Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Balboa Park Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (99 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Balboa Park area of San Diego.

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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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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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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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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Cedar Gateway
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Gateway

550 Cedar StSan Diego, CA 92101
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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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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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Metro Villas Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Metro Villas Apartments

4031-4091 39th StSan Diego, CA 92105
  • Utilities Included
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Vantaggio Broadway
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Vantaggio Broadway

2650 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92102

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

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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Balboa Park, San Diego, CA Local Guide

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 Arlington Apartments priced from $900. Trolley Court has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $974. Here are the most affordable Balboa Park apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Arlington ApartmentsSingle Room OccupantStudio,$900
Trolley CourtStandardStudio,$974
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$995
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!StandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Island Village ApartmentsStudio ALL UTILITIES IncludedStudio,1BA$1,300
Chamoune Senior ApartmentsThe Mission - One Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,400
MBS StudiosStudioStudio,1BA$1,400
Vantaggio Little ItalySmall full size bedStudio,1BA$1,450
WLA Windsor0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,450
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,475

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Balboa Park, CA

As of July 15, 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 Plan 2 Model at Talmadge Canyon Park starting at $3,850 with a $2.36 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Lofts at 734 University AveHuge Loft UnitsStudio ,1BA$1.72
Talmadge Canyon ParkPlan 23BR,3BA$2.36
Union GrantvilleD34BR,4BA$0.57
Fifth & Olive2 Beds, 1.5 Baths2BR,1.5BA$2.29
The Theater Apartments2 bedroom 2 bathroom Penthouse level2BR,2BA$2.60
MBS StudiosStudioStudio ,1BA$1.56
Island Gardens Apartments - Affordable2 Bedroom, 1 Bath - 60% AMI2BR,1BA$2.12
2140-2144 1st Ave1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$2.66
Hillside ApartmentsStandard1BR,1BA$2.33
The LeoStudioStudio ,1BA$2.66

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.

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The 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

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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

Ranked #1

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

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 $1,475.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Balboa Park?

The cheapest apartment in Balboa Park is Chamoune Senior Apartments which is listed at $1,400, while the average apartment in Balboa Park costs $9,506.

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 190 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 $381 which is $9,125 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.

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Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters

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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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