
Cheap Homes for Rent in National City, CA from $1,200 (31 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in National City.


536 Davidson St

215 Willie James Jones Ave, Unit 103

1420 Coolidge Ave, Unit C

2854 Rhoades Rd

412 E 4th St

2145 Calle Serena
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.

521 Park Way

1022 41st St

418 Honeysuckle Ln

4809 Birchbark Ln

912 S 29th St

5527 Bolivar St

619 42nd St
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.

4037 National Ave

1308 49th St

4787 A St

3133 Clay Ave

634 2nd Ave

3011 Boston Ave

320 Willie James Jones Ave
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.

6541 Bougainville Rd

4314 Z St, Unit 4480, Unit 4480

732 S 46th St

351-351 3rd Ave

2141 E 16th St

415 Iona Dr

2920 Briarwood Rd
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.

3268 National Ave, Unit B

2950 Alta View Dr, Unit #295, Unit #295

479 F St
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 | $3,651 | $1,949 | $6,995 |
| National City 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,788 | $2,610 | $10,000+ |
| National City 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,279 | $3,090 | $10,000+ |
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 Naranja Apartments in the Mt Hope neighborhood priced from $1,375. 2949-2955 Logan Ave in the Barrio Logan neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,400. Here is today’s list of the most affordable National City apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naranja Apartments | Studio - 70% AMI | Studio,1BA | $1,375 |
| 2949-2955 Logan Ave | Comfy 1bed | 1BR,1BA | $1,400 |
| Vista Shores – Bright, Renovated Studios Just Minutes from the Coast! | 0+1, upstairs | Studio,1BA | $1,445 |
| 3738 Acacia St | Apt A-F | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| Commercial Suites | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,575 |
| SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS | Studio D1 | Studio,1BA | $1,575 |
| Palm Shadows Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,690 |
| Windsor Heights | 1-Bed/1-Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in National City, CA
As of May 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the National City area is the $1.55 price per square foot 1 bedroom Model at 2949-2955 Logan Ave in the in the Barrio Logan neighborhood starting from $1,550. The second greatest value National City apartment is the Two Bed Two Bath Model at Chula Vista Terrace *$300 Off* starting at $2,100 with a $2.10 price per square foot in the Northwest Chula Vista Area 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2949-2955 Logan Ave | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.55 |
| Chula Vista Terrace *$300 Off* | Two Bed Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.10 |
| Elan View Pointe | Allure | 2BR,2BA | $2.63 |
| Park Crest Apartments | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.55 |
| Island Gardens Apartments - Affordable | 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - 60% AMI | 2BR,1BA | $2.57 |
| Potomac Square Apartments | 2 Bed/1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.70 |
| The Glorias Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.27 |
| The Pines Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.71 |
| 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 ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
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.
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 City Middle
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 1252 Apartments for Rent in National City, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,250 to $18,114. There are also 110 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in National City ranging from $1,250 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 $1,250 to $30,000 with an average monthly rent of $3,913.
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 $10,195, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,610 to $14,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,090 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.

Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
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.

Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.