Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (33 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cajon.

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Merritt Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Merritt Manor

964-980 Merritt DrEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Tierra Del Norte
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tierra Del Norte

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

Greenfield Apartments

569 Greenfield DrEl Cajon, CA 92021
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Cypress Park
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cypress Park

348 W Cypress AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Magnolia Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Magnolia Apartments

732 Magnolia AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
Furnished
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  • Smoke Free
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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
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Pacifica Sunrise
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pacifica Sunrise

921 S Sunshine AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Roanoke
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Roanoke

174 Roanoke RdEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Easter Manor Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Easter Manor Apartments

1113 Greenfield DrEl Cajon, CA 92021
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Villa Rimini
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Rimini

725 Washington Heights RdEl Cajon, CA 92019
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Laurel Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Park

10122 Buena Vista AveSantee, CA 92071
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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9859 Dale Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

9859 Dale Ave

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

Rancho La Mesa

5436 Vincetta CtLa Mesa, CA 91942
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Forester Square
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Forester Square

9560 Via ZapadorSantee, CA 92071
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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 Palms in the Mount Helix neighborhood priced from $1,395. Vista Oaks in the Granite Hills neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,425. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cajon apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1sStudio,1BA$1,395
Vista Oaks0+1SStudio,1BA$1,425
Cajon Senior VillasOne Bedroom x One Bath1BR,1BA$1,500
Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+One Bedroom - Downstairs1BR,1BA$1,500
La Quinta Apartment1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,525
Royal Oakdale ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,525
Terre at CopleyBreeze1BR,1BA$1,581
Hunter's Run ApartmentsStudio, (E Plan) UpstairsStudio,1BA$1,595
Crestwood ApartmentsUpstairs 1/11BR,1BA$1,595
Villa Knolls ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,625

Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA

As of October 07, 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 $2,157 with a $1.96 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$1.96
120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4120 Ballantyne st1BR,1.5BA$2.00
1108 E Lexington Ave, Unit A1108 E Lexington Ave2BR,1BA$2.17
Westwood Apartments2/22BR,2BA$2.17
Sunshine Manor ApartmentsManor Apartments2BR,1BA$2.17
Spacious Remodeled Apartments With parking2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.21
Terre at 1050 PeachVivir2BR,2BA$2.20
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,1BA$2.17
Crestwood ApartmentsUpstairs 1/11BR,1BA$2.28

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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 #86

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

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El Cajon, CA Apartments Map
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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 Palms 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 Cajon Senior Villas.

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 $1,850 at Spacious Remodeled Apartments With parking.

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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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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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.