Affordable & Low-Income Housing in San Diego, CA
200 affordable buildings in San Diego · 23 ZIP codes
San Diego, CA has 200 income-restricted buildings across 23 ZIP codes: 176 tax credit, 4 public housing, 40 Section 8, and 44 senior. These lists don't show openings — call to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
In San Diego
The 40 highest-ranked of 200 buildings. Pick a ZIP below to see all of them.
Canyon Rim Apartments
10845 Via Los Narcisos, San Diego, CA 92129
504 units · 353 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
Mariners Cove Apts
4392 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
500 units · 100 income-restricted · 1–3 BR
Meadowbrook Apts. I
7844 Paradise Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92139
448 units · 443 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
Coronado Terrace Apartments
1183 25th St, San Diego, CA 92154
312 units · 310 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
The Stratton Apartments
3884 1/2 Caminito Aguilar., San Diego, CA 92111
312 units · 217 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
Vista La Rosa Apartments
2002 Rimbey Avenue, San Diego, CA 92154
240 units · 238 income-restricted · 2–3 BR
First Congregational Memorial Tower
3541 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103
100 units · 99 income-restricted · Studio–1 BR
Otay Villas
605 Picador Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154
78 units · 2–3 BR
- Apply through San Diego Housing Commission
Golden Age Gardens Apts
740 S 36th St, San Diego, CA 92113
76 units · 75 income-restricted · 1 BR · People with disabilities
George D. McKinney Retirement Center
5625 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
60 units · 59 income-restricted · Studio–1 BR
Vista Verde
355 S 33rd St, San Diego, CA 92113
40 units · 2–3 BR
- Apply through San Diego Housing Commission
University Canyon North
2059 Via Las Cumbres, San Diego, CA 92111
36 units · 1–2 BR
- Apply through San Diego Housing Commission
Adaptable Housing
2420 44th St, San Diego, CA 92105
35 units · 2–3 BR
- Apply through San Diego Housing Commission
Grant Heights Park
2663 J St, San Diego, CA 92102
28 units · 1–2 BR
- Several buildings — call for addresses
Mercy Gardens
540 Lewis St, San Diego, CA 92103
23 units · 22 income-restricted · Studio–1 BR · People with disabilities
No buildings in San Diego match this filter.
Programs in San Diego
- Tax credit
- Public housing
- Section 8
- Seniors
ZIP codes in San Diego
Nearby cities
Housing authorities
Public housing in San Diego is run by these agencies. Apply with them, not at the building.
- San Diego Housing CommissionCall (619) 231-9400
Rents and income limits in 92101
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $4,090/mo
- Income needed to pay it at 30% of income
- $163,600/yr
- Renters in 92101 paying 30% or more of income on rent
- 52%
Income limits (2026)
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area · median family income $130,900. Your household's yearly income before taxes must be at or below the limit.
| People | Extremely low 30% | Very low 50% | Low 80% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $36,750 | $61,250 | $97,950 |
| 2 | $42,000 | $70,000 | $111,950 |
| 3 | $47,250 | $78,750 | $125,950 |
| 4 | $52,450 | $87,450 | $139,900 |
| 5 | $56,650 | $94,450 | $151,100 |
| 6 | $60,850 | $101,450 | $162,300 |
| 7 | $65,050 | $108,450 | $173,500 |
| 8 | $69,250 | $115,450 | $184,700 |
Section 8 vouchers: up to the 50% limit, and most go to households under 30%. Public housing: up to 80%. Tax-credit apartments: usually up to 60% of median income, between the 50% and 80% columns.
Fair market rents (2027)
HUD's estimate of rent plus utilities for a modest home. Housing authorities set Section 8 voucher limits from it.
| Size | 92101 | Wider area |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $3,180 | $2,192 |
| 1 bedroom | $3,380 | $2,335 |
| 2 bedrooms | $4,090 | $2,823 |
| 3 bedrooms | $5,420 | $3,743 |
| 4 bedrooms | $6,560 | $4,526 |
Wider area = San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA. Two-bedroom fair market rents in 12 nearby ZIPs range from $2,230 (92136) to $4,230 (92118).
Census figures for 92101 (2020–2024 average): median rent $2,412. Median household income $91,566. 77% of homes are rented. 52% of renters pay 30% or more of their income on rent, and 25% pay half or more.
Census median rent is what renters here actually pay, including long-term leases. Fair market rent is HUD's estimate for a modest apartment available now.
Sources: HUD income limits FY2026; HUD Fair Market Rents FY2027 (Small Area FMR for ZIP figures); U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year 2020–2024. Each program and building can set its own limits — confirm with the property.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share
Project-based Section 8 is on the buildings above. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority, then find a landlord who takes it. Your share of rent is based on income — not always 30%. The calculator uses 92101's fair market rent.
