San Diego Rents Show Slight Decline as Apartment Listings Rise

Rental prices drop nearly 6% for one-bedrooms and 8% for two-bedrooms across the county

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, yellow, and red, conceptually representing the changes in San Diego's rental market without any literal depictions.As San Diego's rental market shifts, a geometric illustration captures the decline in prices and rise in available units.San Diego Today

According to new data from Zumper.com, apartment rent prices across San Diego County have declined over the past year, with one-bedroom units dropping by nearly 6% and two-bedroom rentals down about 8%. The San Diego metropolitan area ranked 11th among U.S. cities with the most significant rent decreases, driven by a 15% increase in rental listings over the past 12 months.

Why it matters

This rare shift in the notoriously high-priced San Diego rental market provides some relief for residents, though affordability remains a challenge. The increase in inventory and concessions offered by landlords to attract tenants suggests the region's economic pressures, including rising costs of living, are impacting both renters and property owners.

The details

The data from Zumper.com reflects pricing trends across 100 major cities, tracking verified listings for apartments, condos and rental homes. Local realtor Brian Bazinet of Compass Real Estate said renters are beginning to see more options and slightly better prices, particularly in areas like Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and inland San Diego. A one-bedroom cottage near downtown San Diego is currently listed for about $2,225 a month, significantly below the county average of just over $2,900.

  • Over the past 12 months, rental listings have risen by about 15%.
  • As of April 2026, there are roughly 6,400 rental units currently available through realtors.

The players

Zumper.com

An online rental platform that tracks verified listings for apartments, condos and rental homes across 100 major cities.

Brian Bazinet

A realtor at Compass Real Estate who has observed the shift in the San Diego rental market.

Crystal Chen

The Director of Communications at Zumper.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When there's more supply, rents don't climb as quickly.”

— Brian Bazinet, Realtor, Compass Real Estate

“Larger, newer apartment buildings — particularly in downtown San Diego — are taking longer to lease and are offering concessions to attract tenants.”

— Crystal Chen, Director of Communications, Zumper

What’s next

Renters willing to expand their search may find better deals inland, as Bazinet noted: 'If you tell me you can afford $2,450, we're going to look in that range. The more east you go, generally the less expensive it gets.'

The takeaway

While San Diego remains one of the costliest rental markets in the country, this shift in the local housing landscape provides some much-needed relief for residents, even as affordability challenges persist. The increase in inventory and landlord concessions suggest the region's economic pressures are impacting both renters and property owners.