
Cheap Apartments for Rent in National City, CA from $1,250 (159 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in National City.


SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

412 E 4th St

801 National City Blvd, Unit A

Bayview Tower Condominiums

Windsor Heights

Essex Manor Apartments

Parkview Apartments

Pinewood Apartments

Total Monthly Price
The Plaza
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2774-27805 Vista Way

913 Highland Ave

2303 E 8th St

Plaza 1640

Granada Terrace Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Union Tower - Affordable Housing

Sunshine Apartments

721-27 E 22nd St

320 J Ave, Unit 92

611 Highland
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2431 Prospect St

419-435 Palm Ave

1909 C Ave

Vista del Sol

Chateau Gardens

Summercrest Apartments

Villa Primavera Apartments

Sunny View Apartments

2137-2145 E 16th St

Parkwood Village
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Alta Park Apartments

2776 Vista Way

Hilltop Villas

Highland Pacifica Apartments

The Pines Apartments

Highland View Apartments

124 Laurel Ave

Park Villas Apartments

1048 & 1100 E Ave.

2940 E 8th St
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6342 Plaza Cuernavaca

215 Willie James Jones Ave, Unit 103

215 Willie James Jones Ave, Unit 103

626 66th St

Vista Shores

3873 Superba St

4006-4008 Delta St

The Glorias Apartments

2029-31 National Ave

5218-5224 Imperial Ave
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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 | $1,908 | $1,445 | $2,410 |
| Cheap National City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,155 | $1,270 | $3,799 |
| Cheap National City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,693 | $1,843 | $4,320 |
| Cheap National City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,433 | $2,195 | $6,500 |
| Cheap National City 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,406 | $1,250 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in National City
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National City, CA Local Guide

- National City Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
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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 $1,575. 3891-3893 Superior St in the Mountain View neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,595. Here is today’s list of the most affordable National City apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS | Studio D1 | Studio,1BA | $1,575 |
| 3891-3893 Superior St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $1,595 |
| Palm Shadows Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,690 |
| Bayview Tower Condominiums | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
| Essex Manor Apartments | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| Parkview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,700 |
| Windsor Heights | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| The Glorias Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| Commercial Suites | 1BD/1BA (small-most units) | 1BR,1BA | $1,750 |
| View Apartments | Design 1A | 1BR,1BA | $1,753 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in National City, CA
As of August 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the National City area is the $2.39 price per square foot Greentree w/Balcony Model at Greentree Fountain Apartments in the in the South Third Avenue District neighborhood starting from $2,595. The second greatest value National City apartment is the 5443 Imperial Ave Model at 5443 Imperial Ave, Unit 5443 starting at $2,500 with a $2.50 price per square foot in the Mt Hope 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greentree Fountain Apartments | Greentree w/Balcony | 2BR,2BA | $2.39 |
| 5443 Imperial Ave, Unit 5443 | 5443 Imperial Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| Park Crest Apartments | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.55 |
| Island Gardens Apartments - Affordable | 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - 60% AMI | 2BR,1BA | $2.12 |
| The Glorias Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.27 |
| Chula Vista Terrace | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.53 |
| 3043 Franklin Ave, Unit 3043 | 3043 Franklin Ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| 3041 franklin ave, Unit 3041 | 3041 franklin ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| Windsor Heights | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.62 |
| Essex Manor Apartments | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.62 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
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Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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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, CAPopulation: 61,431
Ranked #612
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in National City, CA
John A. Otis Elementary School
National City Middle School
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
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 $1,575.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment is $1,595 at 3891-3893 Superior 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 $1,843 at Island Gardens Apartments - Affordable.
What is the most affordable National City Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap National City Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Union Tower - Affordable Housing and starts from $2,621.
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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Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.

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Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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