
Cheap Apartments for Rent in National City, CA from $700 (30 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in National City.


Pinewood Apartments
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.

4986 Logan Ave

Villa Hermosa I

Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios
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.
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.
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
National City, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in National City?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap National City Studio Apartments | $1,994 | $1,495 | $2,950 |
Cheap National City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,250 | $1,042 | $4,050 |
Cheap National City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,752 | $1,475 | $4,320 |
Cheap National City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,588 | $850 | $9,000 |
Cheap National City 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,317 | $3,579 | $4,995 |
Browse Top Apartments in National City
See all Apartments in National CityExplore National City
National City, CA Local Guide

- National City Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available National City Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in National City, CA is a Studio unit found at Naranja Apartments in the Mt Hope neighborhood priced from $1,665. Bayview Tower Condominiums in the Rosebank neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,674. Here is today’s list of the most affordable National City apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Naranja Apartments | Studio - 60% - 70% AMI | Studio,1BA | $1,665 |
Bayview Tower Condominiums | 1-1 - Unfurnished | 1BR,1BA | $1,674 |
The Pines Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
Woodlawn West Apartments | One Bedroom Furnished | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
2551 Commercial St | OA-G | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
Vista Hermosa Apartments - All Utilities Incl | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
Casa Victoria | CV1bd1ba | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
Palm Shadows Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,800 |
Woodlawn Gardens Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,875 |
Parco | Studio Traditional Unit | Studio,1BA | $1,895 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in National City, CA
As of July 29, 2025 the best value apartment in the National City area is the $2.37 price per square foot 257 H st unit 6 Model at 245-251 H St in the in the Northwest Chula Vista Area neighborhood starting from $3,700. The second greatest value National City apartment is the Allure Model at Elan View Pointe starting at $2,495 with a $2.63 price per square foot in the Interstate 5 Corridor District neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for National City apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
245-251 H St | 257 H st unit 6 | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.37 |
Elan View Pointe | Allure | 2BR,2BA | $2.63 |
Elan Casa Mar | Allure | 2BR,2BA | $2.77 |
Bonita Heights Apartments | 2 Bedroom Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $2.76 |
Alva Gardens | 2BR/1.5BA | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.64 |
Potomac Square Apartments | 2 Bed/1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.70 |
Plaza 1640 | 1 Bed / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.74 |
3050 National Ave, Unit 3050- Upper apt. | 3050 National Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.63 |
Vistan Apartments | Two Bed One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.78 |
Casa Victoria | CV1bd1ba | 1BR,1BA | $2.76 |
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.
National City Overview
The second-oldest city in the vicinity of San Diego County, National City is a southern California destination that currently acts as home to well over 50,000 residents. Known as a tourist destination among the scenic shores of the west coast, National City is an excellent city well worth discovering.
Why live in National City, CA?
When it comes to west coast living, it doesn't get much more 'California' than a rental in National City, seaside views, excellent fish tacos and, you guessed it, plenty of surfboards help define this relaxed cityscape. The locals are generally to be found warm and welcoming, and this intangible ambiance carries through to the quaint eateries and charming shops that line downtown. Close enough to San Diego to offer a steady job market while still feeling a world away from the concept of a 'large city', National City is a truly idyllic place to call home.
National City, CAPopulation: 61,431
Ranked #612
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in National City, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore National City, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in National City, CA
Getting Around National City, CA
Walk Score®
77 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
56 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
51 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap National City Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in National City?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in National City is at The Pines Apartments listed at $1,695.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment is $1,674 at Bayview Tower Condominiums.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom National City Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in National City is starting from $1,975 at Bayview Tower Condominiums.
What is the most affordable National City Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap National City Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at 1048 & 1100 E Ave. and starts from $2,500.
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.

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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.