
Cheap Homes for Rent in El Cajon, CA from $500 (23 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in El Cajon.


89 Gandy Ave

9415 Mesa Terrace

1183 Naranca Ave

800 N Mollison Ave

297 S Mollison Ave
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.

991 N Mollison Ave

991 N Mollison Ave
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.

1423 Graves Ave

321 Murray Dr

6383 Lake Arago Ave

6 E Lexington Ave

8731 Graves Ave

11454 Via Rancho San Diego
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.

11410 Via Rancho San Diego

1320 Heron Ave
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 | $2,865 | $1,995 | $5,100 |
| El Cajon 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,753 | $2,790 | $5,250 |
| El Cajon 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,489 | $3,200 | $6,500 |
| El Cajon 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,598 | $4,299 | $4,995 |
| El Cajon 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,695 | $7,695 | $7,695 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in El Cajon
Explore El Cajon
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 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 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA
As of December 31, 2025 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 Sunset Model at Terre at Bradley starting at $2,353 with a $2.14 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camerons Mobile Estates | Rent a Home | 2BR,2BA | $1.97 |
| Terre at Bradley | Sunset | 2BR,1BA | $2.14 |
| 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 |
| Sierra Vista 55+ Community | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.28 |
| Villas | Chateau | 2BR,2BA | $2.21 |
| 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleEl Cajon, CA
Ranked #86
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
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 El Cajon
What type of rentals are currently available in El Cajon?
There are currently 1081 Apartments for Rent in El Cajon, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,200 to $11,605. There are also 142 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in El Cajon ranging from $500 to $7,695.
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 $500 to $7,695 with an average monthly rent of $3,857.
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 $6,057, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,790 to $5,250. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,200 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $3,885.
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.






