
Cheap Homes for Rent in La Mesa, CA from $600 (39 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in La Mesa.


1720 Oriole St

9115 Rosedale Dr

5020 College Ave

1785 Dayton Dr, Unit Upper West Bedroom

6142 Mesita Dr

1503 Republic St

4109 Vista Grande Dr

Room in Shared 7 bed/3 bath home
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.

4247 Cartagena Dr

6738 University Ave

571 Tilling Way

8115 Fairview Ave

4431 College Ave

Room in Shared 7 bed/3 bath home

530 Graves Ave

7111 Waite Dr

840-840 S Orange 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.

7770 University Ave

4860 Rolando Ct

321 Murray Dr

6101 Adelaide Ave

7688 Church St

7014-2 Amherst St

5168 Tipton St

6 E Lexington Ave

5931 Howell Dr
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.

3917 Spring Dr

4338-4338 53rd St

4449 Dawson Ave

4447 Dawson Ave

5387 Brockbank Pl

9124 Rosedale Dr

4860 Rolando Ct, Unit 55

6248 Dorothy Dr

7924 La Mesa Blvd
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.

6333 College Grove Way

5510 Adelaide Ave

5209 Tipton St
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 | $2,771 | $1,895 | $5,100 |
| La Mesa 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,047 | $2,495 | $8,200 |
| La Mesa 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,313 | $1,050 | $7,400 |
| La Mesa 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,917 | $4,150 | $10,000+ |
| La Mesa 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,335 | $700 | $10,000+ |
| La Mesa 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,379 | $1,360 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in La Mesa
Explore La Mesa
La Mesa, CA Local Guide
- La Mesa Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 | $1,599 |
| La Mesa Gardens | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| Guava Gardens (62+ Senior Community) | Studios | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| College View | 4x4 | 4BR,4BA | $1,650 |
| Shadow Point | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $1,679 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA
As of January 26, 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 |
| Chateau Spring Terrace Apartments | 2bed 2bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.16 |
| 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 |
| Valle at 9209 Kenwood | Evergreen | 2BR,1BA | $2.21 |
| 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
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 ArticleCash 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 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.
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 La Mesa
What type of rentals are currently available in La Mesa?
There are currently 1337 Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA with pricing that ranges from $871 to $14,915. There are also 405 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in La Mesa ranging from $650 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 $650 to $12,900 with an average monthly rent of $6,424.
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 $930 to $4,599, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,495 to $8,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,050 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $910.
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.