
Cheap Gated Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $300 (37 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Diego.


Trolley Court

Studio 15

Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!

The Orchard Senior Apartments (55+)

Hillcrest Inn

Island Village Apartments

Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community

Vista Lane Family Homes - Affordable Housing
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.

830 Park Blvd

Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest

The Presidio Apartments

Vantaggio Little Italy

Island Flats

DL University Gardens

408 S 33rd St, Unit 2

The Marquis at Hillcrest

WLA Windsor
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.

Harris Family Senior Residence

Redwood Terrace

Studios435: Furnished Studios with Modern Esthetic

Naranja Apartments

4195 Hamilton St, Unit 2

Golden Heights Terrace

Indiana Palms

630 W Washington St

4345 McClintock St
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.

Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+

Anza Terrace - Seniors Only 50+

Terre at Copley

The Village at Lakeside (55+ Community)

Casa Escondida

Village Green Senior Community

Guava Gardens (62+ Senior Community)

Tierra Del Norte

Magnolia Apartments
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.

Terrace Gardens- A 55 and Better Community
San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Diego?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Studio Apartments | $2,383 | $974 | $6,106 |
| San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,837 | $1,180 | $10,000+ |
| San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,513 | $855 | $10,000+ |
| San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,529 | $930 | $10,000+ |
| San Diego 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,347 | $875 | $10,000+ |
| San Diego 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,373 | $871 | $10,000+ |
Explore San Diego
San Diego, CA Local Guide
- San Diego Neighborhoods
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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 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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 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.
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
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 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 $5,863.
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 4,514 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 $752 which is $5,111 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

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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!