
Cheap Homes for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $900 (21 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in El Cajon.


1160 E Lexington Ave

571 Tilling Way

840-840 S Orange Ave

530 Graves Ave

5129 Wilson St

991 N Mollison Ave, Unit 09
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.

1555 Buckeye Dr

571 Tilling Way, Unit 1

550 Graves Ave

1000 Leslie Rd

12191 Cuyamaca College Dr E

589 N Johnson Ave

991 N Mollison Ave, Unit 12
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1423 Graves Ave, Unit 142, Unit 142

3620 S Barcelona St

200 Chambers St

1137 E Lexington Ave

917 E Madison Ave, Unit 917 E Madison Ave

745 E Bradley Ave

455 Ballantyne St
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El Cajon, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in El Cajon?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Cajon 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,719 | $1,995 | $3,500 |
| El Cajon 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,850 | $2,695 | $6,500 |
| El Cajon 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,948 | $3,800 | $7,500 |
| El Cajon 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,172 | $4,595 | $7,750 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in El Cajon
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El Cajon, CA Local Guide
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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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Persimmon Terrace Senior Apartments | upstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1,350 |
| Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1s | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
| Vista Oaks | 0+1S | Studio,1BA | $1,425 |
| Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+ | One Bedroom - Downstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| La Quinta Apartment | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,525 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA
As of May 20, 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camerons Mobile Estates | Rent a Home | 2BR,2BA | $1.97 |
| Carlton Ridge *1st Month Free OAC* | Staged Apartment | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Volterra Apartments | 3 x 2 Siena - Renovated | 3BR,2BA | $2.36 |
| Terre at Bradley | Sunset | 2BR,1BA | $1.91 |
| 120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4 | 120 Ballantyne st | 1BR,1.5BA | $2.00 |
| Spacious 2 Bedroom Apartments at The Courtyards in El Cajon | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.33 |
| Greentree Apartments | 2/1 Up | 2BR,1BA | $2.42 |
| Sun Valley Gardens Apartments | Comfortable Living in El Cajon, CA | 1 bedroom/1 bath unit | 1BR,1BA | $2.36 |
| Shady Terrace | 1/1 Balcony | 1BR,1BA | $2.42 |
| Anniversary Apartments *First Month Free* | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.42 |
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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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.
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 El Cajon
What type of rentals are currently available in El Cajon?
There are currently 1074 Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,350 to $18,217. There are also 99 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in El Cajon ranging from $950 to $7,750.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in El Cajon?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in El Cajon ranges from $950 to $7,750 with an average monthly rent of $3,507.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in El Cajon?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in El Cajon range from $2,495 to $10,795, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,695 to $6,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,800 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $4,495.
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.
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