Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $600 (153 Rentals)

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

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.

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Hunter's Run Apartments
Rent Specials
$1,595 - $1,865
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,595 - $1,865
Total Monthly Price
$1,595 - $1,865
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hunter's Run Apartments

532 BroadwayEl Cajon, CA 92021
Eco-Friendly
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
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Terre at Bostonia
$1,646 - $4,093
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,646 - $4,093
Total Monthly Price
$1,646 - $4,093
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Terre at Bostonia

1294 N Mollison AveEl Cajon, CA 92021
Corporate Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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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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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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Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture

From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

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El Cajon, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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 Palms in the Mount Helix neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,395. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cajon apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Persimmon Terrace Senior Apartmentsupstairs1BR,1BA$1,350
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1sStudio,1BA$1,395
Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+One Bedroom - Downstairs1BR,1BA$1,500
La Quinta Apartment1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,525
Vista Pines0+1 DownstairsStudio,1BA$1,545
Vista Oaks0 + 1KStudio,1BA$1,550
Terre at S LincolnPlaza1BR,1BA$1,593
Orlando Woods ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,625
Terre at E ParkStudioStudio,1BA$1,628

Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA

As of May 31, 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 Prospect Glen neighborhood starting from $2,750. The second greatest value El Cajon apartment is the Staged Apartment Model at Carlton Ridge *1st Month Free OAC* starting at $2,795 with a $2.33 price per square foot in the Prospect Glen 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$1.97
Carlton Ridge *1st Month Free OAC*Staged Apartment3BR,2BA$2.33
Volterra Apartments3 x 2 Siena - Renovated3BR,2BA$2.36
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$1.96
Parkwood Gardens2/1 Downstairs2BR,1BA$2.48
Mollison Garden Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2.46
VillasPalazzo1BR,1BA$2.41
Greentree Apartments1/1 Patio1BR,1BA$2.42
Anniversary Apartments *First Month Free*One Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.42
120 Ballantyne st, Unit Suite 101120 Ballantyne st1BR,1BA$1.30

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 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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Real 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.

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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.

Best Local Schools in
El Cajon, CA

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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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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 $1,350 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 $1,975 at 5121 Dailey Ct.

What is the most affordable El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap El Cajon Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Emerald Ave Apartments and starts from $2,595.

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.

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

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Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters

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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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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

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Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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