255 E St
Chula VistaCA91910
Cheap Homes for Rent in National City, CA from $800 (31 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in National City.
6342 Plaza Cuernavaca
San DiegoCA92114
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$1,2504 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 1
215 Willie James Jones Ave, Unit 103
215 Willie James Jones AveSan Diego, CA 92102
724 Iona Dr
San DiegoCA92114
562 Jefferson Ave
Chula VistaCA91910
3873 Superba St
San DiegoCA92113
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$1,6001 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
619 42nd St
619 42nd StSan Diego, CA 92102
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.
729 Morrison St
San DiegoCA92102
412 E 4th St
National CityCA91950
5527 Bolivar St
San DiegoCA92139
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$1,6951 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
521 Park Way
521 Park WayChula Vista, CA 91910
2141 E 16th St
National CityCA91950
2854 Rhoades Rd
San DiegoCA92139
106 Madison Ave
Chula VistaCA91910
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.
3011 Boston Ave
San DiegoCA92113
445 Park Way, Unit 445 Parkway #B
445 Park Way
Chula VistaCA91910
224 F St, Unit 1 br
224 F St
Chula VistaCA91910
4037 National Ave
San DiegoCA92113
566 Guava Ave
Chula VistaCA91910
112 E 5th St
National CityCA91950
114 E 5th St
National CityCA91950
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.
3133 Clay Ave
San DiegoCA92113
6541 Bougainville Rd
San DiegoCA92139
490 4th Ave
Chula VistaCA91910
4314 Z St, Unit 4480
4314 Z St
San DiegoCA92113
320 Willie James Jones Ave
San DiegoCA92102
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$2,1501 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 1
2431 Prospect St
2431 Prospect StNational City, CA 91950
415 Iona Dr
San DiegoCA92114
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.
4446-4448 G St
San DiegoCA92102
6434 Akins Ave
San DiegoCA92114
750 Cedar Ave
Chula VistaCA91910
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National City, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent a home in National City?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| National City 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,597 | $2,100 | $6,995 |
| National City 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,063 | $2,490 | $10,000+ |
| National City 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,488 | $3,350 | $10,000+ |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Homes for Rent in National City
Explore National City
National City, CA Local Guide
- National City Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS | Studio D1 | Studio,1BA | $1,575 |
| Palm Shadows Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,690 |
| Bayview Tower Condominiums | One Bedroom Unfurnished | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
| Essex Manor Apartments | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| Windsor Heights | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| The Glorias Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| Parkview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,700 |
| 2137-2145 E 16th St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| Eucalyptus Grove Apartments | STUDIO A | Studio,1BA | $1,744 |
| The Plaza | 1x1 | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harborview Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.03 |
| Bonita Cedars | Plan 2A | 2BR,2BA | $2.57 |
| Rancho Vista | 2/1 A | 2BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Park Crest Apartments | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.55 |
| Island Gardens Apartments - Affordable | 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - 60% AMI | 2BR,1BA | $2.12 |
| Chula Vista Terrace | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.53 |
| The Glorias Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.27 |
| Garrett Gardens | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.63 |
| 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
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.
Read Article
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
Read ArticleReal 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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How much rent can you afford?
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, CAPopulation: 61,431
Ranked #612
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in National City, CA
John A. Otis Elementary
National Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (367)
8 out of 10
National City Middle
Sweetwater Union High School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (709)
6 out of 10
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 National City
What type of rentals are currently available in National City?
There are currently 1268 Apartments for Rent in National City, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,250 to $17,319. There are also 132 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in National City ranging from $850 to $30,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in National City?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in National City ranges from $850 to $30,000 with an average monthly rent of $3,934.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in National City?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in National City range from $2,195 to $7,340, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,490 to $12,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,350 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,250.
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
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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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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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
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Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.
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Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.
Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.