Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $300 (262 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Diego.

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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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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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.

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Turquoise Place
2 Bedroom Apartments

Turquoise Place

891 Turquoise StSan Diego, CA 92109

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.

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1985 National Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1985 National Ave

1985 National AveSan Diego, CA 92113
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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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Versa
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Versa

2355 Via AltaSan Diego, CA 92108
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Jean C. McKinney Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Jean C. McKinney Manor

5641 Imperial AveSan Diego, CA 92114
Senior Living
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Tesoro Grove Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Tesoro Grove Apartments

1150 Tesoro Grove WaySan Diego, CA 92154
  • Utilities Included
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Cedar Gateway
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Gateway

550 Cedar StSan Diego, CA 92101

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.

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San Diego, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Diego, CA

Pricing Updated: 02/07/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Diego, CA area range in price from $855 to $21,858 with an overall median price of $4,608. The three San Diego neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Outlying Poway Santee Ramona at $1,450, Barrio Logan at $1,575, and Sherman Heights at $1,790. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Diego Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Outlying Poway Santee Ramona$1,450$1,4501
Barrio Logan$1,575$1,5751
Sherman Heights$1,895$1,7902
Granite Hills$1,950$1,9501
Kensington$2,075$1,7502
Fenton Carroll Canyon$2,129$2,1291
Egger Highlands$2,150$1,7956
Logan Heights$2,150$1,45011
Colina Del Sol$2,245$1,5805
Otay Mesa West$2,245$1,6954

Cheapest Available San Diego Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Diego, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Rive San Diego in the Rolando neighborhood priced from $386. Fifty Twenty-Five in the College West neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $890. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Diego apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Rive San Diego4x4 B4BR,4BA$386
Fifty Twenty-Five4BR/4BA - Semi Private - Elite (D)4BR,4BA$890
Trolley CourtStandardStudio,$974
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$995
Studio 15Studios - 50% AMI - Utilities includedStudio,1BA$1,050
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!StandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Hillcrest InnStudioStudio,1BA$1,250
The Residences at 3954 KansasOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1,292
Island Village ApartmentsStudio ALL UTILITIES IncludedStudio,1BA$1,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

As of February 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Diego area is the $1.72 price per square foot Huge Loft Units Model at Lofts at 734 University Ave in the in the Uptown San Diego neighborhood starting from $3,100. The second greatest value San Diego apartment is the 4x4 A Model at The Rive San Diego starting at $1,480 with a $1.02 price per square foot in the Rolando neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Diego apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Lofts at 734 University AveHuge Loft UnitsStudio ,1BA$1.72
The Rive San Diego4x4 A4BR,4BA$1.02
Fountain Estates Apartments2x2 Large2BR,2BA$1.93
Courtyard on 68thA2BR,2BA$1.96
2529 Northside Dr, Unit Private Room for Rent2529 Northside Dr1BR,1BA$1.59
Topaz3x3 A3BR,3BA$1.76
Valle at 9121 KenwoodAzul2BR,2BA$1.96
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.89
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student HousingB12BR,2BA$1.80
The Residences at 3954 KansasOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1.72

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 Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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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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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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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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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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Diego, CA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in San Diego, CA

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San Diego, CA Area Reviews

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Hayden • 4+ years in San Diego

March 6, 2025

San Diego is an amazing city for families, young professionals, and retirees!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Diego Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in San Diego?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Diego is under $1,300.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Diego?

The cheapest apartment in San Diego is The Residences at 3954 Kansas which is listed at $1,292, while the average apartment in San Diego costs $4,608.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Diego?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 917 regular apartments in San Diego that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in San Diego?

Cheap apartments in San Diego have an average cost of $1,063 which is $3,545 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Diego.

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

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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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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.

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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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.