Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA from $500 (372 Rentals) Page 2 of 8

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Cedar Shores
$1,672 - $2,856
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,672 - $2,856
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability

Cedar Shores

2151 Oliver AveSan Diego, CA 92109
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64Forty
Rent Specials
$1,672 - $3,275
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,672 - $3,275
Total Monthly Price
$1,672 - $3,275
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

64Forty

6440 El Cajon BlvdSan Diego, CA 92115
Affordability
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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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2754 A St, Unit ADU/Studio
$1,700
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,700
Total Monthly Price
$1,700
Studio Apartment Available Sep 1

2754 A St, Unit ADU/Studio

2754 A StSan Diego, CA 92102
Affordability
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Turquoise Place
2 Bedroom Apartments

Turquoise Place

891 Turquoise StSan Diego, CA 92109

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.

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1985 National Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1985 National Ave

1985 National AveSan Diego, CA 92113
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Southwest Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Southwest Village

323-338 Willie James Jones AveSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
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Kettner Crossing Phase 1
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Kettner Crossing Phase 1

1590 Kettner BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Tesoro Grove Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Tesoro Grove Apartments

1150 Tesoro Grove WaySan Diego, CA 92154
  • Utilities Included
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Jean C. McKinney Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Jean C. McKinney Manor

5641 Imperial AveSan Diego, CA 92114
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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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Cedar Gateway
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Gateway

550 Cedar StSan Diego, CA 92101
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Pelican Point
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pelican Point

5101-5107 Narragansett AveSan Diego, CA 92107
  • Utilities Included
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4462-4468 30th St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4462-4468 30th St

4462-4468 30th StSan Diego, CA 92116
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Cascade Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cascade Apartments

5826-5848 Streamview DrSan Diego, CA 92105
  • Utilities Included
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Living Q
Studio Apartments

Living Q

1903-1911 K StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
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Park 12 Podium
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park 12 Podium

202 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101

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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Morley 47 Apartments
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Morley 47 Apartments

2200-2240 Morley StSan Diego, CA 92111
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Villa Encantada
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Encantada

505 62nd StSan Diego, CA 92114
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Casa De Lago
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Casa De Lago

4145 Iowa StSan Diego, CA 92104
  • Utilities Included
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3970 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

3970 Goldfinch St

3970 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
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Serra Bella Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Serra Bella Apartments

2707 Mission Village DrSan Diego, CA 92123
  • Utilities Included
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Metro Villas Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Metro Villas Apartments

4031-4091 39th StSan Diego, CA 92105
  • 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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San Diego, CA Area Reviews

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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 $1,165.

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

The cheapest apartment in San Diego is Trails at Carmel Mountain Ranch Apartments which is listed at $894, while the average apartment in San Diego costs $3,199.

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 5,527 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 $916 which is $2,283 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

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Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture

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Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.

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Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute

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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.

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Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide

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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

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Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

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First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.