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

In San Diego, studios average $1,958/mo versus $2,296/mo for a 1-bedroom. 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 studio apartments in San Diego pet-friendly?

Pet policies on studio 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 studios in San Diego, CA?

Furnished studios 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 studio in San Diego?

Most landlords in San Diego require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a studio at San Diego's current average of $1,958/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.

Studio Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA – Page 4

453 Results

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$2,345

Studio1 bath595 sqftApartment

2250 India Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

$1,775

Studio1 bath315 sqftApartment

435 13th Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

$1,550

Studio1 bath150 sqftApartment

843-847 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92101

$1,695

Studio1 bath254 sqftApartment

1612 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92107

$2,200

Studio1 bath550 sqftApartment

3776 Villa Terrace, San Diego, CA, 92104

$1,625

Studio1 bath330 sqftApartment

17065 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA, 92127

$1,625

Studio1 bath330 sqftApartment

17065 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA, 92127

$1,895

Studio1 bath300 sqftApartment

901 W. Washington St, San Diego, CA, 92103

$1,695

Studio1 bath325 sqftApartment

2249 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA, 92111

$1,550

Studio1 bathApartment

4449-4455 Florida Street, San Diego, CA, 92116

$2,100

Studio1 bath462 sqftHouse

5267 Arlene Street, San Diego, CA, 92117

$1,825

Studio1 bathApartment

4260 Campus Ave, San Diego, CA, 92103

$1,695

Studio1 bathApartment

4154-4158 Estrella Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92105

$1,695

Studio1 bath325 sqftApartment

2249 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA, 92111

$1,695

Studio1 bath325 sqftApartment

2249 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA, 92111

$1,815

Studio1 bath327 sqftApartment

2435 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA, 92102

$1,895

Studio1 bath1,000 sqftApartment

1727-35 University Ave, San Diego, CA, 92103

$1,495

Studio1 bath350 sqftHouse

4470-1 51st Street, San Diego, CA, 92115

$2,535

Studio1 bath401 sqftApartment

3450 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92104

$2,470

Studio1 bath410 sqftApartment

3450 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92104

$1,800

Studio1 bathApartment

4053-55 Hamilton Street, San Diego, CA, 92104

$2,500

Studio1 bathApartment

2821 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92117

$1,895

Studio1 bath480 sqftApartment

13608 - 13628 Pomerado Rd, Poway, CA, 92064

$1,695

Studio1 bath325 sqftApartment

2249 Ulric Street, San Diego, CA, 92111

Showing 24 of 453 results

Studio Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

Studio apartments for rent in San Diego, CA. Filter by price, pet policy, and more - updated daily on Rentler.

What to Know Before Renting a Studio in San Diego, CA

Studio apartments are a smart move for solo renters, minimalists, and anyone looking to maximize their budget in San Diego by cutting square footage they don't actually use. In most markets, a studio runs 20–35% cheaper than a comparable 1-bedroom in the same building — a meaningful difference when you're budgeting monthly. The tradeoff is that everything happens in one room, so layout matters more than it does in a larger unit. Before signing, check the kitchen size (a narrow galley kitchen in a small studio gets old fast), closet and storage space, and whether there's a dedicated sleeping area or alcove to create separation. In-unit laundry and a second-floor unit are both worth prioritizing if available in San Diego — shared laundry in a studio building means frequent trips, and ground-floor studios in urban areas can feel less secure. Studios in San Diego work best for people who spend more time out than in and treat their apartment as a home base rather than a living space.

San Diego Neighborhoods for Studio 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 ($3,195/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 $3,195/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 $3,195/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.