Cheap Homes for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $1,200 (25 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Homes 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.

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.

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.

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.

El Cajon, CA Local Guide

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. Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+ in the Bostonia neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,500. 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
Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+One Bedroom - Downstairs1BR,1BA$1,500
Terre at S LincolnPlaza1BR,1BA$1,514
La Quinta Apartment1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,525
Royal Oakdale ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,525

Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA

As of August 02, 2025 the best value apartment in the El Cajon area is the $1.87 price per square foot Rent a Home Model at Camerons Mobile Estates in the in the Prospect Glen neighborhood starting from $2,600. The second greatest value El Cajon apartment is the Sunset Model at Terre at Bradley starting at $2,441 with a $2.22 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.
Camerons Mobile EstatesRent a Home2BR,2BA$1.87
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$2.22
Villa Knolls Apartments2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.42
Sierra Vista 55+ Community2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.29
Courtyards2/12BR,1BA$2.33
Mollison Villas2/12BR,1BA$2.28
Legacy Condominium Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.36
Greentree Apartments2/1 Down2BR,1BA$2.42
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,1BA$2.17
Crestwood ApartmentsUpstairs 1/11BR,1BA$2.42

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Frequently Asked Questions about El Cajon

What type of rentals are currently available in El Cajon?

There are currently 1066 Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,395 to $30,000. There are also 131 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in El Cajon ranging from $1,200 to $8,900.

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 $1,200 to $8,900 with an average monthly rent of $3,328.

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 $5,258, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,840 to $8,900. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,550 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $3,850.

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.

decorative image for Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide article

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.

decorative image for The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

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.

decorative image for Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting article

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.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

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.