Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Core-columbia Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (35 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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.

property at 321 Tenth Ave

321 Tenth Ave

San DiegoCA92101

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.

close
View Me
Cedar Gateway
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Gateway

550 Cedar StSan Diego, CA 92101
close
View Me
CCBA Senior Garden
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

CCBA Senior Garden

438 3rd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Living Q
Studio Apartments

Living Q

1903-1911 K StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
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.

close
View Me
La Maison
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

La Maison

1818 6th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Essex Apartments
Studio Apartments

Essex Apartments

1910 State StSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Barcelona
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Barcelona

326 Juniper StSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
J Street Flats
Studio Apartments

J Street Flats

222 J StSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included

The 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.

close
View Me
Villa De Oro Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa De Oro Apartments

1830 Market StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The Juniper Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Juniper Apartments

2321 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included

Core-columbia, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Core-columbia Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Core-columbia area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Trolley Court priced from $974. Studio 15 has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,050. Here are the most affordable Core-columbia apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Trolley CourtStandardStudio,$974
Studio 15Studios - 50% AMI - Utilities includedStudio,1BA$1,050
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!StandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Vantaggio Little ItalySmall full size bedStudio,1BA$1,450
Island FlatsSmall StudioStudio,1BA$1,500
WLA Windsor0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,550
WLA 509 Park0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,550
Horton 4th AvenueStudiosStudio,1BA$1,602
The Helm - Affordable HousingStudioStudio,1BA$1,650
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,737

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Core-columbia, CA

As of October 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the Core-columbia area is the $2.89 price per square foot Two Bedroom B2F Model at 13th & Market in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,999. The second greatest value Core-columbia apartment is the 2L-1 Model at F11 East Village starting at $3,599 with a $2.96 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Core-columbia apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
13th & MarketTwo Bedroom B2F2BR,2BA$2.89
F11 East Village2L-12BR,2BA$2.96
Pioneer – Lofts (PIOLOF)Lofts1BR,1BA$2.89
Viridian LoftsOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.68
600 Front Apartments2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$3.10
Horton 4th Avenue1BD1BR,1BA$2.61
Golden Pacific Apartments152322A- H - Renovation2BR,2BA$3.06
Idea1 ApartmentsA131BR,1BA$3.12
Arrive Broadway LoftsHorton StudioStudio ,1BA$3.06
Vera Cortez HillA1 (Premium)1BR,1BA$3.08

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Core-Columbia, San Diego, CA

Ranked #5

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Lifestyle Ratings

This website compares millions of points of data to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of neighborhoods, cities, and rental properties across California, including San Diego. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including filtering automatically for proximity to parks, luxury housing options, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, places to raise kids, walking, and biking. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Core-columbia Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Core-columbia?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Core-columbia is under $1,737.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Core-columbia?

The cheapest apartment in Core-columbia is Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community which is listed at $1,860, while the average apartment in Core-columbia costs $5,057.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Core-columbia?

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 29 regular apartments in Core-columbia 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 Core-columbia?

Cheap apartments in Core-columbia have an average cost of $132 which is $4,925 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Core-columbia.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

decorative image for Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.