
Cheap Homes for Rent in Lake Forest, CA from $2,000 (16 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Lake Forest.


23232 Orange Ave, Unit 2, Unit 2

23232 Orange Ave, Unit 2, Unit 2

26172 Sanz, B213

26211 La Real
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.

24241 Swiftriver Ct

239 Calle Aragon

Furnished Studio-Orange County - Lake Forest

24055 Paseo Del Lago W

22700 Lake Forest Dr, Unit SI FL1-ID7941A
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.

27937 Windsor

21931 Rimhurst Dr

24055 Paseo Del Lago, Unit 413, Unit 413

22700 Lake Forest Dr, Unit SI FL1-ID5388A

Furnished Studio-Orange County - Irvine Spectrum
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.

158 Avenida Majorca
Lake Forest, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Lake Forest?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Forest 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,838 | $2,900 | $5,000 |
| Lake Forest 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,697 | $3,950 | $6,500 |
| Lake Forest 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,709 | $4,750 | $10,000+ |
| Lake Forest 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,600 | $5,300 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Lake Forest
Explore Lake Forest
Lake Forest, CA Local Guide
- Lake Forest Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Lake Forest, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/27/2026Current apartment rentals in the Lake Forest, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Lake Forest Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Commerce Center | $4,430 | $2,210 | 74 |
| Serrano Highlands | $4,670 | $2,013 | 40 |
| Rancho de los Alisos | $4,920 | $2,013 | 45 |
Cheapest Available Lake Forest Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Lake Forest, CA is a Studio unit found at The Meridian at Laguna Hills - 55+ Active Adult Apartments in the Nellie Gail Ranch neighborhood priced from $1,950. Saddleback Ranch Apartments in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,013. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Lake Forest apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Meridian at Laguna Hills - 55+ Active Adult Apartments | Villa - Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,950 |
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath Up | 1BR,1BA | $2,013 |
| Emerald Court Apartment Homes | Plan 2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,205 |
| Westridge Apartment Homes | Su Casa | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
| SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES | Aloe | Studio,1BA | $2,276 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake Forest, CA
As of April 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake Forest area is the $2.71 price per square foot Reata Plan 2B Model at Reata Oakbrook Village in the in the Nellie Gail Ranch neighborhood starting from $3,280. The second greatest value Lake Forest apartment is the 2x2 Model at San Sebastian starting at $3,305 with a $3.02 price per square foot in the Nellie Gail Ranch neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Lake Forest apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reata Oakbrook Village | Reata Plan 2B | 2BR,2BA | $2.71 |
| San Sebastian | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.02 |
| Timbers Apartments, El Toro | 2 Bedroom 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.98 |
| River Oaks Apartments | MOVE IN SPECIAL: Two Weeks Off First Month's Re... | 2BR,2BA | $3.02 |
| The Arbors | Plan B1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.14 |
| Villa Solana | La Playa | 1BR,1BA | $3.18 |
| Ridgecrest Apartments | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $3.21 |
| 154 Canyon Woods Apartments | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.11 |
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath Down | 1BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| Alicia Plaza | Plan B | 1BR,1BA | $3.23 |
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 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.
Lake Forest, CAPopulation: 85,623
Ranked #391
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Lake Forest, CA
Foothill Ranch Elementary
Serrano Intermediate
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Lake Forest, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Lake Forest, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Forest
What type of rentals are currently available in Lake Forest?
There are currently 141 Apartments for Rent in Lake Forest, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,950 to $6,000. There are also 53 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Lake Forest ranging from $2,000 to $13,500.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Lake Forest?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Lake Forest ranges from $2,000 to $13,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,837.
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.
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.