Cheap Apartments for Rent in National City, CA from $700 (27 Rentals)

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419-435 Palm Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

419-435 Palm Ave

419-435 Palm AveNational City, CA 91950
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1909 C Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1909 C Ave

1909 C AveNational City, CA 91950
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Vista del Sol
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Vista del Sol

1401-1543 Q AveNational City, CA 91950
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Chateau Gardens
1 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau Gardens

2424-2440 E 8th StNational City, CA 91950
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Summercrest Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Summercrest Apartments

2615 E Plaza BlvdNational City, CA 91950
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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.

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1985 National Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1985 National Ave

1985 National AveSan Diego, CA 92113

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.

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Southwest Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Southwest Village

323-338 Willie James Jones AveSan Diego, CA 92102
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Jean C. McKinney Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Jean C. McKinney Manor

5641 Imperial AveSan Diego, CA 92114
Senior Living
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Casa De Roca
1 Bedroom Apartments

Casa De Roca

483-487 F StChula Vista, CA 91910
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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.

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Parkside
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Parkside

4035 Park Haven CtSan Diego, CA 92113
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Euclid Terrace Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Euclid Terrace Apartments

240-260 Euclid AveSan Diego, CA 92114
Senior Living
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542 D St Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

542 D St Apartments

542 D StChula Vista, CA 91910
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4177-4187 Eta St
Studio Apartments

4177-4187 Eta St

4177-4187 Eta StSan Diego, CA 92113
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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.

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Sea Vale Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sea Vale Villas

24 Woodlawn AveChula Vista, CA 91910
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Bay Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bay Village

540 C StChula Vista, CA 91910
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66th Street
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

66th Street

630-636 66th StSan Diego, CA 92114

National City, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Available National City Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in National City, CA is a Studio unit found at SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS in the Paradise Hills neighborhood priced from $1,453. Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios Just Minutes from the Coast! in the Interstate 5 Corridor District neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,495. Here is today’s list of the most affordable National City apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDSStudio 1Studio,1BA$1,453
Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios Just Minutes from the Coast!0+1, upstairsStudio,1BA$1,495
3738 Acacia StApt A-F1BR,1BA$1,500
2949-2955 Logan Ave1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1,550
Bay Breeze Apartments1-bed/1-bath - classic1BR,1BA$1,625
2551 Commercial St-F4OZStudioStudio,1BA$1,670
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,700
Windsor Heights1-Bed/1-Bath1BR,1BA$1,700
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,700

Best Value Apartments for Rent in National City, CA

As of February 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the National City area is the $1.55 price per square foot 1 bedroom Model at 2949-2955 Logan Ave in the in the Barrio Logan neighborhood starting from $1,550. The second greatest value National City apartment is the 2-bed/1-bath Model at Casa Corona starting at $2,395 with a $2.59 price per square foot in the Northwest Chula Vista Area neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for National City apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
2949-2955 Logan Ave1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1.55
Casa Corona2-bed/1-bath2BR,1BA$2.59
420 S Evans St, Unit Evans420 S Evans St2BR,1BA$2.12
Sea Vale Bluff ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$2.39
Park Crest ApartmentsB12BR,1BA$2.41
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.89
1048 & 1100 E Ave.3BR/1.0BA3BR,1BA$2.41
The Somerset Apartments2-Bed/1-Bath2BR,1BA$2.53
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.27
Casa Serena2/12BR,1BA$2.50

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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, CA
Population: 61,431

Ranked #612

in US Census Population by City

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

Explore National City, CA Rentals by Map

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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 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS listed at $1,453.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment is $1,500 at 3738 Acacia St.

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 $1,750 at Casa Serena.

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 $2,100.

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

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Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide

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Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters

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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.

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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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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.

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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.