Apartments Near University of California-San Diego
Your 2026 guide to finding affordable, student-friendly housing in La Jolla, CA — with real prices, best neighborhoods, and tips to avoid common mistakes.
Average 1BR Rent
$2,700/mo
Best Neighborhoods
La Jolla Heights · East Side
Walk to Campus
5–20 min walk
Housing Near University of California-San Diego: What to Expect
University of California-San Diego enrolls 33,787 students, creating high demand for off-campus housing in La Jolla, CA. Most students move off-campus after their first or second year either to save money or gain more independence.
Rent near campus ranges from $2,200/mo for a studio to $3,750/mo for a 2-bedroom — with 3 and 4-bedroom shared units often bringing individual rent down to $1550–$2350/person/mo.
The area is one of the more expensive student housing markets in the country. Planning ahead and securing roommates early is key.
Apartment Listings Near University of California-San Diego
Representative listings — prices reflect current market rates for La Jolla, CA.
Grove Terrace
Best ValueSpacious layouts with in-unit laundry and a resident study lounge — popular with upperclassmen.
$1,826–$2,100/mo
Studio · 1 BA · 0.3 mi from campus
College Station
Most PopularSteps from the light rail stop, ideal for students who commute to internships.
$2,505–$2,900/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 0.5 mi from campus
University Village
Newly built riverfront complex with floor-to-ceiling windows and kayak storage.
$3,520–$4,050/mo
2 BR · 1 BA · 0.7 mi from campus
Midtown Place
Affordable and social — a favorite for first-year off-campus students with a rooftop common area.
$4,469–$5,150/mo
3 BR · 2 BA · 0.9 mi from campus
Campus Crossing
Well-maintained mid-rise with 24/7 security, a fitness center, and direct bus access to campus.
$2,430–$2,800/mo
1 BR · 1 BA · 1.1 mi from campus
Midtown Flats
New BuildingHigh-rise living with panoramic views, rooftop pool, and concierge service.
$3,157–$3,650/mo
2 BR · 2 BA · 1.4 mi from campus
Heritage Village
Well-maintained mid-rise with 24/7 security, a fitness center, and direct bus access to campus.
$3,996–$4,600/mo
4 BR · 2 BA · 1.6 mi from campus
Best Areas to Live Near University of California-San Diego
La Jolla Heights
The closest neighborhood to University of California-San Diego's main entrance. Walk to class in minutes — coffee shops and convenience stores line the main strip.
East Side
A lively area with bars, restaurants, and weekend activity. Ideal if you want a social scene steps from your apartment.
Westgate
Quieter residential streets with single-family homes converted into multi-unit rentals. More space, lower prices, a short bike ride to campus.
South Campus
Downtown location with walkable access to the transit hub, employers, and city amenities — best for students with internships or part-time jobs.
Cost of Living Near University of California-San Diego
Student Housing Tips
Start Early
The best apartments near campus get leased 6–9 months before move-in. If you want August housing, start searching in January–February.
Read the Lease
Check: who pays utilities, guest policies, subletting rules, and what happens if a roommate leaves. Never sign anything you haven't fully read.
Choose Roommates Carefully
Split a 3–4 bedroom and each person's share drops by 30–40%. Use a roommate agreement to align on noise, guests, cleanliness, and bills.