Cheap Apartments for Rent in National City, CA from $700 (28 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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Southwest Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Southwest Village

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

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Casa De Roca
1 Bedroom Apartments

Casa De Roca

483-487 F StChula Vista, CA 91910
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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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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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66th Street
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

66th Street

630-636 66th StSan Diego, CA 92114

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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.

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 1 Bed unit found at Jean C. McKinney Manor in the Valencia Park neighborhood priced from $834. Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios 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
Jean C. McKinney Manor1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$834
Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios0+1, upstairsStudio,1BA$1,495
Bay Breeze Apartments1-bed/1-bath - classic1BR,1BA$1,625
Naranja ApartmentsStudio - 70% AMI1BR,1BA$1,650
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDSStudio 1Studio,1BA$1,691
2551 Commercial StOA-GStudio,1BA$1,695
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 November 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the National City area is the $2.61 price per square foot Three Bedroom Two Bathroom Model at Woodland Hills in the in the Paradise Hills neighborhood starting from $3,135. The second greatest value National City apartment is the Fountain Upstairs Model at Greentree Fountain Apartments starting at $2,700 with a $2.56 price per square foot in the South Third Avenue 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.
Woodland HillsThree Bedroom Two Bathroom3BR,2BA$2.61
Greentree Fountain ApartmentsFountain Upstairs2BR,2BA$2.56
Bonita CedarsPlan 2A2BR,2BA$2.57
Casa Corona2-bed/1-bath2BR,1BA$2.59
420 S Evans St, Unit Evans420 S Evans St2BR,1BA$2.33
Park Crest ApartmentsB12BR,1BA$2.41
Rancho Vista2/1 A2BR,1BA$2.44
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.27
Casa Serena2/12BR,1BA$2.57
Jean C. McKinney Manor1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1.47

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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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 Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios listed at $1,495.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment is $834 at Jean C. McKinney Manor.

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 $1,799 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 Park Crest Apartments and starts from $2,506.

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

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

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.