Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $500 with Washer/Dryer (24 Rentals)

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

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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Living Q
Studio Apartments

Living Q

1903-1911 K StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included

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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7002 Linda Vista Rd
1 Bedroom Apartments

7002 Linda Vista Rd

7002 Linda Vista RdSan Diego, CA 92111
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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Valencia Pointe
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Valencia Pointe

5930 Division StSan Diego, CA 92114
  • Utilities Included
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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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Pacifica Sunrise
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pacifica Sunrise

921 S Sunshine AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
  • Utilities Included
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Sund Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sund Apartments

1145 4th AveChula Vista, CA 91911

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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Ironwood Villas
2 Bedroom Apartments

Ironwood Villas

214 W 13th StEscondido, CA 92025
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Grove Lofts
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Grove Lofts

8465 BroadwayLemon Grove, CA 91945
  • Utilities Included
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Escondido Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Escondido Villas

1136 N Escondido BlvdEscondido, CA 92026
  • Utilities Included

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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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

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  • 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 $1,450.

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 $5,335.

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 1,061 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 $769 which is $4,566 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.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.