, CA, 91942

$2,795

1 bed1 bath486 sqftHouse

4625 Idaho Street, San Diego, CA, 92116

$2,300

1 bed1 bathApartment

4217-4221 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA, 92103

$2,400

1 bed1 bathApartment

4480 49th Street, San Diego, CA, 92115

$2,400

1 bed1 bathApartment

4480 49th Street, San Diego, CA, 92115

$2,295

1 bed1 bath420 sqftApartment

3944-3944 1/2 3rd Ave., San Diego, CA, 92103

$1,699

1 bed1 bath700 sqftApartment

320 Shady Lane, El Cajon, CA, 92021

$1,850

1 bed1 bathApartment

4443 36th St., San Diego, CA, 92116

$1,645

1 bed1 bathApartment

3825 47th St, San Diego, CA, 92105

$1,895

1 bed1 bath500 sqftApartment

4062 49th Street, San Diego, CA, 92105

$2,995

1 bed1 bath775 sqftApartment

344 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA, 92037

$1,860

1 bed1 bath480 sqftApartment

1252 Palm Avenue Management Office, Imperial Beach, CA, 91932

$3,450

1 bed1 bathApartment

951 North Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA, 92024

$3,300

1 bed1 bath925 sqftApartment

2120 Columbia St, San Diego, CA, 92101

$1,995

1 bed1 bath700 sqftApartment

222 G St., Chula Vista, CA, 91910

Showing 24 of 1,250 results

1-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

Browse 1-bedroom apartments for rent in San Diego, CA. Find the right 1BR rental by neighborhood, price, and amenities - updated daily on Rentler.

What to Know Before Renting a 1-Bedroom Apartment in San Diego, CA

A 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego hits the sweet spot for most solo renters and couples — enough space to have a real living room and a separated sleep area, without the cost of a 2-bedroom you don't fully use. For remote workers, a 1-bedroom is often the minimum viable setup: you can close a door between your workspace and your living space, which matters more than most people expect before they try working from a studio. When evaluating 1-bedrooms in San Diego, pay attention to bedroom size (some 1-bedrooms are technically 1-bedrooms with a bedroom that fits a queen bed and nothing else), closet space, and whether the kitchen opens to the living room or is walled off. In-unit laundry, a parking spot, and a dedicated storage unit are the three amenities most renters wish they'd prioritized when they didn't have them. 1-bedrooms in San Diego also tend to have the most competitive rental market of any unit type — more supply than studios, but more demand than 2-bedrooms, which means good 1-bedrooms in desirable San Diego neighborhoods at fair prices move quickly.

San Diego Neighborhoods for 1-Bedroom Renters

Downtown San Diego/East Village

Downtown and East Village offer new apartments, renovated lofts, and condos, with mostly studios and 1-bedrooms, as well as a few 2-bedroom options. Pricewise, rents usually fall above San Diego’s average ($3,222/mo), especially in luxury buildings with pet-friendly amenities. For short trips throughout the city, renters often take the 12th & Imperial Transit Center’s Blue, Green, and Orange Trolley lines. Overall, Downtown San Diego and the East Village are best for solo renters, couples, and professionals looking for walkability, high-end rentals, and urban access.

Pacific Beach

Offering coastal living and shoreline access, Pacific Beach has apartments, condos, and townhomes. Most rentals are either studios or 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom layouts, with moderate luxury units available closer to the coastline. On average, rents run above San Diego’s average price point of $3,222/mo. With beach access, walking paths, and open space, many rentals in Pacific Beach are pet-friendly. The area has a strong transit network, grounded in MTS Routes 8 and 30, leading to Old Town and University Town Center. Pacific Beach is a great place for couples, young professionals, UC San Diego students, and retirees who want to live by the ocean.

North Park/University Heights

With older apartments, duplexes, and homes, North Park and University Heights offer a mix of studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedrooms. Most properties have mid-range or above average prices for the San Diego market, with renovated properties adding some premium inventory to the mix. Locals can walk to small businesses, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, MTS Route 7 connects the University Avenue corridor to Downtown San Diego. Larger apartments tend to be the most pet-friendly, especially those on walkable streets. All things considered, North Park and University Heights are best for solo renters, couples, and local professionals who want to live near dining, nightlife, and transit.

Mission Valley

Mission Valley has a steady supply of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments, condos, and townhomes. The area has great highway access, with direct links to I-8, I-805, and SR-163. Locals can also take the Green Line to Mission Valley Center, Hazard Center, and Fashion Valley. In terms of pricing, Mission Valley rentals range from mid-level to above average. However, new-construction developments add luxury units with pet-friendly amenities to the market. Overall, Mission Valley is a great option for small families, commuters, and couples.

La Jolla

As one of the most upscale rental markets in San Diego, La Jolla offers luxury apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Most units are new builds or renovated 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, and 3-bedrooms. Rents are on the high end, hovering well above San Diego’s average of $3,222/mo. Renters with dogs usually prefer upscale communities and homes near coastal trails and pet-friendly amenities. Locals often take I-5 and SR-52 when driving, but MTS Route 30 also connects La Jolla with University Town Center, Pacific Beach, and Old Town. Because of its high price points and premium amenities, La Jolla works best for high-income professionals, couples, and families seeking coastal living.