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
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
close
View Me
Magnolia Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Magnolia Apartments

732 Magnolia AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free

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.

close
View Me
Villa Rimini
2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Rimini

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

Villas of Washington

1121 E Washington AveEl Cajon, CA 92019
  • Utilities Included

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.

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. The Courtyards *$500 Off * has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $2,095. 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
The Courtyards *$500 Off *2 BD/1 BA Downstairs2BR,1BA$2,095
Mollison Garden Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2,095

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho San Diego, CA

As of June 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Rancho San Diego area is the $2.98 price per square foot 3 Bed/2 Bath Remodeled Model at Woodbridge Mount Helix "Immediate Move In" in the in the Rancho San Diego neighborhood starting from $3,575. The second greatest value Rancho San Diego apartment is the 2 BD/1 BA Downstairs Model at The Courtyards *$500 Off * starting at $2,095 with a $2.33 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"3 Bed/2 Bath Remodeled3BR,2BA$2.98
The Courtyards *$500 Off *2 BD/1 BA Downstairs2BR,1BA$2.33
Lincoln Washington ApartmentsTwo Bedroom Two Bath2BR,2BA$2.75
Villa ToscanaVilla Florentine1BR,1BA$2.63
Mollison Garden Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2.46
Henry Square2 bd 1 bath 806sqft2BR,1BA$3.10
Rancho Hillside Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath A1BR,1BA$3.24
Park PointeOne Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$3.27
La Quinta Apartment1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.39

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 #3

Among neighborhoods in El Cajon, CA 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 $2,095 at Mollison Garden Apartments.

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 $3,292.

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 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.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.