Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

San Diego County vs Los Angeles County

How do San Diego County and Los Angeles County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$2,459
San Diego County (1BR)
$2,085
Los Angeles County (1BR)
+18%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
San Diego County
$2,459/mo 1BR
Population: 3,289,701
County
Los Angeles County
$2,085/mo 1BR
Population: 9,936,690

A 1-bedroom in San Diego County is 18% more expensive than Los Angeles County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($2,459 vs $2,085). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms San Diego County Los Angeles County Difference
Studio $2,288 $1,863 +$425 (+23%)
1 Bedroom $2,459 $2,085 +$374 (+18%)
2 Bedroom $3,001 $2,601 +$400 (+15%)
3 Bedroom $3,998 $3,298 +$700 (+21%)
4 Bedroom $4,845 $3,672 +$1173 (+32%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. San Diego County is 156% above the US average. Los Angeles County is 117% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).