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 | $2,040 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,630 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,490 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,220 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,895 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,482 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,921 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $6,217 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,180 | $466,459 | 0.47% | F |
| 2BR | $2,630 | $725,811 | 0.36% | F |
| 3BR | $3,490 | $972,944 | 0.36% | F |
| 4BR | $4,220 | $1,180,906 | 0.36% | F |
| 5BR | $4,895 | $1,457,452 | 0.34% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
ZIP code 91941, located in La Mesa, CA, falls within the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA. To evaluate its position within the metro, we can compare its Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $2,510, market rent of $2,588, median home value of $1,030,847, and 32.5% renter share against typical ZIP codes in the San Diego area.
The FMR for ZIP 91941 is slightly below the average FMR for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad MSA, which typically ranges higher. This suggests that rental properties in 91941 are relatively affordable compared to other areas in the metro. The market rent of $2,588 closely aligns with the FMR, indicating that the rental market in 91941 is stable and reflective of fair market conditions.
The median home value of $1,030,847 is also somewhat lower than the average home value in the broader San Diego metro, which tends to be higher due to the inclusion of more expensive coastal neighborhoods. However, it remains above the national average, signaling that 91941 is still considered a relatively high-value area.
The 32.5% renter share in 91941 is noteworthy. It is higher than the average renter share in many ZIP codes within the San Diego metro, which tend to be around 20-30%. A higher percentage of renters often indicates a greater demand for rental housing, which can be beneficial for landlords and small-portfolio investors.
Based on these figures, ZIP 91941 appears to be a mid-tier neighborhood within the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad MSA. While it has higher home values than many other ZIP codes in the metro, its rental prices are more moderate. The higher renter share could suggest that it is particularly attractive to tenants who might benefit from Section 8 assistance, making it a valuable area for landlords interested in participating in such programs.
To summarize, 91941 offers a balance between property values and rental affordability, positioning it as a solid option for those looking to invest in the San Diego metro without targeting the most premium or least expensive sub-markets.
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.