Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $500 with Swimming Pool (42 Rentals)

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

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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Park 12 Podium
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park 12 Podium

202 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
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Coral Bay Summit
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coral Bay Summit

3103-3171 Clairemont DrSan Diego, CA 92117
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Coral Bay Canyon
2 Bedroom Apartments

Coral Bay Canyon

3103 Clairemont DrSan Diego, CA 92117

It's time to soak up some sun!

One of the easiest and more obvious ways of enjoying the summer sun is to lounge out by your community pool. Learn a Few Rules to Keep in Mind while at the pool.

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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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Tierra Del Norte
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tierra Del Norte

984 Peach AveEl Cajon, CA 92021
  • Utilities Included

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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Magnolia Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Magnolia Apartments

732 Magnolia AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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Sea Vale Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sea Vale Villas

24 Woodlawn AveChula Vista, CA 91910
  • Utilities Included
Showing Results 1-42, Page 1 of 1

San Diego, CA Local Guide

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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Diego, CA

Ranked #4

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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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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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

  • Parks
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  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
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  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

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 $1,395.

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

The cheapest apartment in San Diego is Jean C. McKinney Manor which is listed at $834, while the average apartment in San Diego costs $5,370.

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 2,673 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 $560 which is $4,810 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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.