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 | $1,790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,310 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,060 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,292 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,807 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,192 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,452 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,910 | $311,051 | 0.61% | D |
| 2BR | $2,310 | $420,756 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $3,060 | $662,310 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $3,700 | $753,772 | 0.49% | F |
| 5BR | $4,292 | $818,852 | 0.52% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
2090 FMR (zip FY 2024) is the Fair Market Rent set for ZIP 92173 in San Diego, CA, which is significantly lower than the $2,458 market rent (ZORI) indicating a gap between what is considered fair and the actual rental market rates. This discrepancy can be advantageous for landlords participating in the Section 8 program, as they can potentially secure tenants more easily despite receiving a lower guaranteed rent. With a median home value of $695,134, it's evident that homeownership in this area is out of reach for many residents, pushing a substantial portion towards renting. The 65.1% renter share underscores the demand for rental properties in the area, suggesting that there is a large pool of potential tenants. However, the median income of $69,792 may limit the number of qualified applicants for the Section 8 program, as eligibility is tied to income levels. The N/A-day DOM (Days on Market) suggests that listings are moving quickly once they hit the market, which could indicate a robust rental market but also points to challenges in finding suitable properties for Section 8 participants. The 0.2% price-cut share indicates that landlords rarely have to reduce their asking rents, which is good news for those looking to maintain steady cash flows. Given these factors, the verdict for Section 8 participation in ZIP 92173 is positive, especially for landlords willing to navigate the regulatory requirements and find tenants within the eligible income bracket.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.