San Diego County, California – Rents across San Diego County have increased by 4.1% year-over-year, with the city of San Diego experiencing a significant spike of 9.3%, according to a recent survey by the Southern California Rental Housing Association (SCRHA).
This increase follows a notable decline of over 7% in rents between 2023 and 2024, signaling a shift in the region’s rental market.
Tight Inventory Contributing to Rent Increases
The rise in rents comes as housing inventory continues to be constrained across the region. The vacancy rate in San Diego County has dropped to 3.6%, down from 6.36% in 2024, indicating a tighter market. In San Diego city specifically, the vacancy rate fell to 3.12% from 4.22% last year.
Alan Pentico, the executive director of SCRHA, explained, “While rents have risen modestly, they remain below 2023 levels in many areas, and the city’s progress on new housing is an encouraging sign.” He also noted that new housing development is starting to catch up with demand, though there is still caution in the market.
San Diego’s Growing Housing Development
In response to the housing shortage, San Diego permitted 8,500 new homes in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. The city’s efforts to address the growing demand for housing have led to renewed optimism among housing providers, but there remains a sense of cautiousness as the market continues to stabilize.
Survey Methodology and Historical Context
The SCRHA releases rental pricing data after a three-month delay to comply with federal antitrust guidelines. This ensures that the data reflects long-term trends and not real-time pricing shifts.
The most recent survey, which was conducted in March 2025, is based on feedback from rental property owners and managers.
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Since the 1950s, the SCRHA has tracked rental and vacancy rate data in the San Diego region, providing valuable insights into the evolving housing market.
For renters and housing providers in San Diego, the data shows a market in transition, with increased demand, lower vacancies, and promising signs of new housing construction. However, affordability remains a challenge for many residents.
What are your thoughts on the rising rents in San Diego? Have you noticed the impact of these changes on your neighborhood? Share your experiences in the comments below!
For more updates on San Diego’s housing market, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
