
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $500 (335 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Diego.


The Orchard Senior Apartments (55+)

4986 Logan Ave

3942 8th Ave

5418 Baja Dr
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.

Vista Lane Family Homes - Affordable Housing

4619 Contour Blvd

10400 Caminito Cuervo, Unit B

University Gardens

Vantaggio Little Italy

Villa Hermosa I

510 20th St

6236 Hobart St

2666 Rhoades Rd
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.

The Presidio Apartments

5527 Bolivar St, Unit Studio

Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community

Hilltop Terrace

The Marquis at Hillcrest
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.

Pacific Cove

2410 33rd St

The Helm - Affordable Housing

268 Meadowbrook Dr, Unit ADU Studio

Redwood Terrace

Overlook Point Apartments

Talmadge Pacific Apartments

2707 Highland Ave

Windsor Apartments
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.

2551 Commercial St

Nestor Regency

Canyon Breeze

4472 F St

3129 Quimby St, Unit Room in Point Loma

148 W Maple St

5211 Tipton St

642 Bonair Way
San Diego's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about San Diego and the best places to live with original content written by our , Local Expert Hayden Goldberg

Canyonwood Apartments

1141 Silverado St
San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Diego?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap San Diego Studio Apartments | $2,421 | $1,033 | $10,000+ |
Cheap San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,890 | $1,042 | $10,000+ |
Cheap San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,663 | $855 | $10,000+ |
Cheap San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,707 | $850 | $10,000+ |
Cheap San Diego 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,981 | $850 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,597 | $792 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in San Diego
See all Apartments in San DiegoExplore San Diego
San Diego, CA Local Guide

- San Diego Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Diego, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/30/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Diego, CA area range in price from $800 to $100,000 with an overall median price of $10,878. The three San Diego neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Chollas Creek at $1,500, Fox Canyon at $1,995, and Teralta West at $2,350. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Diego Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
Chollas Creek | $1,995 | $1,500 | 2 |
Fox Canyon | $1,995 | $1,995 | 1 |
Teralta West | $2,500 | $2,350 | 2 |
Tijuana River Valley | $2,960 | $1,950 | 3 |
Swan Canyon | $2,995 | $1,375 | 2 |
Cherokee Point | $3,175 | $1,750 | 7 |
Otay Town | $3,195 | $3,195 | 1 |
Prospect Glen | $3,195 | $3,100 | 2 |
Fairmont Village | $3,200 | $1,500 | 3 |
Colina Del Sol | $3,290 | $1,850 | 8 |
Cheapest Available San Diego Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at 3942 8th Ave in the Balboa Park neighborhood priced from $1,050. Peachtree Inn in the Balboa Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,062. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Diego apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
3942 8th Ave | Studio | Studio, | $1,050 |
Peachtree Inn | Standard | Studio,1BA | $1,062 |
Vista Lane Family Homes - Affordable Housing | Studio - 50% AMI | Studio,1BA | $1,375 |
Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1s | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+ | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,400 |
Monroe | S2M | Studio,1BA | $1,426 |
Vantaggio Little Italy | Small full size bed | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
Island Flats | Small Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 55+ | One Bedroom - Downstairs | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
Sundance Senior Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA
As of July 30, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Diego area is the $2.13 price per square foot Townhome Two 4 x 3.5 Model at Salerno in the in the Rancho del Rey neighborhood starting from $4,902. The second greatest value San Diego apartment is the Rent a Home Model at Camerons Mobile Estates starting at $2,600 with a $1.87 price per square foot in the Prospect Glen neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Diego apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Salerno | Townhome Two 4 x 3.5 | 4BR,3.5BA | $2.13 |
Camerons Mobile Estates | Rent a Home | 2BR,2BA | $1.87 |
7302 Mesa College Dr, Unit 3 | 7302 Mesa College Dr | 2BR,1BA | $2.00 |
Terre at Bradley | Sunset | 2BR,1BA | $2.22 |
Paseo Place | 2x2 Shared | 2BR,2BA | $1.29 |
Valle at 9121 Kenwood | Azul | 2BR,2BA | $2.22 |
Terre at the Ranch | Orchard | 2BR,2BA | $2.15 |
Terre at Canyon | Ravine | 2BR,2BA | $2.25 |
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.91 |
Winter Gardens Manor | 9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #15 | 1BR,1BA | $2.17 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
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San Diego Overview
San Diego is a major city on the Pacific Coast in Southern California and is adjacent to the Mexican border. Home to over 1.3 million people, San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and is nicknamed “America’s Finest City”. The major industries are military/defense, tourism, international trade, and manufacturing. There is also a wide variety of apartments in San Diego available for residents who move here to find a great place to call home.
Why live in San Diego, CA?
While the cost of living is higher than average in San Diego, the city offers near perfect weather year round, a wide variety of outdoors activities, beautiful beaches, museums and other cultural centers, and a professional sports events. Fans of local sports have their choice of supporting the San Diego Chargers (football), the San Diego Padres (baseball), the San Diego Gulls (ice hockey) and a newly formed rugby team.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSan Diego, CA
Ranked #4
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Diego, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Diego, CA
Getting Around San Diego, CA
Walk Score®
74 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
57 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
46 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
San Diego, CA Area Reviews
Hayden • 4+ years in San Diego
March 6, 2025San Diego is an amazing city for families, young professionals, and retirees!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Diego Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Diego?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Diego is at 3942 8th Ave listed at $1,050.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Diego Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Diego Apartment is $1,400 at Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Diego Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Diego is starting from $1,720 at Village Green Senior Community.
What is the most affordable San Diego Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap San Diego Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at College View and starts from $2,250.
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.

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.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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.

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.