Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (30 Rentals)

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

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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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 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cypress Park

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

Magnolia Apartments

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

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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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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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.

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Roanoke
1 to 2 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
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
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Laurel Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Park

10122 Buena Vista AveSantee, CA 92071
Senior Living
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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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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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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 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
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
Sun Valley Gardens1 bedroom/1 bath unit1BR,1BA$1,625
Terre at CopleyBreeze1BR,1BA$1,646
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,1BA$1,695
Crestwood ApartmentsUpstairs 1/11BR,1BA$1,695
Westwood Apartments1/1 A (Lobby)1BR,1BA$1,695

Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA

As of August 22, 2025 the best value apartment in the El Cajon area is the $2.41 price per square foot Villa Venezia (2BD/2BA) Model at Villa Toscana in the in the Rancho San Diego neighborhood starting from $2,755. The second greatest value El Cajon apartment is the Sunset Model at Terre at Bradley starting at $2,267 with a $2.06 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.
Villa ToscanaVilla Venezia (2BD/2BA)2BR,2BA$2.41
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$2.06
Sierra Vista 55+ Community2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.29
Oro Park Apartments2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhome Remodeled2BR,1.5BA$2.40
Courtyards2/12BR,1BA$2.33
Spacious Remodeled Apartments With parking2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.33
Terre at 1038 PeachMar2BR,1.5BA$2.41
Greentree Apartments2/1 Down2BR,1BA$2.42
Terre at 1019 PeachHacienda2BR,2BA$2.38
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,1BA$2.17

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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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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 Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+.

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 Woodbridge Mount Helix "Immediate Move In" and starts from $2,475.

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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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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.