Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Rancho San Diego Neighborhood of El Cajon, CA from $900 (9 Rentals)

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

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon.

close
View Me
Merritt Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Merritt Manor

964-980 Merritt DrEl Cajon, CA 92020

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.

close
View Me
Magnolia Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Magnolia Apartments

732 Magnolia AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Villa Rimini
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Rimini

725 Washington Heights RdEl Cajon, CA 92019
close
View Me
Villas of Washington
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villas of Washington

1121 E Washington AveEl Cajon, CA 92019
  • Utilities Included

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.

Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Rancho San Diego Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Rancho San Diego area of San Diego, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at La Quinta Apartment priced from $1,525. Courtyards has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $2,020. Here are the most affordable Rancho San Diego apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
La Quinta Apartment1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,525
Courtyards2/12BR,1BA$2,020
Mollison Garden Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2,095

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho San Diego, CA

As of November 27, 2025 the best value apartment in the Rancho San Diego area is the $3.07 price per square foot Townhome Model at Woodbridge Mount Helix "Immediate Move In" in the in the Rancho San Diego neighborhood starting from $3,680. The second greatest value Rancho San Diego apartment is the 2/2 Larger Unit Model at Montebello Villas starting at $2,175 with a $2.30 price per square foot in the Rancho San Diego neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Rancho San Diego apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Woodbridge Mount Helix "Immediate Move In"Townhome3BR,2.5BA$3.07
Montebello Villas2/2 Larger Unit2BR,2BA$2.30
Henry Square - Where Modern Comfort Meets Neighborhood Charm2 bd 1.5 ba Townhomes2BR,1.5BA$2.77
Courtyards2/12BR,1BA$2.24
Lincoln Washington ApartmentsTwo Bedroom Two Bath2BR,2BA$2.75
Village Green2 Bed2BR,1BA$2.53
Mollison Garden Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2.46
Rancho Hillside Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath A1BR,1BA$3.06
Park PointeOne Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$3.32
649 Crest Dr, Unit Guest House649 Crest Dr1BR,1BA$3.00

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA

Ranked #4

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Lifestyle Ratings

This website is happy to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals in metropolitan areas across the United States including Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, and the greater San Diego area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for proximity to parks, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, features that make it easier to raise kids, proximity to transit, and other valuable search options. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Rancho San Diego Neighborhood in El Cajon, CA

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

30 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Rancho San Diego Apartments

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Rancho San Diego Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Rancho San Diego Apartment is $1,525 at La Quinta Apartment.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Rancho San Diego Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Rancho San Diego is starting from $2,020 at Courtyards.

What is the most affordable Rancho San Diego Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Rancho San Diego Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Park Pointe and starts from $2,814.

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 Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.