Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Clairemont Mesa East Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,200 (41 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Clairemont Mesa East 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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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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Royal Diane Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Royal Diane Apartments

5005 Diane AveSan Diego, CA 92117
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Fiesta Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Fiesta Apartments

5150 Balboa Arms DrSan Diego, CA 92117
  • 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.

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Aspen Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Aspen Apartments

4975 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117
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Lotus House Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Lotus House Apartments

5110 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117
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Park House Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park House Apartments

8501-8549 Glenhaven StSan Diego, CA 92123
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mesa-village
Studio Apartments

mesa-village

5265 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117
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Pacific Palms
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Pacific Palms

5109-5139 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117
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Desert Spa Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Desert Spa Apartments

4338-4340 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117
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Park Place
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park Place

5188 Balboa Arms DrSan Diego, CA 92117
  • Utilities Included

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

From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

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Beadnell Village
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Beadnell Village

6520 Beadnell WaySan Diego, CA 92117
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Mesa Palms Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Mesa Palms Apartments

7717 Linda Vista RdSan Diego, CA 92111
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Desert Spa Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Desert Spa Apartments

4386 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117
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Vista Capri
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Vista Capri

3277 Berger AveSan Diego, CA 92123
Corporate Housing
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Elivia Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Elivia Apartments

5325-5385 Clairemont Mesa BlvdSan Diego, CA 92117

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.

Clairemont Mesa East, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Clairemont Mesa East Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Clairemont Mesa East area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Terrasini Apartments priced from $1,447. Modica Family Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,776. Here are the most affordable Clairemont Mesa East apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Terrasini ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,447
Modica Family Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,776
Desert Spa Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,875
Le Jaime- Newly Renovated Living in the Heart of Clairemont1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,955
Coral Bay1x11BR,1BA$1,977
The Villager in Bay Park, Freshly Renovated Studio Apartments!0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,995
Park Genesee1x1M1BR,1BA$2,027
The Stratton Apartment HomesB1 Income Restricted2BR,1BA$2,162
Casa De Windsor - North Clairemont1 Br. - 1 Ba. Plan D1BR,1BA$2,175
Mesa Vista Apartment HomesPlan A1BR,1BA$2,270

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Clairemont Mesa East, CA

As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Clairemont Mesa East area is the $2.84 price per square foot 3x1.5 Model at The Modern Apartments in the in the Clairemont neighborhood starting from $3,194. The second greatest value Clairemont Mesa East apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at Riviera Highlands Apartments starting at $2,930 with a $2.93 price per square foot in the Clairemont neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Clairemont Mesa East apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Modern Apartments3x1.53BR,1.5BA$2.84
Riviera Highlands Apartments2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.93
Palms ApartmentsDesign 2A Premier2BR,2BA$2.71
Pine Terrace Apartments - PTerrace2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.78
The LucciF&F Renovation 2x2 Future or Completed2BR,2BA$3.02
Arrive ClairemontMarina2BR,1BA$3.21
Villa Pacific Apartments *$500.00 off *Junior two bedroom2BR,1BA$2.97
The Stratton Apartment HomesB12BR,1BA$2.94
Coral Bay1x11BR,1BA$3.04
Desert Spa Apartments0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$3.13

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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 Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Clairemont Mesa East, San Diego, CA

Ranked #32

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com compiles millions of data points to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Clairemont Mesa East, San Diego, and the greater San Diego area. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury housing options, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Clairemont Mesa East Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Clairemont Mesa East?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Clairemont Mesa East is under $2,270.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Clairemont Mesa East?

The cheapest apartment in Clairemont Mesa East is Terrasini Apartments which is listed at $1,550, while the average apartment in Clairemont Mesa East costs $13,074.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Clairemont Mesa East?

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 243 regular apartments in Clairemont Mesa East 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 Clairemont Mesa East?

Cheap apartments in Clairemont Mesa East have an average cost of $1,277 which is $11,797 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Clairemont Mesa East.

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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