Location: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | Metro: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $3,200 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,410 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,120 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,610 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $7,668 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $8,588 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $9,275 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $9,739 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $4,120 | $594,781 | 0.69% | D |
| 3BR | $5,460 | $851,994 | 0.64% | D |
| 4BR | $6,610 | $1,153,304 | 0.57% | F |
| 5BR | $7,668 | $1,454,299 | 0.53% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 91914, located in Chula Vista, CA, within the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA, does not favor Section 8 participation. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $4250 for the fiscal year 2024 exceeds the average market rent reported by the Census ACS, which stands at $3,501. This discrepancy means that landlords could potentially earn more by renting homes on the open market rather than through Section 8.
Acquisition in this area is relatively expensive, with a median home value of $1,182,190. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the low price-cut share of 0.2% suggest that homes are selling quickly without significant price reductions. This indicates a robust local real estate market, but it also implies that acquiring a property for Section 8 might be financially challenging due to high costs.
Tenant demand in ZIP 91914 is moderate. With a total population of 16,877, the renter share is 19.7%. While this suggests a reasonable pool of potential tenants, the relatively low percentage of renters compared to homeowners may limit the number of qualified Section 8 applicants available.
In summary, while there is some tenant demand in ZIP 91914, the financials do not strongly support Section 8 participation. The higher FMR compared to the actual market rent makes it less attractive, and the high median home value complicates affordable acquisitions. Landlords should carefully weigh these factors before deciding to participate in the Section 8 program in this area.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.