Save This Search

Let's find your perfect rental

No matches yet, but we've got some ideas to help you discover great options.
Let's find your perfect rental. No matches yet, but we've got some ideas to help you discover great options.
Expand your search area

Great rentals might be just outside your selected zone.

Search wider area

Save Search

Imperial Beach, CA rent trends

Rental prices in Imperial Beach, CA have decreased by 4.72% over the past year. The average rent moved from $2,472 to $2,356.

Check out the average rent prices in Imperial Beach by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,740, the average rent in Imperial Beach, CA is $2,356.

Average rent in Imperial Beach, CA

$2,356/mo Imperial Beach, CA average rental price, February 2026
Image Average Rent

The average monthly rent of apartments in Imperial Beach, CA is $2,356.

    What's the typical rent budget in Imperial Beach, CA?

    About 43% of apartment rents in Imperial Beach, CA range between $2,501-$3,000. Around 37% of Imperial Beach’s apartments are in the $2,001-$2,500 price range. 19% of apartments are priced between $1,501-$2,000.

    The largest share of rentals in Imperial Beach, CA (43%) fall between $2,501-$3,000 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.

    Getting around in Imperial Beach, CA

    64 /100
    Somewhat Walkable
    36 /100
    Some Transit
    67 /100
    Bikeable
    Walk Score®: 64, Transit Score®: 36, Bike Score®: 67

    Frequently asked questions

    What type of rental buildings are in Imperial Beach, CA?

    In Imperial Beach, 69% of the residents are renting compared to 31% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 4% of Imperial Beach's rentals, 66% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 28% are single-family rentals.

    Living in Imperial Beach, CA

    Imperial Beach is an oceanside town in southern California, approximately 10 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and 13 miles from downtown San Diego. This laidback beach town is quite diverse and attracts a wide mix of renters. It’s a particularly popular place to rent among surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the beach. The Tijuana River Estuary is also just south of Imperial Beach and has a network of walking trails. Imperial Beach has a thriving pier and beachfront area full of locally owned restaurants. The local economy is based mainly on tourism, especially during the summer months. There’s also a strong military presence in the area, and many local renters work in San Diego’s nearby naval base.

    Renting in Imperial Beach, CA

    Imperial Beach’s neighborhoods are relatively dense for a suburban town. They feature a mix of classic beach bungalows, cozy condos and mid-rise apartment complexes. Some sections of Imperial Beach are very walkable, providing renters with a mix of urban and suburban life. Many apartment complexes have pools and other communal outdoor spaces for renters to take advantage of Imperial Beach’s beautiful weather. Month-to-month and short-term rentals are relatively common in Imperial Beach to accommodate the high volume of tourism in the area. Many rental properties also cater to military personnel and their families. Notably, rental prices in Imperial Beach are much higher than the national average and have been increasing in recent years. Proximity to the beach has also made this area highly desirable, and competition for apartments can be high.

    Things for renting

    Shopping in Imperial Beach, CA

    Imperial Beach’s charming central commercial district runs along Seacoast Drive, where local renters can stroll and visit surf shops and other small boutiques. The largest shopping center in Imperial Beach is Southland Plaza, which is located on the east side of town near I-5. Here, renters will find Walmart, The Home Depot and Big 5 Sporting Goods. While there are no major malls in Imperial Beach, renters looking for a wider range of shopping options will find them at nearby Westfield Plaza Bonita in National City or Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Ysidro. Imperial Beach renters also have plenty of options for groceries, including Vons and Grocery Outlet, as well as many locally owned markets. Meanwhile, members of the military and veterans renting in town can shop at the Imperial Beach Commissary. The Imperial Beach Farmers’ Market is also held on Seacoast Drive on the weekends.

    Transportation in Imperial Beach, CA

    There are many ways to get around in Imperial Beach. Many local renters opt to have a car, as it’s often the most efficient way to navigate the greater San Diego area. However, not every apartment in Imperial Beach has on-site parking, which is important for renters to consider before signing a lease. Imperial Beach is also very bike-friendly, and some sections of town are walkable. Alternatively, renters also have public transit options available in Imperial Beach. For instance, San Diego’s MTS bus system has multiple routes in Imperial Beach that connect to nearby trolley service at Palm City. The San Diego Trolley also provides service to many other key destinations throughout the metro area, in addition to connecting to Amtrak and Coaster commuter rail service in downtown San Diego.

    Look for apartments near me

    Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

    Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!