Cheap Apartments for Rent in Irvine, CA from $500 (158 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Irvine.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Broadstone Edition
Rent Specials
$2,631 - $5,028
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,631 - $5,028
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Broadstone Edition

1100 SteelyIrvine, CA 92614
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 4

Irvine, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Irvine, CA

Pricing Updated: 04/27/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Irvine, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $11,538 with an overall median price of $4,154. The three Irvine neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Shady Canyon at $2,475, East Irvine at $2,380, and Irvine Spectrum at $2,380. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Irvine Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Shady Canyon$3,690$2,475264
East Irvine$3,800$2,380463
Irvine Spectrum$3,800$2,380436
Irvine Technology Center$3,810$2,210422
Woodbridge$3,810$2,345204
El Camino Real$3,820$2,380331
Lower Pete's Canyon$3,820$2,025349
Irvine Medical and Science Complex$3,827$2,380480
Oak Creek$3,827$2,380408
Quail Hill$3,885$2,380312

Cheapest Available Irvine Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Irvine, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Borchard Apartments in the South Main neighborhood priced from $1,800. Minnie Apartments in the South Main neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Irvine apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Borchard Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,800
Minnie Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,800
The Meridian at Laguna Hills - 55+ Active Adult ApartmentsVilla - StudioStudio,1BA$1,950
Casa Cortez Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,025
Parc DerianVeteran Unit3BR,2BA$2,088
Villa Marseilles ApartmentsThe Vineyard-1 BR, 1 BA1BR,1BA$2,095
Pacific Pointe1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,100
Versailles on the Lake ApartmentsAlsaceStudio,1BA$2,107
Castilian and Cordova Apartment HomesCordova A1BR,1BA$2,155
Emerald Court Apartment HomesPlan 21BR,1BA$2,180

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Irvine, CA

As of April 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Irvine area is the $2.57 price per square foot Plan E Model at Tustin Cottages in the in the Lemon Heights neighborhood starting from $4,344. The second greatest value Irvine apartment is the Veteran Unit Model at Parc Derian starting at $2,088 with a $1.72 price per square foot in the Westpark 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.
Tustin CottagesPlan E3BR,2.5BA$2.57
Parc DerianVeteran Unit3BR,2BA$1.72
Reata Oakbrook VillageReata Plan 2B2BR,2BA$2.71
Waterstone Garden2x2 Rancho2BR,2BA$2.33
14101 Browning2bd2ba2BR,2BA$2.50
Kenyon PointeFloor Plan Patio2BR,2BA$2.58
3400 South Main StreetOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.66
Casa Cortez Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.70
Borchard Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2.57
Minnie Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.77

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

Read Article
Decorative image

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

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.

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

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.

Irvine, CA
Population: 282,572

Ranked #72

in US Census Population by City

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

Best Local Schools in
Irvine, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

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

Explore Irvine, CA Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in Irvine, CA

View Map
Irvine, CA Apartments Map
View Map
Irvine, CA Rental Homes Map

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 $2,180.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Irvine?

The cheapest apartment in Irvine is Borchard Apartments which is listed at $1,800, while the average apartment in Irvine costs $4,154.

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 1,251 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 $340 which is $3,814 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

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.