
Cheap Low Income Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $500 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Diego.


Vista Lane Family Homes - Affordable Housing

Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community
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.

The Helm - Affordable Housing

2551 Commercial St

Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Navigating the World of Low-Income Housing
A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Low Income Renting
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 | $2,425 | $1,033 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,885 | $1,011 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,653 | $855 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,681 | $850 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,147 | $850 | $10,000+ |
San Diego 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,586 | $792 | $10,000+ |
Explore San Diego
San Diego, CA Local Guide
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Quick 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.
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 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 $1,500.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Diego?
The cheapest apartment in San Diego is Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+ which is listed at $1,400, while the average apartment in San Diego costs $5,228.
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 1,161 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 $638 which is $4,590 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Diego.
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.

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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.