
Cheap Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA from $300 (39 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in La Mesa.


Guava Gardens (62+ Senior Community)

La Mesa Gardens

Mateus Apartments

Rancho La Mesa

Broadway Grove

The Parkway

4744 70th St

7516 Parkway Dr
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.

4376 Rosebud Ln

Casa Verde Apartments

Victory on Paseo

Vista Palms

Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+

DL University Gardens

728 S Magnolia Ave

Terre at Copley

5809 Lindo Paseo
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.

Talmadge Senior Village(55+ Senior Community)

9859 Dale Ave

Cascade Apartments

5502-5506 University Ave

Cypress Park

Magnolia Apartments

434 Avocado Ave

Rockford Gardens

Fletcher Hills Apartments
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.

Wesley Terrace Apartments

Lexington Palms

9109 Kenwood Dr

4781 SEMINOLE Dr

Crescent Gardens Apartments

Pacifica Sunrise

Park Terrace Apartments

4382 53rd St

Casa De Oro Senior Apartments
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.

Van Houten Apartments

Grove Lofts

Fletcher Hills Apartments
La Mesa, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in La Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap La Mesa Studio Apartments | $1,947 | $1,395 | $2,759 |
| Cheap La Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,326 | $1,400 | $3,743 |
| Cheap La Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,691 | $1,505 | $3,899 |
| Cheap La Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,743 | $930 | $4,713 |
| Cheap La Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,755 | $910 | $9,937 |
| La Mesa 5 Bedroom Apartments | $2,839 | $871 | $7,800 |
Browse Top Apartments in La Mesa
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La Mesa, CA Local Guide

- La Mesa Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available La Mesa Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in La Mesa, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Rive San Diego in the Rolando neighborhood priced from $386. Victory on Paseo in the College West neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 5 Beds apartment currently listed from $871. Here is today’s list of the most affordable La Mesa apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rive San Diego | 4x4 B | 4BR,4BA | $386 |
| Victory on Paseo | 5BR/3BA - A | 5BR,3BA | $871 |
| Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1s | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
| Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+ | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,400 |
| DL University Gardens | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,450 |
| Terre at Copley | Breeze | 1BR,1BA | $1,560 |
| Guava Gardens (62+ Senior Community) | Studios | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| La Mesa Gardens | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| College View | 4x4 | 4BR,4BA | $1,650 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA
As of January 19, 2026 the best value apartment in the La Mesa area is the $2.25 price per square foot 1945 Skyline Drive Model at 1945 Skyline Drive, Unit 1945 SKYLINE in the in the North Bay Terraces neighborhood starting from $4,500. The second greatest value La Mesa apartment is the 4x4 A Model at The Rive San Diego starting at $1,480 with a $1.02 price per square foot in the Rolando neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for La Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945 Skyline Drive, Unit 1945 SKYLINE | 1945 Skyline Drive | 4BR,3BA | $2.25 |
| The Rive San Diego | 4x4 A | 4BR,4BA | $1.02 |
| Courtyard on 68th | A | 2BR,2BA | $2.00 |
| 120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4 | 120 Ballantyne st | 1BR,1.5BA | $2.00 |
| Topaz | 3x3 A | 3BR,3BA | $1.76 |
| Valle at 9121 Kenwood | Azul | 2BR,2BA | $1.87 |
| Spring Gardens | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.26 |
| Courtyards | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.22 |
| Valle at 9209 Kenwood | Evergreen | 2BR,1BA | $2.22 |
| Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.80 |
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
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Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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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.
La Mesa Overview
La Mesa is a perfect location for apartment living. Featuring a mix of urban living with easy access to nature, La Mesa is the best place for a relaxed, yet urban environment.
Why live in La Mesa, CA?
With its easy access to the San Diego metropolitan area, La Mesa is the perfect location for any professional with an urban longing but unwilling to sacrifice small town comforts and space. Given its location close to the coast as well as various natural parks in the area, La Mesa gives endless opportunity for adventure and opportunity. Furthermore, the area features hot summers and warm winters, making it the perfect destination for anyone tired of the unpredictable seasons elsewhere in the country.
Best Local Schools in La Mesa, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore La Mesa, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in La Mesa, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap La Mesa Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in La Mesa?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in La Mesa is at Vista Palms listed at $1,395.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom La Mesa Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom La Mesa Apartment is $1,400 at Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom La Mesa Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in La Mesa is starting from $1,866 at Valle at 9121 Kenwood.
What is the most affordable La Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap La Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Victory on Paseo and starts from $930.
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

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.

Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Choosing the right place to live during your college years can make or break your collegiate experience. My name is Hayden, I’m a San Diego area expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com and have been in the real estate world for years.
Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute
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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!