Gross rental yield
0.00%
Annual rent ÷ purchase price
Free rental property calculator
San Diego Rental Property Cash Flow Calculator
San Diego pairs premium rents with very high purchase prices. California's lower effective tax rate helps, but yield still depends on financing and rent growth.
Your assumptions
Property inputs
Adjust any figure. Your yield, cap rate, and cash flow update immediately.
Advanced underwriting assumptions
Add vacancy, management, reserves and acquisition costs for a more conservative estimate.
Investment snapshot
Your estimated returns
Net rental yield
0.00%
After tax, insurance & HOA
Cap rate
0.00%
Net operating income ÷ price
Estimated mortgage payment
$0
Monthly principal and interest
Net operating income
$0
Annual income before debt service
Cash-on-cash return
0.00%
Annual cash flow ÷ cash invested
DSCR
0.00×
NOI ÷ annual debt service
Break-even occupancy
0.00%
Occupancy needed to cover costs
Total cash invested
$0
Down payment, closing and repairs
Monthly net cash flow
+$0
After vacancy, operating costs, reserves and mortgage debt service.
Annual cash flow$0
Annual operating expenses$0
Planning estimate only. Verify actual taxes, insurance, financing, rents, vacancy and property condition before making an investment decision.
Local investor benchmark
Underwriting a rental in San Diego, CA
San Diego's premium purchase prices make positive leveraged cash flow difficult at citywide median assumptions, even though rents are well above the national average. Investors typically need a below-median basis, unusually strong rent, a larger down payment, or a value-add strategy for the numbers to work. The calculator starts at $979,034 purchase price, $3,100 monthly rent and a 1.25% planning tax rate.
Starting price
$979,034
Starting rent
$3,100/mo
Gross screening yield
3.8%
Local risks to test
- A citywide median hides major differences between coastal neighborhoods, central urban areas and inland submarkets.
- Insurance availability, HOA dues, earthquake exposure and deferred maintenance can materially change operating costs.
- San Diego tenant-protection rules and California rental regulations should be reviewed before assuming turnover, rent growth or relocation costs.
Sources and methodology
Market references: sale-price source, rent source, and property-tax guidance, plus local tenant-protection rules. Updated October 2026. Citywide figures are starting points, not parcel-level valuations.
Can San Diego rentals generate positive cash flow?
Yes, but the citywide median case is demanding. At a $979,034 purchase price and $3,100 monthly rent, gross yield is only about 3.8%. That leaves little room for taxes, insurance, vacancy, repairs and debt. Positive cash flow usually requires buying below the median, documenting above-average rent, contributing more equity, adding legal rental space, or finding a property with materially better economics.
Worked San Diego cash-flow example
Using the page defaults, 20% down, a 6.5% 30-year mortgage, $1,800 annual insurance, 5% vacancy, 8% management, 5% maintenance and 5% CapEx, the model produces about $16,466 of annual NOI, a 1.7% cap rate and approximately -$3,733 per month after debt service and CapEx. This is a screening example, not a forecast. Change every input to match the property.
Neighborhood-level considerations
Coastal markets
Premium rents may be offset by much higher acquisition prices, insurance exposure and stricter use restrictions.
Downtown and central areas
Condo HOA dues, parking, building assessments and unit-specific rental rules can dominate the cash-flow calculation.
Inland communities
Lower purchase prices may improve yield, but verify commute patterns, heat-related operating costs and block-level rent demand.
Build a conservative San Diego model
Use the rental cash-flow guide, compare rental yield versus cap rate, and review how property taxes affect cash flow.
Frequently asked questions
Can San Diego rental properties produce positive cash flow?
They can, but citywide median price and rent assumptions often produce negative leveraged cash flow. A lower purchase basis, higher verified rent, larger down payment, added units, or lower operating costs may be necessary.
What is the starting gross rental yield for San Diego?
Using a $979,034 purchase price and $3,100 monthly rent, the starting gross rental yield is about 3.8% before vacancy, taxes, insurance, maintenance, management and financing.
What property-tax rate should I use for a San Diego rental?
A 1.25% planning rate is a reasonable screening input because California's base ad valorem rate is 1% and voter-approved debt, assessments and parcel-specific charges can raise the bill. Always verify the exact parcel.
Does the San Diego cap rate include the mortgage?
No. Cap rate uses net operating income before debt service. Monthly cash flow, cash-on-cash return and DSCR show the effect of financing.
Which San Diego neighborhoods should rental investors compare?
Compare actual listings and operating costs within the same micro-market. Coastal areas, Downtown and central neighborhoods, and inland communities can have very different prices, rents, HOA costs and tenant demand.
What local rules should a San Diego landlord review?
Review the City of San Diego Tenant Protection Ordinance, applicable California rules, licensing requirements and any HOA restrictions. Consult a qualified local professional for a specific property.