San Diego’s rental market has become more challenging, study shows

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Renters vying for an apartment unit in San Diego may find it tougher than before to find a new place to stay.

According to a new study conducted by RentCafe , 95% of apartments in the San Diego market are occupied, leading to stiff competition among prospective renters. The study says there are 12 people hoping to rent each available unit.

The number of new units available has decreased from 0.75% last year to 0.60% this year, data shows, limiting renters’ options.

RentCafe also reports that more renters are deciding to stay in their current apartments. The lease renewal rate is now 52.9% compared to 51.3% last year.

All of these factors have been used to calculate what RentCafe refers to as San Diego’s rental competitive index score. It was given 75.8 for 2024, which is up from 74.4 last year, RentCafe says, indicating that renting in the San Diego market has just become more challenging.

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