Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (32 Rentals)

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Merritt Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Merritt Manor

964-980 Merritt DrEl Cajon, CA 92020

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.

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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
  • 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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Key Largo Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Key Largo Apartments

380 N Mollison AveEl Cajon, CA 92021
  • Utilities Included

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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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
  • Utilities Included

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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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
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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
  • 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.

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 De Luna has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,470. 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 De LunaUpstairs StudioStudio,1BA$1,470
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
Vista Pines*MOVE IN SPECIAL-$200 OFF 1st MONTH’S RENT! Spa...Studio,1BA$1,545
Terre at S AnzaBloomStudio,1BA$1,665
Sun Valley Gardens Apartments | Comfortable Living in El Cajon, CA1 bedroom/1 bath unit1BR,1BA$1,675
Jamacha ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,700

Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA

As of January 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the El Cajon area is the $2.05 price per square foot Sunset Model at Terre at Bradley in the in the Winter Gardens neighborhood starting from $2,253. The second greatest value El Cajon apartment is the 120 Ballantyne st Model at 120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4 starting at $2,200 with a $2.00 price per square foot . 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.
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$2.05
120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4120 Ballantyne st1BR,1.5BA$2.00
The Highlands - Main Office2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.38
253 Orlando St2 Bedroom and 2.5 Bath2BR,2.5BA$2.38
Sierra Vista 55+ Community2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.28
VillasChateau2BR,2BA$2.16
1374 N Cuyamaca StTwo Bedroom One Bathroom2BR,1BA$2.37
Courtyards2/12BR,1BA$2.24
Spacious Remodeled Apartments With parking and Air conditioning2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.03
Casa Tierra ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.38

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.

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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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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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The 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

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Quick 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.

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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.

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

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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 $1,745 at Spacious Remodeled Apartments With parking and Air conditioning.

What is the most affordable El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Garden Park and starts from $2,495.

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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 Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.