Cheap Apartments for Rent in Irvine, CA from $500 (16 Rentals)

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Solaira at Pavilion Park
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Solaira at Pavilion Park

100 Ridge VlyIrvine, CA 92618
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Anton Portola
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Anton Portola

100 FountainheadIrvine, CA 92618
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Seaview Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Seaview Plaza

2800 Pacific View DrNewport Beach, CA 92660
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Wilshire Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Wilshire Apartments

1201-1233 E Wilshire AveSanta Ana, CA 92707
  • Utilities Included
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Avalon Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Avalon Apartments

14382 Red Hill AveTustin, CA 92780
  • 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.

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Villa de Hacienda
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa de Hacienda

1260-1280 Walnut AveTustin, CA 92780
  • 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.

Irvine, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Irvine, CA

Pricing Updated: 01/26/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Irvine, CA area range in price from $1,890 to $10,269 with an overall median price of $4,234. The three Irvine neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Irvine Technology Center at $2,219, East Irvine at $2,249, and Irvine Spectrum at $2,249. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Irvine Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Irvine Technology Center$3,795$2,219392
East Irvine$3,805$2,249447
Irvine Spectrum$3,805$2,249420
Woodbridge$3,815$2,270370
Oak Creek$3,845$2,270406
Irvine Industrial Complex East$3,875$1,99970
Irvine Medical and Science Complex$3,925$2,249496
Avenue One$3,935$2,275564
Lower Pete's Canyon$3,947$1,890340
El Camino Real$3,970$2,270286

Cheapest Available Irvine Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Irvine, CA is a Studio unit found at The Meridian at Laguna Hills - 55+ Active Adult Apartments in the Nellie Gail Ranch neighborhood priced from $1,950. TUSTIN LANAI APARTMENTS in the Lemon Heights neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,960. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Irvine apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Meridian at Laguna Hills - 55+ Active Adult ApartmentsVilla - StudioStudio,1BA$1,950
TUSTIN LANAI APARTMENTS1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,960
Villa Marseilles ApartmentsThe Vineyard-1 BR, 1 BA1BR,1BA$1,995
Casa Cortez Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,025
Castilian and Cordova Apartment HomesCastilian A1BR,1BA$2,050

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Irvine, CA

As of January 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Irvine area is the $2.50 price per square foot Plan 2D Model at Pinnacle at MacArthur Place in the in the Valley Adams neighborhood starting from $3,299. The second greatest value Irvine apartment is the Plan 4 Model at Turtle Rock Vista Apartment Homes starting at $3,125 with a $2.79 price per square foot in the Turtle Rock neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Irvine apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Pinnacle at MacArthur PlacePlan 2D2BR,2BA$2.50
Turtle Rock Vista Apartment HomesPlan 42BR,2BA$2.79
Kenyon PointeFloor Plan Patio2BR,2BA$2.61
1800 S. Broadway Ave.2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.60
14101 Browning1bd1ba1BR,1BA$2.66
Waterstone Garden1+11BR,1BA$2.51
3400 South Main StreetOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.79
1762 San Juan St, Unit 151762 San Juan St1BR,1BA$2.80
Casa Cortez Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.70
TUSTIN LANAI APARTMENTS1 bedroom 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.61

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Irvine Overview

Many people are familiar with Orange County California from magazines, TV shows, and even tourism advertisements. At the same time, one of the most beautiful cities in this area is Irvine, California. One of the largest cities in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, there are people who have been flocking to this beautiful location for years. Given the numerous landmarks, recreation activities, and job opportunities, it is easy to see why. If you would like to take advantage of everything Irvine has to offer, you may be looking for apartments in Irvine.

Why live in Irvine, CA?

There are countless reasons why people choose to live in Irvine California. It is true that the cost of living can be high, however, the weather is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the job opportunities are bountiful. In addition, it is not as expensive to live in Irvine as it is to live in Los Angeles itself. Therefore, a lot of people do decide to live in Irvine and commute to Los Angeles either by car, bus, or train. Finally, Irvine itself is also a cultural melting pot. This has given rise to numerous shopping and dining opportunities in the area.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Irvine Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Irvine?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Irvine is under $2,215.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Irvine?

The cheapest apartment in Irvine is TUSTIN LANAI APARTMENTS which is listed at $1,960, while the average apartment in Irvine costs $4,234.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Irvine?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 1,963 regular apartments in Irvine that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Irvine?

Cheap apartments in Irvine have an average cost of $419 which is $3,815 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Irvine.

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

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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.

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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.