Estimate your Section 8 rent share for 92101Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Section 8 housing in San Diego, CA?
Yes — this directory lists income-restricted buildings in San Diego, CA, including project-based Section 8 apartments (the subsidy stays with the unit), public housing, tax-credit, and USDA rural rentals. Housing Choice Vouchers are different: you apply with the local housing authority and can use them at a private landlord. Estimate your voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
Do affordable housing buildings in San Diego, CA have openings?
These lists for San Diego, CA don't show openings. Call the property (or the housing authority, for public housing) to ask about vacancies and waiting lists.
How do I apply for affordable housing in San Diego, CA?
Use the phone number on each building card in San Diego, CA. Public housing is run by the local housing authority — apply with them, not at the building. USDA rural rentals can also be found through USDA's property search.
What counts as affordable housing in San Diego, CA?
In San Diego, CA, this directory lists income-restricted rentals from HUD tax-credit (LIHTC) records, public housing, HUD-assisted buildings (including project-based Section 8, 202, and 811), and USDA Rural Development.
How many affordable housing buildings are in San Diego, CA?
This directory lists 200 income-restricted buildings in San Diego, CA. The list does not show vacancies — call each property or the housing authority to ask about openings and waiting lists.
Which ZIP codes in San Diego have affordable housing?
Income-restricted buildings in San Diego are listed in 92101 (43), 92113 (28), 92105 (19), 92154 (14), 92102 (13), 92115 (13), 92103 (9), 92130 (9), 92127 (8), 92104 (6), 92111 (6), 92114 (6). The 12 ZIP codes with the most buildings are listed here; see the ZIP list on this page for the rest.
Where do I apply for public housing in San Diego?
Public housing in San Diego is run by San Diego Housing Commission. Apply with that agency, not at the building. For project-based Section 8 and tax-credit apartments, call the phone number on the building card.
People Also Ask
How do I qualify for affordable housing in San Diego, CA?
Most income-restricted buildings in San Diego, CA serve households at or below 50% or 80% of area median income. HUD's 2026 very low-income (50%) limit for a 1-person household is $61,250, and $87,450 for a 4-person household. Public housing can go up to 80% ($97,950 for 1 person). Each building sets its own cap — call to confirm before you apply. Citizenship, household size, and local preferences can also apply.
What is the income limit for low-income housing in San Diego, CA?
For many programs in San Diego, CA, the 2026 HUD very low-income (50%) limit is $61,250 a year for 1 person and $87,450 for 4 people. The low-income (80%) limit is $97,950 for 1 person. Tax-credit buildings often use 60% of median income. Confirm with the property — they can be stricter.
How long is the waiting list for Section 8 in San Diego, CA?
There is no single waiting list for San Diego, CA. Public housing, project-based Section 8, and tax-credit buildings each keep their own list. Housing Choice Voucher lists at the housing authority open only sometimes and can stay closed for years. This directory does not show which lists are open — call the number on each card. Some public housing cards show HUD's reported wait in months.
What is the difference between Section 8 and public housing in San Diego, CA?
Public housing is owned by a housing authority — you apply with that agency, not at the building. Project-based Section 8 is a HUD contract on a private building; the subsidy stays with the apartment. A Housing Choice Voucher is different: you apply with the housing authority and can use it at a landlord who takes it. This page lists public housing, project-based Section 8, tax-credit apartments in San Diego, CA. Estimate voucher rent share with the Section 8 calculator.
How much rent do you pay for low-income housing in San Diego, CA?
In public housing and most Section 8 in San Diego, CA, tenants typically pay about 30% of adjusted income. HUD's 2027 fair market rent for a 2-bedroom near San Diego, CA is $4,090 a month (rent plus utilities for a modest unit). Tax-credit apartments use set rents below market, not always 30% of income. Call the building for the actual rent; this site is not a vacancy or price list.
Can I use a Section 8 voucher at affordable apartments in San Diego, CA?
A Housing Choice Voucher is not automatically accepted at every building in San Diego, CA. Project-based Section 8 units already have a subsidy on the apartment — you apply there, not with a tenant voucher. For a voucher, apply with the housing authority, then ask each landlord. Estimate your share with the Section 8 calculator.
Is there senior affordable housing in San Diego, CA?
Yes — this directory flags senior (often 62+) buildings in San Diego, CA. Use the Seniors filter on the list. Age rules vary; call to confirm.
Sources: HUD LIHTC database, 2024 (released Apr 2026); HUD Multifamily Assisted Properties, Oct 2026; HUD Public Housing Developments, Oct 2026. Not affiliated with HUD or USDA. Details can be out of date — confirm with the property before applying.
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