
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the College Area San Diego, CA from $300 (5 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the College Area area of San Diego.


Talmadge Senior Village(55+ Senior Community)
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Winona Towers

Wesley Terrace Apartments
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4568 Altadena Ave
College Area, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in College Area?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Area Studio Apartments | $1,915 | $1,825 | $2,095 |
| College Area 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,232 | $1,595 | $3,150 |
| College Area 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,827 | $2,000 | $3,810 |
| College Area 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,472 | $930 | $4,535 |
| College Area 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,351 | $910 | $6,400 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 5 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the College Area Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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College Area, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available College Area Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the College Area area of San Diego, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Rive San Diego priced from $386. Fifty Twenty-Five has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $855. Here are the most affordable College Area apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Rive San Diego | 4x4 B | 4BR,4BA | $386 |
| Fifty Twenty-Five | 4BR/4BA - Semi Private - Elite (D) | 4BR,4BA | $855 |
| Victory on Paseo | 5BR/3BA - A | 5BR,3BA | $871 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in College Area, CA
As of January 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the College Area area is the $3.08 price per square foot 4 Beds, 2 baths Model at 4464 Arendo Dr in the in the Rolando neighborhood starting from $4,500. The second greatest value College Area apartment is the Plan B1 Model at The Parker starting at $3,710 with a $3.29 price per square foot in the Grantville neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for College Area apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4464 Arendo Dr | 4 Beds, 2 baths | 4BR,2BA | $3.08 |
| The Parker | Plan B1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.29 |
| Topaz | 3x3 A | 3BR,3BA | $1.76 |
| The Rive San Diego | 2x2 B | 2BR,2BA | $1.03 |
| 4473 Menlo Ave, Unit B | 4473 Menlo Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| Victory on Paseo | 3BR/2BA - Poolhouse | 3BR,2BA | $2.65 |
| Campus Village Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath- Renovated | 2BR,1BA | $3.18 |
| 5831 Adelaide Ave, Unit back apartment | 5831 Adelaide Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| Talmadge Pacific Apartments | 1 Bedrooom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.78 |
| Pakeva | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.15 |
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
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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?
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Pet Friendly LifestyleCollege Area, San Diego, CA
Ranked #89
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap College Area Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in College Area?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in College Area is under $1,995.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in College Area?
The cheapest apartment in College Area is Dorado Plaza which is listed at $1,895, while the average apartment in College Area costs $10,875.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in College Area?
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 30 regular apartments in College Area 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 College Area?
Cheap apartments in College Area have an average cost of $987 which is $9,888 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in College Area.
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.