
Cheap Homes for Rent in La Mesa, CA from $1,000 (52 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in La Mesa.


3938 N Bonita St

571 Tilling Way

5027 Guava Ave, Unit 214

7111 Waite Dr

6101 Adelaide Ave

7014 Amherst St

5387 Brockbank Pl

467 Ballantyne St, Unit 44

530 Graves Ave
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.

840-840 S Orange Ave

4860 Rolando Ct

7500 Parkway Dr, Unit 203, Unit 203

6650 Amherst

5168 Tipton St

7842 Barton Dr

7221 Mohawk St

6339 Jeff St

571 Tilling Way, Unit 1

22332 Bonita Ct
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.

7438 Orien Ave

4770 55th St, Unit 4770 GROUND, Unit 4770 GROUND

6924 Hyde Park Dr

7508 Parkway Dr

5700 Baltimore Dr, Unit 187, Unit 187

5252 Orange Ave

5027 Guava Ave, Unit 203

1000 Leslie Rd

3456 Meridian Ave

5700 Baltimore Dr
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.

3555 Grove St

4860 Rolando Ct

6188 Stanley Dr

9026 Avocado St

589 N Johnson Ave

8000 University Ave

4423 Rosebud Ln

5712 Baltimore Dr, Unit 5712 baltimoreDr, Unit 5712 baltimoreDr

550 Graves Ave

7724 University Ave, Unit D
Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

5438 Gilbert Dr

594 Graves Ave, Unit 8

945 Estes St

4358 Rosebud Ln

4436 Rosebud Ln

4442 Rosebud Ln

6930 Hyde Park Dr, Unit 327, Unit 327

6081 Horton Dr

2127 Berry St

200 Chambers St
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.
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 | $2,738 | $1,995 | $4,000 |
| La Mesa 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,000 | $2,500 | $8,200 |
| La Mesa 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,985 | $3,995 | $7,000 |
| La Mesa 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,219 | $4,500 | $10,000+ |
| La Mesa 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,063 | $6,000 | $8,950 |
| La Mesa 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,729 | $1,080 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in La Mesa
Explore La Mesa
La Mesa, CA Local Guide
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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 $899. 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 | $899 |
| Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+ | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,400 |
| Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1 | Studio,1BA | $1,445 |
| University Gardens | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,450 |
| Meade Avenue Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,495 |
| Guava Gardens (62+ Senior Community) | Studios | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| College View | 4x4 | 4BR,4BA | $1,690 |
| Willow Glen Apartments | 1/1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,699 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA
As of April 27, 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 3x3 A Model at The Rive San Diego starting at $1,150 with a $0.91 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 | 3x3 A | 3BR,3BA | $0.91 |
| Courtyard on 68th | A | 2BR,2BA | $1.83 |
| Chateau Spring Terrace Apartments | 2bed 2bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.22 |
| 120 Ballantyne st, Unit Floor Plan 4 | 120 Ballantyne st | 1BR,1.5BA | $2.00 |
| Topaz | 3x3 A | 3BR,3BA | $1.74 |
| Sierra Vista 55+ Community | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.19 |
| Valle at 9121 Kenwood | Azul | 2BR,2BA | $2.27 |
| Villas | Chateau | 2BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.84 |
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 ArticleDon'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
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 1326 Apartments for Rent in La Mesa, CA with pricing that ranges from $850 to $12,928. There are also 283 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in La Mesa ranging from $1,080 to $11,900.
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 $1,080 to $11,900 with an average monthly rent of $5,014.
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 $1,050 to $12,077, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,500 to $8,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,995 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $960.
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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Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.