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$900 - $1,600Studio Apartments Available Now
Arlington Apartments
701 7th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (151 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Diego area of San Diego.
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$974 - $1,029Studio Apartments Available Now
Trolley Court
940 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,050Studio Apartments Available Now
Studio 15
1475 Imperial AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,062 - $1,343
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Studio Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,062 - $1,343
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$1,062 - $1,343
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!
901 F StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,300 - $2,167Studio Apartments Available Now
Island Village Apartments
1245 Market StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,400 - $1,900Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
830 Park Blvd
830 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,400 - $2,400Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Apr 5
Villa De Oro Apartments
1830 Market StSan Diego, CA 92102
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$1,450 - $1,800Studio Apartments Available Now
Vantaggio Little Italy
1736 State StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,500 - $1,650Studio Apartments Available Now
Island Flats
202 Island AveSan Diego, CA 92101
1043 Sampson St
San DiegoCA92113
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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$1,550Studio Apartments Available Now
WLA Windsor
843 4th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,595 - $2,8951 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Redwood Terrace
225 Redwood StSan Diego, CA 92103
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$1,595Studio Apartments Available Now
Windsor Apartments
1808 3rd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,595 - $1,950
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Studio Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,595 - $1,950
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$1,595 - $1,950
STUDIOS435
435 13th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,600 - $1,750Studio Apartments Available Now
MBS Studios
744 G StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,650Studio Apartments Available Now
The Helm - Affordable Housing
191 W Beech StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,665 - $3,200Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Horton 4th Avenue
808 4th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,6951 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
2782 Broadway
2782 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92102
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$1,732 - $3,647
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,725 - $3,640
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Entrada
453 13th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,737 - $1,860Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community
1455 2nd AveSan 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.
1830-36 Newton Ave
San DiegoCA92113
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$1,755 - $1,890Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
2551 Commercial St-F4OZ
2551 Commercial StSan Diego, CA 92113
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$1,762 - $2,600Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Market Street Square
606 3rd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,795 - $1,945Studio Apartments Available Now
City Lofts
2230 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,799 - $2,728Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Market Street Village
699 14th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,800
Total Monthly Price
Studio Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,800
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$1,800
2950 Columbia St, Unit Furnished SanDiego Studio
2950 Columbia StSan Diego, CA 92103
2559 C St
San DiegoCA92102
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$1,850 - $2,200Studio Apartments Available Now
Estudios de Stanson
1133-1137 27th StSan Diego, CA 92102
2820 Sixth Ave
San DiegoCA92103
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$1,900 - $2,1001 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Pacific Vu Apartments
1958 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.
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$1,925Studio Apartments Available Now
Greystone Lofts
303-319 MarketSan Diego, CA 92101
2354 Third Ave
San DiegoCA92101
3527 Sixth Ave
San DiegoCA92103
1573 Ninth Ave
San DiegoCA92101
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$1,994 - $6,230
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,985 - $6,221
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K1 Apartments
330 13th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,995 - $8,4001 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Pinnacle on The Park
424 15th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,995
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1 Bedroom Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,995
Total Monthly Price
$1,995
2625 J St
2625 J StSan Diego, CA 92102
1626-1628 W Walnut Ave
San DiegoCA92103
2140 B St
San DiegoCA92102
253 10th Ave, Unit 628
253 10th Ave
San DiegoCA92101
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.
2650 Broadway
San DiegoCA92102
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$2,006 - $4,499
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$2,001 - $4,494
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625 Broadway
625 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92101
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$2,013 - $3,379
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,988 - $3,354
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Tenth&G
707 10th AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$2,035 - $4,180Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
600 Front Apartments
600 Front StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$2,050 - $3,050
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For AvailabilityTotal Monthly Price
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$1,930 - $2,930
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$120
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$2,050 - $3,050
City Villas Apartments
837-845 16th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$2,095 - $2,8951 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
900 F Street
900 F StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$2,0951 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Canyonwood Apartments
1830 Upas StSan Diego, CA 92103
2018 Front St
San DiegoCA92101
2020 Front St
San DiegoCA92101
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$2,1001 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
1055 6th Ave
1055 6th AveSan 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.
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 | $2,522 | $900 | $6,332 |
| Downtown San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,369 | $1,595 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,053 | $2,395 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,205 | $2,800 | $10,000+ |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 151 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
See all Apartments in San DiegoExplore San Diego
Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Diego neighborhoods
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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 Arlington Apartments priced from $900. Trolley Court has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $974. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Diego apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington Apartments | Single Room Occupant | Studio, | $900 |
| Trolley Court | Standard | Studio, | $974 |
| Studio 15 | Studios - 50% AMI - Utilities included | Studio,1BA | $1,050 |
| Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units! | Standard | Studio,1BA | $1,062 |
| Island Village Apartments | Studio ALL UTILITIES Included | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
| 830 Park Blvd | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,400 |
| Vantaggio Little Italy | Small full size bed | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
| Island Flats | Small Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| WLA 509 Park | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,500 |
| WLA Windsor | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Diego, CA
As of April 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Diego area is the $2.76 price per square foot 2427 3rd Ave Model at 2427 3rd Ave, Unit 2427 in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $4,350. The second greatest value Downtown San Diego apartment is the Three Bedroom in Little Italy/San Diego Model at Villa Maria Apartments starting at $3,451 with a $3.00 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2427 3rd Ave, Unit 2427 | 2427 3rd Ave | 2BR,2BA | $2.76 |
| Villa Maria Apartments | Three Bedroom in Little Italy/San Diego | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.00 |
| F11 East Village | 2J-1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.22 |
| Koll Center | Large 2 Bed 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.71 |
| Cornerstone Lofts | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.40 |
| MBS Studios | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $1.78 |
| GEMA | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $3.21 |
| Pacific Vu Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.38 |
| Greystone Lofts | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.21 |
| Horton 4th Avenue | Studios | Studio ,1BA | $3.29 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
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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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleThe 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
Read ArticleQuick 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 LifestyleDowntown San Diego, San Diego, CA
Ranked #3
Among cities in California 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
San Diego Unified School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (1181)
9 out of 10
Roosevelt International Middle
San Diego Unified School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (0)
4 out of 10
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 $1,550.
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 $5,405.
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 58 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 $228 which is $5,177 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
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.
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.
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.
Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips
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.
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.
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.
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.