10 Cities Near San Diego To Live in 2022

San Diego truly deserves its nickname: America's Finest City.

Sitting on the ocean, with year-long sunshine and beautiful weather, rich culture and plenty to do, it lives up to its nickname. However, the already populated area continues to grow, as more people flock to the beautiful coast.

As you can imagine, San Diego sees lots of new residents each year — who doesn't want ocean views and all-year sun? What's more, the cost of living continues to rise, making it challenging for some to build a life in this beautiful city.

If you're looking to escape the crowds or costs, consider these 10 alternative cities near San Diego. While some are just minutes outside downtown, you'll feel worlds away.

Chula Vista

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 9.2 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $2,136 (down 1.13 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,714 (down 6.58 percent since last year)

Chula Vista is just south of downtown and National City. This southern coastal town is only seven miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and has increased in popularity in recent years. You'll find shopping and restaurants in Third Avenue Village along with many beautiful parks and green spaces that are easily accessible. Plus, the Bayshore bike path, which offers 24 miles of scenery, is perfect for spending time outside as a family.

Find apartments for rent in Chula Vista
Buy a house in Chula Vista

Lemon Grove

Photo source: City of Lemon Grove / Facebook

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 9.4 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,959 (up 8.86 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,313 (up 6.35 percent since last year)

Another east county city, Lemon Grove is just nine miles outside town. Unsurprisingly, the city received its name for the lemon and citrus groves in the area — this is commemorated by a giant lemon statue that greets all who enter the town.

While the proximity to San Diego is ideal, Lemon Grove also has two trolley stations on the Orange Line, making it very accessible to nearby areas of the city, along with Downtown.

What's more, unlike other suburbs that are home to a number of chain restaurants, Lemon Grove offers a fair amount of locally-owned mom-and-pop dining spots.

Find apartments for rent in Lemon Grove
Buy a house in Lemon Grove

La Mesa

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 10.4 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,867 (up 5.46 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,085 (up 2.82 percent since last year)

Just 10 miles outside the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego sits La Mesa, a small town with a quiet and quaint neighborhood feel. The city lives up to its nickname “the Jewel of the Hills," as it's nestled in the hills of Mission Trails Regional Park.

The proximity to the park and Lake Murray is great for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts or families who like to spend time both by the beach and the mountains.

Find apartments for rents in La Mesa
Buy a house in La Mesa

Spring Valley

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 12.3 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,587 (down 5.08 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $1,572 (down 15.29 percent since last year)

Spring Valley, just east of San Diego, earned its name from a natural spring in the center of town. With multiple hills and mountains in Spring Valley, you'll be treated to spectacular views that make it hard to believe you're so close to downtown.

The area is becoming a hub for the local San Diego distillery scene with multiple local spirits-based businesses opening their doors, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. If you're looking to experience a unique area of San Diego, this is the place for you.

Find apartments for rent in Spring Valley
Buy a house in Spring Valley

El Cajon

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 16.5 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,708 (up 6.29 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $1,998 (down 5.18 percent since last year)

El Cajon is due east of San Diego in a valley surrounded by the mountains and hills of east county. Right off I-8, the city is very centrally located, making it easy to get into downtown and other nearby towns.

It's also considered an “up-and-coming" area of San Diego, with plenty of new stores and restaurants making home here. If you're thinking of investing in a home sooner than later, this is a good place to look.

Find apartments for rent in El Cajon
Buy a house in El Cajon

Escondido

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 30.5 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,801 (down 15.81 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $1,999 (down 19.44 percent since last year)

Escondido is a northeastern suburb of San Diego where you'll find that you get more bang for your buck. Compared to other towns, Escondido has lower rents and more open space. The city is also large, with many homes and apartments sitting on more land than other towns in the county.

With that extra space does come distance and Escondido does feel further away than other surrounding towns. However, there are several local attractions to keep you busy, including San Diego Zoo Safari Park, California Center of the Arts and the Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens.

Find apartments for rent in Escondido
Buy a house in Escondido

Carlsbad

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 34.8 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $2,366 (down 13.02 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,714 (down 10.28 percent since last year)

If you want to live in a large, coastal, suburban city, and can afford high rent, Carlsbad is worth considering. Located between Oceanside and Del Mar, Carlsbad takes up nearly seven exits on the I-5.

This big city has recently expanded eastward with new housing developments and downtown Carlsbad is home to shops, bars and restaurants — all within walking distance to the beach. Plus, nearby local attractions include Legoland and the seasonal Flower Fields.

The one drawback for many, as with any north county location, is the drive into downtown. While you're only 40 minutes away, during peak rush hour, that time can easily double. The good news is there's a coaster station in downtown Carlsbad for those looking to commute via the train and beat the traffic.

Find apartments for rent in Carlsbad
Buy a house in Carlsbad

San Marcos

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 35.5 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,939 (up 2.99 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,382 (up 2.58 percent since last year)

San Marcos is another north county town, located just east of Carlsbad. Here you'll see significant savings in rent but with just as much to do, thanks to California State University San Marcos and other college campuses drawing plenty of people, apartments, restaurants and shops.

Going a little bit east also offers you more opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities, both of which San Marcos has.

Find apartments for rent in San Marcos
Buy a house in San Marcos

Oceanside

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 38.6 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $1,936 (down 3.60 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,332 (down 15.53 percent since last year)

Oceanside is one of the most affordable beach towns near San Diego. It's also the most northern coastal town in the county before hitting Orange County.

The city of Oceanside has grown and evolved significantly in the past decade. The downtown area has exploded with small local businesses, restaurants and breweries. With that revitalization, people and families of all ages have made their homes in this area.

Famous tourist attractions in Oceanside include the Mission San Luis Rey and the Oceanside Pier. While traffic going south on workdays is challenging, Oceanside provides easy access to the Coaster commuter rail, which offers service to downtown.

Find apartments for rent in Oceanside
Buy a house in Oceanside

Vista

• Distance from downtown San Diego: 42.1 miles
• One-bedroom average rent: $2,028 (up 0.88 percent since last year)
• Two-bedroom average rent: $2,360 (up 0.86 percent since last year)

Vista is also in north county San Diego, nearby to Carlsbad and Oceanside. While you're not beach-adjacent, you aren't far, with just a short 10- to 15-minute drive putting you on the sand.

You'll also save on rent and still have access to a small downtown area with breweries and locally-owned shops. The city also hosts several fairs and festivals throughout the year, making it a great place to live for nearly anyone.

Find apartments for rent in Vista
Buy a house in Vista

Make one of these cities near San Diego your next home

If you're looking for sun, sand, and the loveliest weather for the whole year, all of these cities near San Diego will give you just that.

Take a look at apartments near San Diego to get started with your move!

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.com's multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments in April 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.

The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.