Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (31 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cajon.

Vista Bella Apartment Homes

Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Pacifica Sunrise Apartments/Condominiums
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
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El Cajon, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in El Cajon?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap El Cajon Studio Apartments | $2,091 | $1,395 | $3,894 |
Cheap El Cajon 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,252 | $1,500 | $4,675 |
Cheap El Cajon 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,614 | $1,895 | $5,576 |
Cheap El Cajon 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,113 | $2,495 | $4,332 |
Cheap El Cajon 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,400 | $3,850 | $6,950 |
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El Cajon, CA Local Guide

- El Cajon Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available El Cajon Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in El Cajon, CA is a Studio unit found at Vista Bella Apartment Homes in the Granite Hills neighborhood priced from $1,395. Vista Palms in the Mount Helix neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,445. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cajon apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Vista Bella Apartment Homes | La Stanza | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1 | Studio,1BA | $1,445 |
Vista De Luna | Upstairs Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,470 |
Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+ | One Bedroom - Upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
La Quinta Apartment | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,525 |
Royal Oakdale Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,525 |
Vista Oaks | RENOVATED BRIGHT & SUNNY STUDIO, POOL, ONSITE L... | Studio,1BA | $1,540 |
Terre at 1037 | Sol | 1BR,1BA | $1,656 |
Crestwood | All 1 Bedrooms | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
Winter Gardens Manor | 9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #15 | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA
As of July 08, 2025 the best value apartment in the El Cajon area is the $1.87 price per square foot Rent a Home Model at Camerons Mobile Estates in the in the Prospect Glen neighborhood starting from $2,600. The second greatest value El Cajon apartment is the Sunset Model at Terre at Bradley starting at $2,411 with a $2.19 price per square foot in the Winter Gardens neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for El Cajon apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Camerons Mobile Estates | Rent a Home | 2BR,2BA | $1.87 |
Terre at Bradley | Sunset | 2BR,1BA | $2.19 |
Sierra Vista 55+ Community | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.29 |
Greenfield Meadows | 2 bed 1.5 bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.31 |
Montebello Villas | Plan B | 2BR,2BA | $2.27 |
Chateau Du Val Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.35 |
Mollison Villas | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.28 |
Legacy Condominium Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.36 |
Winter Gardens Manor | 9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #15 | 1BR,1BA | $2.17 |
Crestwood | All 1 Bedrooms | 1BR,1BA | $2.33 |
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El Cajon Overview
Playfully referred to as 'The Big Box', El Cajon is located in the heart of San Diego County, a growing popular hotspot in sunny California. From epic weather and cuisine, to an eclectic body population and sound economic base, this west coast city is in-demand for good cause.
Why live in El Cajon, CA?
Home to a wide array of popular universities as well as boasting plenty of that famous California sunshine to spare, El Cajon apartments are wildly popular among working-class families and on-the-go young professionals alike. From scenic mountains to the nearby coastline, this beautiful slice of the west coast has much to offer a variety of lifestyles, and its unsurprising that rentals remain in-demand consistently.
Pet Friendly LifestyleEl Cajon, CA
Ranked #92
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in El Cajon, CA
Fletcher Hills Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore El Cajon, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in El Cajon, CA
Getting Around El Cajon, CA
Walk Score®
63 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
46 / 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Minimal bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
32 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap El Cajon Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in El Cajon?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in El Cajon is at Vista Bella Apartment Homes listed at $1,395.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cajon Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cajon Apartment is $1,500 at Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom El Cajon Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in El Cajon is starting from $1,895 at Oakdale Apartments.
What is the most affordable El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Ranchouse Apartments *$500 Off* and starts from $2,695.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.