
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $700 (32 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cajon.


Vista Palms

Vista Oaks

Vista De Luna

Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+

Cajon Senior Villas

Merritt Manor

Persimmon Villas Senior Apartments
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.

Colonial Gardens Apartments

Tierra Del Norte

Greenfield Apartments

Cypress Park

Melody Lane Apartments

Magnolia Apartments

434 Avocado Ave

Key Largo 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.

Rockford Gardens

Parkway Club

Fletcher Hills Apartments

Lexington Palms

Pacifica Sunrise

Pacifica Sunrise Apartments/Condominiums

Roanoke

Park Terrace Apartments
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.

Easter Manor Apartments

Villa Rimini

Shadowhill Apartments

Laurel Park

9859 Dale Ave

Rancho La Mesa

Forester Square

Casa De Oro Senior Apartments
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in El Cajon?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap El Cajon Studio Apartments | $1,713 | $1,200 | $2,406 |
| Cheap El Cajon 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,112 | $1,500 | $3,298 |
| Cheap El Cajon 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,517 | $1,900 | $3,504 |
| Cheap El Cajon 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,099 | $2,495 | $5,817 |
| Cheap El Cajon 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,585 | $3,995 | $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
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1s | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
| Vista De Luna | Upstairs Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,470 |
| Cajon Senior Villas | One Bedroom x One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+ | One Bedroom - Downstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| La Quinta Apartment | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,525 |
| Royal Oakdale Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,525 |
| Vista Pines | *MOVE IN SPECIAL-$200 OFF 1st MONTH’S RENT! Spa... | Studio,1BA | $1,545 |
| Terre at S Anza | Bloom | Studio,1BA | $1,665 |
| Sun Valley Gardens Apartments | Comfortable Living in El Cajon, CA | 1 bedroom/1 bath unit | 1BR,1BA | $1,675 |
| Jamacha Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terre at Bradley | Sunset | 2BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| 120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4 | 120 Ballantyne st | 1BR,1.5BA | $2.00 |
| The Highlands - Main Office | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.38 |
| 253 Orlando St | 2 Bedroom and 2.5 Bath | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.38 |
| Sierra Vista 55+ Community | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.28 |
| Villas | Chateau | 2BR,2BA | $2.16 |
| 1374 N Cuyamaca St | Two Bedroom One Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.37 |
| Courtyards | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.24 |
| Spacious Remodeled Apartments With parking and Air conditioning | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.03 |
| Casa Tierra Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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 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
Fletcher Hills Elementary
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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.