Cheap Apartments for Rent in National City, CA from $700 (30 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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Windsor Heights
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Windsor Heights

910 Euclid AveNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included
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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 Bedroom Apartments

Vista del Sol

1401-1543 Q AveNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included

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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Mar at Laurel
1 Bedroom Apartments

Mar at Laurel

135 Laurel AveNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included
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Chateau Gardens
1 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau Gardens

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

Summercrest Apartments

2615 E Plaza BlvdNational City, CA 91950
  • Utilities Included
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Southwest Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Southwest Village

323-338 Willie James Jones AveSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included

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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Casa De Roca
1 Bedroom Apartments

Casa De Roca

483-487 F StChula Vista, CA 91910
  • Utilities Included
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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 Bedroom Apartments

Euclid Terrace Apartments

240-260 Euclid AveSan Diego, CA 92114
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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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542 D St Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

542 D St Apartments

542 D StChula Vista, CA 91910
  • Utilities Included
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288 F St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

288 F St

288 F StChula Vista, CA 91910
Senior Living
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4177-4187 Eta St
Studio Apartments

4177-4187 Eta St

4177-4187 Eta StSan Diego, CA 92113
  • Utilities Included

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.

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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 Pointe Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bay Pointe Apartments

30 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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Pebble Cove Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Pebble Cove Apartments

2235 Saipan DrSan Diego, CA 92139
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66th Street
1 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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Naranja ApartmentsStudio - 60% - 70% AMIStudio,1BA$1,665
Bayview Tower Condominiums1-1 - Unfurnished1BR,1BA$1,674
The Pines Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,695
Woodlawn West ApartmentsOne Bedroom Furnished1BR,1BA$1,695
2551 Commercial StOA-GStudio,1BA$1,695
Vista Hermosa Apartments - All Utilities Incl1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,795
Casa VictoriaCV1bd1ba1BR,1BA$1,795
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,800
Woodlawn Gardens ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,875
ParcoStudio Traditional UnitStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
245-251 H St257 H st unit 63BR,2.5BA$2.37
Elan View PointeAllure2BR,2BA$2.63
Elan Casa MarAllure2BR,2BA$2.77
Bonita Heights Apartments2 Bedroom Upstairs2BR,1BA$2.76
Alva Gardens2BR/1.5BA2BR,1.5BA$2.64
Potomac Square Apartments2 Bed/1 Bath2BR,1BA$2.70
Plaza 16401 Bed / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.74
3050 National Ave, Unit 3050- Upper apt.3050 National Ave2BR,1BA$2.63
Vistan ApartmentsTwo Bed One Bath2BR,1BA$2.78
Casa VictoriaCV1bd1ba1BR,1BA$2.76

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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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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.