Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (31 Rentals)

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Merritt Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Merritt Manor

964-980 Merritt DrEl Cajon, CA 92020

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.

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Tierra Del Norte
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tierra Del Norte

984 Peach AveEl Cajon, CA 92021
  • Utilities Included
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Greenfield Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Greenfield Apartments

569 Greenfield DrEl Cajon, CA 92021
  • Utilities Included
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Cypress Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cypress Park

348 W Cypress AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
  • Utilities Included
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Magnolia Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Magnolia Apartments

732 Magnolia AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free

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.

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434 Avocado Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

434 Avocado Ave

434 Avocado AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Rockford Gardens
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Rockford Gardens

181 Ballantyne StEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Parkway Club
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Parkway Club

316 Hart DrEl Cajon, CA 92021
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Lexington Palms
2 Bedroom Apartments

Lexington Palms

528-570 W Lexington AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
  • Utilities Included
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Pacifica Sunrise
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pacifica Sunrise

921 S Sunshine AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
  • Utilities Included
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Roanoke
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Roanoke

174 Roanoke RdEl Cajon, CA 92020
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Easter Manor Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Easter Manor Apartments

1113 Greenfield DrEl Cajon, CA 92021
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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Villa Rimini
2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Rimini

725 Washington Heights RdEl Cajon, CA 92019
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Cajon Senior Villas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Cajon Senior Villas

1219 Persimmon AveEl Cajon, CA 92021
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Laurel Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Park

10122 Buena Vista AveSantee, CA 92071
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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9859 Dale Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

9859 Dale Ave

9859 Dale AveSpring Valley, CA 91977
  • Utilities Included
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Rancho La Mesa
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Rancho La Mesa

5436 Vincetta CtLa Mesa, CA 91942
  • Utilities Included
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Forester Square
1 Bedroom Apartments

Forester Square

9560 Via ZapadorSantee, CA 92071

El Cajon, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Vista Bella Apartment HomesLa StanzaStudio,1BA$1,395
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1Studio,1BA$1,445
Vista De LunaUpstairs StudioStudio,1BA$1,470
Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+One Bedroom - Upstairs1BR,1BA$1,500
La Quinta Apartment1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,525
Royal Oakdale ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,525
Vista OaksRENOVATED BRIGHT & SUNNY STUDIO, POOL, ONSITE L...Studio,1BA$1,540
Terre at 1037Sol1BR,1BA$1,656
CrestwoodAll 1 Bedrooms1BR,1BA$1,695
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Camerons Mobile EstatesRent a Home2BR,2BA$1.87
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$2.19
Sierra Vista 55+ Community2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.29
Greenfield Meadows2 bed 1.5 bath2BR,1.5BA$2.31
Montebello VillasPlan B2BR,2BA$2.27
Chateau Du Val Apartments2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2.35
Mollison Villas2/12BR,1BA$2.28
Legacy Condominium Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.36
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,1BA$2.17
CrestwoodAll 1 Bedrooms1BR,1BA$2.33

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 Lifestyle
El Cajon, CA

Ranked #92

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore El Cajon, CA Rentals by Map

View MapEl Cajon, CA Apartments MapView MapEl Cajon, CA Rental Homes Map

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

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.

decorative image for Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide article

Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide

Written by: Hayden Goldberg

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

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

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.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

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.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

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.