San Diego Apartment Sizes Held Steady Throughout 2025
New apartments in San Diego maintained an average of 827 square feet in 2025, lagging behind the national average.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Apartments
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In 2025, the average new apartment size in San Diego remained unchanged at 827 square feet. This figure placed the city 72nd out of 100 cities nationwide in terms of new unit space.
Why it matters
Understanding local space trends helps households evaluate their living options in a competitive market where new construction projects are projected to shrink even further in size.
The average new San Diego apartment size was 827 square feet in 2025, compared to the national average of 910 square feet. Local projects currently under construction average only 704 square feet, suggesting future units may be smaller.
The details
Developers are balancing unit sizes to remain competitive for tenants, though San Diego continues to see smaller averages compared to other regions. While Tallahassee reached the national high of 1,156 square feet for new apartments, San Diego residents are seeing space constraints similar to other California hubs like Los Angeles, which averaged 770 square feet.
Timeline
2015 marked a period where San Diego apartment sizes were increasing.
2025 was the year the average new apartment size remained 827 square feet.
Money Landscape
Nationally, the average new apartment size increased by 13 square feet in 2025. San Diego sits well below this national growth trend, ranking 72nd among 100 cities.
Renters should prioritize checking the square footage of new construction units against their budget, as current projects under development appear to be trending smaller at 704 square feet. Discuss your space requirements and housing budget with a qualified financial professional to determine if newer, smaller units offer sufficient value for your needs.
The takeaway
San Diego apartments remain smaller than the national average, a trend that may continue as new projects under construction trend toward 704 square feet. Keep an eye on local development listings to see how these size shifts impact price per square foot in your target neighborhoods.
Further reading
For more information on market trends, visit Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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