Cheap Homes for Rent in La Mesa, CA from $600 (24 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in La Mesa.

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.

property at 7003 Saranac St

7003 Saranac St

San DiegoCA92115

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.

property at 8383 Tahoe St

8383 Tahoe St

Lemon GroveCA91945
property at 8459 Tommy Dr

8459 Tommy Dr

San DiegoCA92119

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.

La Mesa, CA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Rive San Diego4x4 B4BR,4BA$386
Victory on Paseo5BR/3BA - A5BR,3BA$871
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1sStudio,1BA$1,395
Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+One Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$1,400
Colina Park North ApartmentsTstd 60%BoStudio,1BA$1,521

Best Value Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA

As of November 09, 2025 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 $1,485 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1945 Skyline Drive, Unit 1945 SKYLINE1945 Skyline Drive4BR,3BA$2.25
The Rive San Diego4x4 A4BR,4BA$1.02
120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4120 Ballantyne st1BR,1.5BA$2.00
Topaz3x3 A3BR,3BA$1.76
Villa Knolls Apartments2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.18
Valle at 9121 KenwoodAzul2BR,2BA$2.16
Sunshine Manor ApartmentsManor Apartments2BR,1BA$2.17
Courtyards2/12BR,1BA$2.24
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student HousingB12BR,2BA$1.80
Colina Park North Apartmentsstud 60%Studio ,1BA$2.27

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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

The 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 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

La Mesa, CA
Population: 59,556

Ranked #636

in US Census Population by City

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
La Mesa, CA

Ranked #77

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

Explore La Mesa, CA Rentals by Map

View Map
La Mesa, CA Apartments Map
View Map
La Mesa, CA Rental Homes Map

Frequently Asked Questions about La Mesa

What type of rentals are currently available in La Mesa?

There are currently 1313 Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA with pricing that ranges from $850 to $17,971. There are also 368 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in La Mesa ranging from $650 to $15,000.

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 $15,000 with an average monthly rent of $6,842.

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 $4,634, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $850 to $14,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,050 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $910.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

decorative image for Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide article

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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.