Top Rated Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $500 (28 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Top Rated Apartments in San Diego.

Cheap Apartments in San Diego.

close
View Me
The Rive San Diego
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Rive San Diego

6345 El Cajon BlvdSan Diego, CA 92115
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Park 12 Podium
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park 12 Podium

202 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
Property Rating
close
View Me
Westbrook Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Westbrook Apartments

592 Ammunition RdSan Diego, CA 92028
Property Rating
close
View Me
Hollywood Park Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hollywood Park Apartments

2404-2412 Fairmount AveSan Diego, CA 92105
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4345 McClintock St
2 Bedroom Apartments

4345 McClintock St

4345 McClintock StSan Diego, CA 92105
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Coral Bay Summit
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coral Bay Summit

3103-3171 Clairemont DrSan Diego, CA 92117
Property Rating
close
View Me
Torre Del Mar
1 Bedroom Apartments

Torre Del Mar

4925 Del Mar AveSan Diego, CA 92107
Property Rating
close
View Me
66th Street
1 Bedroom Apartments

66th Street

630-636 66th StSan Diego, CA 92114
Property Rating

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.

close
View Me
J Street Flats
Studio Apartments

J Street Flats

222 J StSan Diego, CA 92101
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Santa Fe Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Villas

3912 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92103
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Cedar Shores
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Shores

2151 Oliver AveSan Diego, CA 92109
Property Rating

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.

close
View Me
Encelia Cota Vera
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Encelia Cota Vera

1910 Encelia CirChula Vista, CA 91913
Property Rating
close
View Me
7516 Parkway Dr
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

7516 Parkway Dr

7516 Parkway DrLa Mesa, CA 91942
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Grove Lofts
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Grove Lofts

8465 BroadwayLemon Grove, CA 91945
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The Mark At Bonita
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Mark At Bonita

3240-3248 Bonita RdChula Vista, CA 91910
Property Rating
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Pepper Creek
1 Bedroom Apartments

Pepper Creek

1475 Graves AveEl Cajon, CA 92021
Property Rating
  • 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.

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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

San Diego, CA Area Reviews

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

Hayden4+ 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 $1,500.

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 $5,266.

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 2,587 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 $631 which is $4,635 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.

decorative image for Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide article

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.

decorative image for The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

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.

decorative image for Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting article

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.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

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.