Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Cortez Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $800 (40 Rentals)

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

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GEMA
Rent Specials
$2,427 - $3,590
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,427 - $3,590

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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

GEMA

1471 8th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Affordability
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Stanza Little Italy
Rent Specials
$2,470 - $7,076
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,470 - $7,076

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Stanza Little Italy

310 A StSan Diego, CA 92101
Furnished
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Aloft on Cortez Hill
Studio Apartments

Aloft on Cortez Hill

889 Date StSan Diego, CA 92101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included

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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Aria
Studio Apartments

Aria

1441 9th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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1732 5th Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1732 5th Ave

1732 5th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
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Solara Lofts
1 Bedroom Apartments

Solara Lofts

1551 4th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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419 W Beech St
Studio Apartments

419 W Beech St

419 W Beech StSan Diego, CA 92101
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410 Elm St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

410 Elm St

410 Elm StSan Diego, CA 92101

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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Las Lomitas Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Las Lomitas Apartments

1302 8th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
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Park View Condos
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park View Condos

1650 8th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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935-949 E Date St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

935-949 E Date St

935-949 E Date StSan Diego, CA 92101
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1546 5th Ave
Studio Apartments

1546 5th Ave

1546 5th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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El Cortez
Studio Apartments

El Cortez

702 Ash StSan Diego, CA 92101
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CityMark
Studio Apartments

CityMark

1516-1548 10th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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1401-1421 2nd Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1401-1421 2nd Ave

1401-1421 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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1602-1620 8th Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1602-1620 8th Ave

1602-1620 8th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included

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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Mayfair Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Mayfair Apartments

1609 8th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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Beech Tower
Studio Apartments

Beech Tower

1514 7th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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1556 2nd Ave
Studio Apartments

1556 2nd Ave

1556 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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1445 Front St
Studio Apartments

1445 Front St

1445 Front StSan Diego, CA 92101
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Vera Cortez Hill
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Vera Cortez Hill

1399 Ninth AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Student Housing

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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Wilsonian
1 Bedroom Apartments

Wilsonian

1545 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
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New Palace Hotel
Studio Apartments

New Palace Hotel

1814 5th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
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Westminster Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Westminster Manor

1730 3rd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Grandview Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Grandview Apartments

1820 4th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
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Sandford Hotel
Studio Apartments

Sandford Hotel

1301-1333 5th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Senior Living

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Cortez, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Cortez Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Cortez area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community priced from $1,475. The Helm - Affordable Housing has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,650. Here are the most affordable Cortez apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,475
The Helm - Affordable HousingStudioStudio,1BA$1,650
Vera Cortez HillA1 (Premium)1BR,1BA$2,374
Ancora ApartmentsS4Studio,1BA$2,382
Stanza Little ItalyDStudio,1BA$2,470
GEMAA21BR,1BA$2,604

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Cortez, CA

As of June 18, 2026 the best value apartment in the Cortez area is the $3.60 price per square foot 889 Date St Model at 889 Date St, Unit 541 in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,500. The second greatest value Cortez apartment is the PH04 Model at Stanza Little Italy starting at $4,617 with a $4.89 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Cortez apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
889 Date St, Unit 541889 Date St1BR,2BA$3.60
Stanza Little ItalyPH041BR,1BA$4.89
GEMAA21BR,1BA$3.09
Vera Cortez HillA1 (Premium)1BR,1BA$3.17
Ancora ApartmentsA31BR,1BA$6.05
The Helm - Affordable HousingStudioStudio ,1BA$3.44
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable CommunityStudioStudio ,1BA$3.78

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
Cortez, San Diego, CA

Ranked #121

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Cortez Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Cortez?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Cortez is at Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community listed at $1,475.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Cortez Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Cortez Apartment is $2,374 at Vera Cortez Hill.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Cortez Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Cortez is starting from $3,049 at Vera Cortez Hill.

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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