Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (55 Rentals)

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

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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property at 2735 Broadway

$1,645 - $2,195

Studio To 1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

2735 Broadway

San DiegoCA92102

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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1985 National Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1985 National Ave

1985 National AveSan Diego, CA 92113
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Cedar Gateway
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Gateway

550 Cedar StSan Diego, CA 92101

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.

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CCBA Senior Garden
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

CCBA Senior Garden

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

Living Q

1903-1911 K StSan Diego, CA 92102
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Park 12 Podium
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park 12 Podium

202 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
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Vantaggio Broadway
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Vantaggio Broadway

2650 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92102
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563 22nd St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

563 22nd St

563 22nd StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
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2525 Broadway
Studio Apartments

2525 Broadway

2525 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92102
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Los Vientos
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Los Vientos

1668 National AveSan Diego, CA 92113
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Lions Gate
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Lions Gate

1231 25th StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included

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.

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830 Park Blvd
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

830 Park Blvd

830 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
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La Maison
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

La Maison

1818 6th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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Essex Apartments
Studio Apartments

Essex Apartments

1910 State StSan Diego, CA 92101
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Barcelona
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Barcelona

326 Juniper StSan Diego, CA 92101
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2401-2415 G St.
1 Bedroom Apartments

2401-2415 G St.

2401 G StSan Diego, CA 92102
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J Street Flats
Studio Apartments

J Street Flats

222 J StSan Diego, CA 92101
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St. Paul's Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

St. Paul's Manor

2635 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Jade Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Jade Apartments

843 13th StSan Diego, CA 92101

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.

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Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA Local Guide

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 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 Downtown San Diego 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
Island Village ApartmentsStudio ALL UTILITIES IncludedStudio,1BA$1,300
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,350
Vantaggio Little ItalySmall full size bedStudio,1BA$1,450
WLA 509 Park0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,495
Island FlatsSmall StudioStudio,1BA$1,500
WLA Windsor0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,550
Redwood Terrace1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,595

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Diego, CA

As of February 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Diego area is the $2.07 price per square foot 1044 23rd St Model at 1044 23rd St, Unit A in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $2,895. The second greatest value Downtown San Diego apartment is the Large 2 Bed 1.5 Bath Model at Koll Center starting at $2,850 with a $2.71 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1044 23rd St, Unit A1044 23rd St2BR,2BA$2.07
Koll CenterLarge 2 Bed 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$2.71
420 S Evans St, Unit Evans420 S Evans St2BR,1BA$2.12
600 Front Apartments2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$3.20
Horton 4th Avenue1BD1BR,1BA$2.60
Pacific Vu ApartmentsTwo Bedroom, One Bath2BR,1BA$2.88
Arrive Broadway LoftsBroadway StudioStudio ,1BA$3.18
3432 Reynard Way, Unit Josie Lograsso3432 Reynard Way1BR,1BA$2.54
Villa De Oro Apartments1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2.90
Jade Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.67

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

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.

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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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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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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
Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA

Ranked #4

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA

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 a cheap apartment in Downtown San Diego?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown San Diego is under $1,595.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown San Diego?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown San Diego is Redwood Terrace which is listed at $1,595, while the average apartment in Downtown San Diego costs $13,730.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown San Diego?

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 45 regular apartments in Downtown San Diego 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 Downtown San Diego?

Cheap apartments in Downtown San Diego have an average cost of $209 which is $13,521 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown San Diego.

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.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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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.

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Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters

Written by: Hayden Goldberg

Choosing the right place to live during your college years can make or break your collegiate experience. My name is Hayden, I’m a San Diego area expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com and have been in the real estate world for years.

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Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute

Written by: Hayden Goldberg

Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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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.

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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.