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

National City, CA rent trends

Rental prices in National City, CA have increased by 2.29% over the past year. The average rent moved from $1,978 to $2,024.

Check out the average rent prices in National City by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,740, the average rent in National City, CA is $2,024.

Average rent in National City, CA

$2,024/mo National City, CA average rental price, February 2026
Image Average Rent

The average monthly rent of apartments in National City, CA is $2,024.

    What's the typical rent budget in National City, CA?

    About 26% of apartment rents in National City, CA range between $2,001-$2,500. Meanwhile, apartments around $2,501-$3,000 represent 8% of apartments. Around 60% of National City’s apartments are in the $1,501-$2,000 price range. 3% of apartments are priced between $1,001-$1,500. A share of 4% of apartment rentals in National City are in the > $3,000 range.

    The largest share of rentals in National City, CA (60%) fall between $1,501-$2,000 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.

    Getting around in National City, CA

    85 /100
    Very Walkable
    50 /100
    Good Transit
    57 /100
    Bikeable
    Walk Score®: 85, Transit Score®: 50, Bike Score®: 57

    Frequently asked questions

    What type of rental buildings are in National City, CA?

    In National City, 66% of the residents are renting compared to 34% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 21% of National City's rentals, 55% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 22% are single-family rentals.

    Living in National City, CA

    National City is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area. It’s home to excellent schools, shopping centers and parks, thereby making it an ideal place for renters to raise a family. In addition, National City is just a short drive from Los Angeles and San Diego, so renters can live in a quiet, small city, while also being near big-city amenities. National City has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 39°F to 77°F. The city experiences relatively little precipitation. However, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean can lead to cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels. National City is also susceptible to thunderstorms, which are limited to late spring and early summer.

    Renting in National City, CA

    National City has houses and apartments for rent for different budgets. For instance, renters looking for more affordable properties can find them near the port in the western part of the city. This area mostly has apartments with one or two bedrooms. Meanwhile, renters looking for single-family homes can find them in the southern parts of the city near major thoroughfares, parks and schools. These rental properties mostly have two to four bedrooms, although more spacious rentals are also available. Finally, because of its convenience and walkability, the downtown area hosts the most expensive rental properties in National City. Notably, renters in National City may be asked to provide two months’ rent as a security deposit for unfurnished apartments and three months’ rent for furnished units. Landlords also can’t increase rent by more than 5% plus inflation for a maximum of 10% per year. Here, the renter typically pays utilities unless otherwise agreed upon in the rental agreement. Terminating the lease also requires prior written notice.

    Things for renting

    Shopping in National City, CA

    National City is a shopper’s paradise with an eclectic mix of stores. Westfield Plaza Bonita is the city’s largest shopping mall. It’s anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Crunch Fitness, Target and Nordstrom Rack. Similarly, Plaza Towne Shopping Center, Bay Plaza, Sweetwater Plaza Shopping Center, and Grove Plaza are also located in the city, placing renters within walking distance of shopping venues wherever they rent. For a unique shopping experience, renters go to the independent shops in the historic downtown area. Here, renters can find one-of-a-kind items, handmade goods and vintage finds. Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and the local El Super Markets are the main grocery and home goods chains where renters go for everyday shopping.

    Transportation in National City, CA

    National City is highly walkable and bike-friendly, so renters can get around using eco-friendly transportation. Renters can also use designated cycling trails, bike parking and similar amenities to make commuting more convenient. The city is also served by several major transportation routes, making it easy to get around by car, bus or train. Specifically, interstates 5 and 805, as well as State Route 54, allow renters to travel in and out of the city easily. For public transportation, National City is served by the San Diego Trolley, which offers service to downtown San Diego and other nearby communities. In addition, the Metropolitan Transit System has regular bus routes between the city and neighboring areas. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner also stops in National City, providing service to Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and other California cities. For ridesharing, Uber and Lyft operate in the city, as well. Finally, the city’s proximity to San Diego International Airport makes it easy for renters to travel to international destinations.

    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!