Cheap Apartments for Rent in National City, CA from $700 (171 Rentals)

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The Plaza
Rent Specials
$1,754 - $2,358
Total Monthly Price

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$1,754 - $2,358

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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Plaza

1438-1448 E 8th StNational City, CA 91950
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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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419-435 Palm Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

419-435 Palm Ave

419-435 Palm AveNational City, CA 91950

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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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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Mar at Laurel
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Mar at Laurel

135 Laurel AveNational City, CA 91950
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Sunny View Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sunny View Apartments

1809 E 17th StNational City, CA 91950
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Parkwood Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Parkwood Village

2101 L AveNational City, CA 91950
Senior Living
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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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Alta Park Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Alta Park Apartments

2111-2125 E 7th StNational City, CA 91950
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LIV @ Siesta
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

LIV @ Siesta

1815 La Siesta WayNational City, CA 91950
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Hilltop Villas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hilltop Villas

315 E 30th StNational City, CA 91950
Corporate Housing
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The Pines Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Pines Apartments

1403-1437 F AveNational City, CA 91950
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Highland View Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Highland View Apartments

31 Highland AveNational City, CA 91950
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611 Highland
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

611 Highland

611 Highland AveNational City, CA 91950

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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Park Villas Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park Villas Apartments

817 Eta StNational City, CA 91950
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932 E 18th St
2 Bedroom Apartments

932 E 18th St

932 E 18th StNational City, CA 91950
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Overlook on 9th
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Overlook on 9th

1819 E 9th StNational City, CA 91950
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Vista Highland
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Vista Highland

1525 G AveNational City, CA 91950

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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 $1,575. Palm Shadows Apartments in the Northwest Chula Vista Area neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,690. Here is today’s list of the most affordable National City apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDSStudio D1Studio,1BA$1,575
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,690
Bayview Tower CondominiumsOne Bedroom Unfurnished1BR,1BA$1,695
Essex Manor Apartments1-Bed/1-Bath1BR,1BA$1,700
Windsor Heights1-Bed/1-Bath1BR,1BA$1,700
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,700
Parkview ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,700
2137-2145 E 16th St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$1,700
Eucalyptus Grove ApartmentsSTUDIO AStudio,1BA$1,744
The Plaza1x11BR,1BA$1,754

Best Value Apartments for Rent in National City, CA

As of July 09, 2026 the best value apartment in the National City area is the $2.03 price per square foot 2 Beds, 2 Baths Model at Harborview Apartments in the in the National City neighborhood starting from $2,695. The second greatest value National City apartment is the Plan 2A Model at Bonita Cedars starting at $2,627 with a $2.57 price per square foot in the Bay Terraces 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.
Harborview Apartments2 Beds, 2 Baths2BR,2BA$2.03
Bonita CedarsPlan 2A2BR,2BA$2.57
Rancho Vista2/1 A2BR,1BA$2.44
Park Crest ApartmentsB12BR,1BA$2.55
Island Gardens Apartments - Affordable2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - 60% AMI2BR,1BA$2.12
Chula Vista TerraceOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.53
The Glorias ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.27
Garrett GardensOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.63
Windsor Heights1-Bed/1-Bath1BR,1BA$2.62
Essex Manor Apartments1-Bed/1-Bath1BR,1BA$2.62

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 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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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 $1,575.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom National City Apartment is $1,690 at Palm Shadows Apartments.

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 Potomac Square Apartments and starts from $2,695.

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.

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