Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (41 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 Downtown San Diego area of San Diego.

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.

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.

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

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.

close
View Me
2650 Broadway
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2650 Broadway

2650 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92102
close
View Me
563 22nd St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

563 22nd St

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

2525 Broadway

2525 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Lions Gate
1 Bedroom Apartments

Lions Gate

1231 25th StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
La Maison
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
2401-2415 G St.
1 Bedroom Apartments

2401-2415 G St.

2401 G StSan Diego, CA 92102
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
J Street Flats
Studio Apartments

J Street Flats

222 J StSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
3145 Reynard Way
1 Bedroom Apartments

3145 Reynard Way

3145 Reynard WaySan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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!

close
View Me
St. Paul's Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

St. Paul's Manor

2635 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Peachtree InnStandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Vantaggio Little ItalySmall full size bedStudio,1BA$1,450
Island FlatsSmall StudioStudio,1BA$1,500
WLA Windsor0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,500
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,591
The Helm - Affordable HousingStudioStudio,1BA$1,650
Redwood Terrace1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,675
900 F StreetStudioStudio,1BA$1,795
Windsor Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,795
Market Street VillageStudioStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
StrataB2BD2BR,2BA$2.39
2445 Brant St, Unit 2445 Brant Street#5062445 Brant St2BR,2BA$3.19
Pioneer – Lofts (PIOLOF)Lofts1BR,1BA$2.39
Cornerstone Lofts1/1 Loft1BR,1BA$2.38
Viridian LoftsOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.16
600 Front Apartments2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath2BR,1.5BA$3.04
Pacific Vu ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.26
Horton 4th Avenue1BD1BR,1BA$2.84
Nova Apartment HomesStudio LoftStudio ,1BA$2.95
Arrive Broadway LoftsQuarter 1 Bedroom1BR,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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA

Ranked #4

Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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.

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 Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

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.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

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.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

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.