Boasting nearly 70 miles of the most picturesque beaches in California, San Diego is known for its idyllic climate, charming waterfront towns, and world-class entertainment attractions. For students, first-time renters, roommates. or couples looking to call this SoCal destination home, Essex communities in San Diego offer budget-friendly studio apartments in a variety of floor plans. In the heart of the bustling East Village, residents at Form 15 can take advantage of a 95% Walk Score to explore artisanal restaurants, breweries and local coffee shops. Adjacent to Ocean, Pacific and Mission Beaches, beach days are a daily habit when you live at Mesa Village or Mira Monte. For jet setters, CentrePointe is a short drive from San Diego International Airport, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the popular downtown Gaslamp District.


Essex’s collection of pet-friendly studio apartments for rent throughout San Diego guarantee style with a side of surf and sand. Spacious studio floor plans range up to 680 square feet in size, perfect for renters looking for a modest home with modern comforts, ample on-site amenities, and a location perfectly suited for a coastal chic lifestyle.

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Apartment Locations

With an average of nearly 150 sunny days per year, it’s no wonder San Diego is one of the country's most sought-after destinations. Miles of coastline, ample outdoor activities, and an enticing array of arts and entertainment options offer the very best of the world-renowned California lifestyle. Explore our studio apartments for rent in Downtown San Diego, East Village, Mission Valley, Clairemont, and Mira Mesa.


San Diego

Studio Features and Amenities

Essex studio apartments in San Diego embody the spirit of coastal living combined with upscale in-home amenities and modern touches like floor-to-ceiling windows, designer cabinetry, central air conditioning, and upgraded kitchens. Soak up the nearly year-round sunshine with community amenities, including resort-style pools, ample green space, walking and biking trails, and outdoor dining and BBQ areas. Workout in the fitness center or enjoy pet-friendly perks with your four-legged friend, like on-site dog parks and dog spas.

FAQs

What is the Design of a Studio Apartment?

A studio apartment combines your living room, bedroom and kitchen into one open space to create a one-room apartment. While the open-concept design of a studio apartment does not include walls or partitions to section off different rooms, the floor plan includes space for a bed and living area, as well as separate closet and bathroom space. If you choose to live in an apartment community or rental property, your studio apartment may include smart home features, an outdoor patio or balcony, and access to the community’s pool and fitness center.


Are Studio Apartments Cheaper?

For renters looking to enjoy their own space with a lower-than-average monthly cost, studio apartments are an ideal choice. Studio apartments are often less expensive than one-bedroom apartments because they have less total square footage, and smaller square footage typically equates to lower utility bills, which can also help you save on your monthly costs.


What is the Best Way to Design a Studio Apartment?

Although studio apartments often feature smaller square footage than a one-bedroom apartment, the open-concept floor plan allows you to be creative when it comes to your interior design. To maximize your space, look for furniture and decorative pieces that are multi-useful, like an ottoman that also includes storage, closet organizers that utilize shelves and floor space, or a platform bed with drawers. Consider taking your décor vertical to make your home feel bigger with multi-tiered bookcases or wall-mount shelves. You can creatively separate the spaces in your studio apartment with privacy screens, area rugs or curtains.

For a pop of color, several of our Essex communities offer a White to Wow program that allows residents to customize an accent wall with the assistance of our on-site maintenance team.

Other Studio Apartment Locations

If you’re interested in exploring other locations outside of San Diego, check out our additional studio apartment pages below. Essex offers a variety of studio apartments from San Diego to the Pacific Northwest in some of the most sought-after locations on the West Coast.


Seattle Studio Apartments San Mateo Studio Apartments
San Francisco Studio Apartments Ventura and Santa Barbara Studio Apartments
East Bay Studio Apartments Los Angeles Studio Apartments
South Bay Area Studio Apartments Orange County Studio Apartments