
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Balboa Park Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (90 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Balboa Park area of San Diego.


Total Monthly Price
3942 8th Ave

Total Monthly Price
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!

Hillcrest Inn

Island Village Apartments

Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community

3210 Felton St

Villa De Oro Apartments

830 Park Blvd

1556 Second Ave
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.

The Marquis at Hillcrest

Vantaggio Little Italy

4312-4314 33rd Pl

2855-2865 A St San Diego, CA 92102

Island Flats

WLA Windsor

WLA 509 Park

4320 44th St

Harris Family Senior Residence

Redwood Terrace
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.

Windsor Apartments

Overlook Point Apartments

4019 Hawk St

4653-4655 Utah St

Golden Glen Apartments

The Helm - Affordable Housing

2111 Wightman St

Horton 4th Avenue

Total Monthly Price
Studios435: Furnished Studios with Modern Esthetic

Canyon Breeze
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.

2782 Broadway

Hilltop Terrace

Las Dos Palmas

Total Monthly Price
3432 Reynard Way, Unit Josie Lograsso

Iowa Street Senior Housing

Versa

City Heights Senior Apartments

Cedar Gateway

CCBA Senior Garden

4462-4468 30th St
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.

Casa De Lago

3970 Goldfinch St

University Gateway Apartments

Metro Villas Apartments

Indiana Palms

Golden Heights Terrace

Cortez Hill Apartments

Vantaggio Broadway

4576-4580 32nd St

Aldea at Hamilton
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.
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Balboa Park?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balboa Park Studio Apartments | $2,456 | $974 | $4,637 |
| Balboa Park 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,118 | $1,500 | $10,000+ |
| Balboa Park 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,264 | $855 | $10,000+ |
| Balboa Park 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,606 | $1,560 | $10,000+ |
| Balboa Park 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,258 | $875 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 90 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Balboa Park Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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Balboa Park, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Balboa Park Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Balboa Park area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Trolley Court priced from $974. 3942 8th Ave has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $995. Here are the most affordable Balboa Park apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trolley Court | Standard | Studio, | $974 |
| 3942 8th Ave | Studio | Studio, | $995 |
| Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units! | Standard | Studio,1BA | $1,062 |
| Hillcrest Inn | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,250 |
| The Residences at 3954 Kansas | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,292 |
| Island Village Apartments | Studio ALL UTILITIES Included | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
| Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,350 |
| 830 Park Blvd | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,400 |
| The Marquis at Hillcrest | The University | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
| Vantaggio Little Italy | Small full size bed | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Balboa Park, CA
As of February 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the Balboa Park area is the $1.72 price per square foot Huge Loft Units Model at Lofts at 734 University Ave in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,100. The second greatest value Balboa Park apartment is the 3722 Florida St Model at 3722 Florida St, Unit 3 starting at $4,000 with a $2.67 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Balboa Park apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lofts at 734 University Ave | Huge Loft Units | Studio ,1BA | $1.72 |
| 3722 Florida St, Unit 3 | 3722 Florida St | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.67 |
| Koll Center | Large 2 Bed 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.71 |
| Pacific Vu Apartments | Two Bedroom, Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.56 |
| Horton 4th Avenue | 1BD | 1BR,1BA | $2.60 |
| Union Grantville | B2 | 2BR,2BA | $1.96 |
| Hillside Apartments | Standard | 1BR,1BA | $2.33 |
| The Residences at 3954 Kansas | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.72 |
| 3432 Reynard Way, Unit Josie Lograsso | 3432 Reynard Way | 1BR,1BA | $2.54 |
| 4030 Front St | 4030 Front St. | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleThe Student Renter's Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood to Rent
Learn About the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near College Campuses in San Diego, CA | Find San Diego Off-Campus Student Housing
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleBalboa Park, San Diego, CA
Ranked #1
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Roosevelt International Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com compiles millions of data points to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Balboa Park, San Diego, and the greater San Diego area. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for easy access to the parks, luxury amenities, places to raise kids, raising pets, transit options, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Balboa Park Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Balboa Park?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Balboa Park is under $1,450.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Balboa Park?
The cheapest apartment in Balboa Park is The Residences at 3954 Kansas which is listed at $1,292, while the average apartment in Balboa Park costs $4,959.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Balboa Park?
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 59 regular apartments in Balboa Park 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 Balboa Park?
Cheap apartments in Balboa Park have an average cost of $425 which is $4,534 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Balboa Park.
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

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.

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.
Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.