
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (186 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cajon.


Persimmon Terrace Senior Apartments

336 Travelodge Dr

336 S Travelodge Dr

Vista Palms

Vista Oaks

Vista De Luna

Cajon Senior Villas

Royal Oakdale Apartments

La Quinta Apartment
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Vista Pines

198 Highline Trail

Total Monthly Price
Hunter's Run Apartments

Terre at Mollison

Anniversary Apartments *First Month Free*

Ranchouse Apartments *First Month Free*

Palm Estates Apartments

Four Winds Apartments

Oak Valley Apartments

840-840 S Orange Ave
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

530 Graves Ave

Terre at Madison

Majestic Apartments - ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED

Terre at 989 Peach

Terre at Lexi

Chateau Du Val Apartments

The Madison

The Timbers Apartments

Parkway Club

Legacy Residential
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

The Bend on Ballantyne

Jamacha Apartments

318 W Cypress Ave

Artesia Condominiums

Bree Manor

Haven at The Hills

Total Monthly Price
1010 S Magnolia Ave, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
1651 Braddon Way, Unit # B

Forest Park at Fletcher Hills

Total Monthly Price
Cajon Villa Apartments
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.

Courtyards Apartments!

Mollison Garden Apartments

Casa Tierra Apartments

570 S Lincoln Ave, Unit 22

10610 Quail Canyon Rd

441 Dominguez Way

Mollison Villas

1261 Victor Ave, Unit 2

Cabo Verde Apartments

Greenfield Estates
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
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 | $1,722 | $1,395 | $2,270 |
| Cheap El Cajon 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,236 | $1,350 | $4,252 |
| Cheap El Cajon 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,676 | $1,900 | $8,012 |
| Cheap El Cajon 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,752 | $2,495 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap El Cajon 4 Bedroom Apartments | $9,850 | $6,766 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in El Cajon
See all Apartments in El CajonExplore El Cajon
El Cajon, CA Local Guide

- El Cajon Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
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- School Districts
Cheapest Available El Cajon Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in El Cajon, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Persimmon Terrace Senior Apartments in the Granite Hills neighborhood priced from $1,350. Vista Oaks in the El Cajon 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persimmon Terrace Senior Apartments | upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1,350 |
| Vista Oaks | 0+1S | Studio,1BA | $1,425 |
| Cajon Senior Villas | One Bedroom x One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| La Quinta Apartment | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,525 |
| Winter Gardens Manor | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
| Terre at Mollison | Palm | 1BR,1BA | $1,674 |
| Sun Valley Gardens | 1 bedroom/1 bath unit | 1BR,1BA | $1,675 |
| Westwood Apartments | 1/1 A (Lobby) | 1BR,1BA | $1,675 |
| Anniversary Apartments *First Month Free* | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
| Ranchouse Apartments *First Month Free* | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA
As of July 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the El Cajon area is the $1.97 price per square foot Rent a Home Model at Camerons Mobile Estates in the in the El Cajon neighborhood starting from $2,750. The second greatest value El Cajon apartment is the 2/1 Model at Courtyards Apartments! starting at $2,095 with a $2.33 price per square foot in the El Cajon 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 | $1.97 |
| Courtyards Apartments! | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.33 |
| Haven at The Hills | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom - Renovated Units | 2BR,1BA | $2.49 |
| Mollison Garden Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.46 |
| River Trail Apartments | 2/1 W/Balcony | 2BR,1BA | $2.47 |
| Sun Valley Gardens | 1 bedroom/1 bath unit | 1BR,1BA | $2.36 |
| Anniversary Apartments *First Month Free* | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.42 |
| Crestwood Apartments! | Upstairs 1/1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.46 |
| Terre at Mollison | Palm | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Westwood Apartments | 1/1 B | 1BR,1BA | $2.49 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Student Renter's Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood to Rent
Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in San Diego, CA | Find San Diego Off-Campus Student Housing
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
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.
Best Local Schools in El Cajon, CA
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
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 Oaks listed at $1,425.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cajon Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cajon Apartment is $1,350 at Persimmon Terrace Senior Apartments.
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 $2,083 at Terre at Mollison.
What is the most affordable El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Parkwood Gardens and starts from $2,695.
Expert Rental Resources
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

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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Choosing the right place to live during your college years can make or break your collegiate experience. My name is Hayden, I’m a San Diego area expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com and have been in the real estate world for years.

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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
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There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.