Quick answer
LGBTQ+ community hub, walkable, great restaurants, Balboa Park edge; 1BR $2,000–2,600
Neighborhood Guide · 2026
Hillcrest / Mission Hills, San Diego
LGBTQ+ community hub, walkable, great restaurants, Balboa Park edge; 1BR $2,000–2,600
San Diego Housing Costs — 2026
Median 1BR rent
$2,250/mo
Median 2BR rent
$3,000/mo
Median home price
$820K
Avg utilities
$130/mo
City-wide medians. Hillcrest / Mission Hills rents may vary above or below depending on building vintage and unit type.Full San Diego breakdown →
Other Neighborhoods in San Diego
Compare Hillcrest / Mission Hills with other popular areas.
North Park
Craft beer corridor, walkable restaurants, younger crowd, most affordable urban neighborhood; 1BR $1,900–2,400
South Park / Golden Hill
Quieter than North Park, bungalows, coffee culture, families; 1BR $1,800–2,200
Ocean Beach
Laid-back surfer vibe, dog beach, independent shops, OB Pier; 1BR $2,000–2,600
La Jolla
Upscale coastal living, UCSD adjacent, stunning cliffs and coves, most expensive; 1BR $2,800–4,000
Carmel Valley / Del Mar
Biotech corridor, top schools, newer construction, family-oriented; 1BR $2,400–3,000
Chula Vista
South Bay, most affordable, growing tech presence, border culture; 1BR $1,600–2,100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hillcrest / Mission Hills a good neighborhood in San Diego?
LGBTQ+ community hub, walkable, great restaurants, Balboa Park edge; 1BR $2,000–2,600
What is the rent in Hillcrest / Mission Hills, San Diego?
San Diego citywide median 1BR rent is $2,250/mo. Hillcrest / Mission Hills pricing varies from the city average depending on building age, proximity to transit, and in-unit amenities. Studio units in San Diego often run 15–20% below the 1BR median.
What is Hillcrest / Mission Hills in San Diego known for?
LGBTQ+ community hub, walkable, great restaurants, Balboa Park edge; 1BR $2,000–2,600
How does Hillcrest / Mission Hills compare to other San Diego neighborhoods?
Hillcrest / Mission Hills is one of 7 notable neighborhoods in San Diego. Other options include North Park, South Park / Golden Hill, Ocean Beach.
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