
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (41 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Diego area of San Diego.


Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community

The Helm - Affordable 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.

900 F Street

2252-56 Julian Ave

1808 Third Ave

Market Street Village
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.

2850 Reynard Way 21, Unit 21
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Downtown San Diego - One of the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego
Named as one of the Best Affordable Neighborhoods to rent in San Diego by our , Local Expert Hayden Goldberg. See how it ranks!
Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown San Diego?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Downtown San Diego Studio Apartments | $2,673 | $1,062 | $9,429 |
Downtown San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,327 | $1,000 | $10,000+ |
Downtown San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,912 | $1,999 | $10,000+ |
Downtown San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,525 | $2,800 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 41 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Downtown San Diego Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown San Diego area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Peachtree Inn priced from $1,062. Vantaggio Little Italy has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,450. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Diego apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Peachtree Inn | Standard | Studio,1BA | $1,062 |
Vantaggio Little Italy | Small full size bed | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
Island Flats | Small Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
WLA Windsor | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,591 |
The Helm - Affordable Housing | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,650 |
Redwood Terrace | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,675 |
900 F Street | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,795 |
Windsor Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
Market Street Village | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,799 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Diego, CA
As of June 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Diego area is the $2.39 price per square foot B2BD Model at Strata in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,878. The second greatest value Downtown San Diego apartment is the 2445 Brant St Model at 2445 Brant St, Unit 2445 Brant Street#506 starting at $3,950 with a $3.19 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown San Diego apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Strata | B2BD | 2BR,2BA | $2.39 |
2445 Brant St, Unit 2445 Brant Street#506 | 2445 Brant St | 2BR,2BA | $3.19 |
Pioneer – Lofts (PIOLOF) | Lofts | 1BR,1BA | $2.39 |
Cornerstone Lofts | 1/1 Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2.38 |
Viridian Lofts | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.16 |
600 Front Apartments | 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.04 |
Pacific Vu Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.26 |
Horton 4th Avenue | 1BD | 1BR,1BA | $2.84 |
Nova Apartment Homes | Studio Loft | Studio ,1BA | $2.95 |
Arrive Broadway Lofts | Quarter 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.23 |
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown San Diego, San Diego, CA
Ranked #4
Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA
San Diego International Studies
Roosevelt International Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in cities across the United States including Downtown San Diego, 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 our Star Ratings to compare for the best outdoor access, luxury amenities, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, family-friendliness, walking, and biking. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Diego Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown San Diego?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown San Diego is at Peachtree Inn listed at $1,062.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Diego Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Diego Apartment is $1,675 at Redwood Terrace.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown San Diego Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown San Diego is starting from $2,495 at 900 F Street.
What is the most affordable Downtown San Diego Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Downtown San Diego Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Vela Apartment Homes and starts from $3,739.
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.

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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.