
Cheap Homes for Rent in La Mesa, CA from $900 (39 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in La Mesa.


4272 Harbinson Ave

4781 73rd St

4 Valencia Dr

1827 Sonoma Ln

7203 Blackton Dr

571 Tilling Way

4109 Vista Grande Dr

7014 Amherst St
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.

5168 Tipton St

22332 Bonita Ct

4770 55th St, Unit 4770 GROUND

840-840 S Orange Ave

530 Graves Ave

7111 Waite Dr

5688 Marne Ave

4513 55th St

7506 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.

5595 Hamill Ave

5252 Orange Ave

4560 60th St

4860 Rolando Ct

8671 Lake Murray Blvd

8000 University Ave

6048 Bradford St, Unit A

7901 Hillside Dr

6924 Hyde Park Dr
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.

4570 54th St

3555 Grove St, Unit 230

7025 Waite Dr, Unit 10A

7724 University Ave, Unit D

2027 Windmill View Rd

3620 S Barcelona St

4442 Rosebud Ln

5438 Gilbert Dr

453 Graves Ave
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.

792 Avocado Ave

9116 Lamar St

5065 Chaparral Way
La Mesa, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in La Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Mesa 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,791 | $2,150 | $4,200 |
| La Mesa 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,097 | $2,795 | $6,900 |
| La Mesa 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,975 | $3,395 | $8,400 |
| La Mesa 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,095 | $4,400 | $10,000+ |
| La Mesa 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,651 | $5,300 | $8,950 |
| La Mesa 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,446 | $6,095 | $6,950 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in La Mesa
Explore La Mesa
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 $974. 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 | $974 |
| Hardy Avenue Apartments | 3 BR 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $1,165 |
| Meade Avenue Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,295 |
| Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+ | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,400 |
| University Gardens | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,450 |
| Guava Gardens (62+ Senior Community) | Studios | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| Del Pacifico Apartments | 1 Bedroom Lower | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA
As of June 15, 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 8 Bedroom Studio Suites Model at 6nineteen starting at $1,399 with a $0.78 price per square foot in the College West 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 |
| 6nineteen | 8 Bedroom Studio Suites | Studio ,1BA | $0.78 |
| The Rive San Diego | 4x4 B | 4BR,4BA | $0.23 |
| Courtyard on 68th | A | 2BR,2BA | $1.83 |
| The Penthouse Apartments MOVE IN BONUS | Two Bedroom Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.40 |
| Topaz | 3x3 A | 3BR,3BA | $1.75 |
| Valle at 9121 Kenwood | Azul | 2BR,2BA | $2.14 |
| The Courtyards | 2/1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.33 |
| Hardy Avenue Apartments | 3 BR 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $1.30 |
| Valle at 9209 Kenwood | Evergreen | 2BR,1BA | $2.40 |
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 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 ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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.
Best Local Schools in La Mesa, CA
Murray Manor Elementary
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 La Mesa
What type of rentals are currently available in La Mesa?
There are currently 1335 Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA with pricing that ranges from $974 to $11,250. There are also 246 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in La Mesa ranging from $975 to $12,900.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in La Mesa?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in La Mesa ranges from $975 to $12,900 with an average monthly rent of $5,625.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in La Mesa?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in La Mesa range from $1,275 to $11,250, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,795 to $6,900. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,395 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,000.
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
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.