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Rent Specials
$974 - $1,029Studio Apartments Available Now
Trolley Court
940 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (48 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Diego area of San Diego.
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$1,062 - $1,343Studio Apartments Available Now
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!
901 F StSan Diego, CA 92101
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Rent Specials
$1,300 - $2,167Studio Apartments Available Now
Island Village Apartments
1245 Market StSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,301Studio Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Harrington Heights - Affordable Housing
1320 BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92101
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Rent Specials
$1,350 - $1,860Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community
1455 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
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$1,450 - $1,800Studio Apartments Available Now
Vantaggio Little Italy
1736 State StSan Diego, CA 92101
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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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$1,525 - $1,825Studio Apartments Available Now
Studios435: Furnished Studios with Modern Esthetic
435 13th StSan 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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$1,650Studio 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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$1,695 - $2,050Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
2551 Commercial St
2551 Commercial StSan Diego, CA 92113
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$1,735 - $2,600Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Market Street Square
606 3rd AveSan Diego, CA 92101
1820 Fourth Ave
San DiegoCA92101
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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2735 Broadway
San DiegoCA92102
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Rent Specials
$1,799 - $2,728Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Market Street Village
699 14th StSan Diego, CA 92101
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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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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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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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Showing Results 1-48, Page 1 of 1
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 | $2,415 | $974 | $6,079 |
| Downtown San Diego 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,281 | $1,595 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown San Diego 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,684 | $1,925 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown San Diego 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,147 | $3,095 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown San Diego 4 Bedroom Apartments | $14,989 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 48 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 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Luther Tower - 55+ Affordable Community | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,350 |
| Vantaggio Little Italy | Small full size bed | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
| Island Flats | Small Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
| WLA 509 Park | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
| Studios435: Furnished Studios with Modern Esthetic | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,525 |
| WLA Windsor | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Diego, CA
As of January 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Diego area is the $2.83 price per square foot 3 Bed 2 Bath Model at 900 F Street in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,095. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 900 F Street | 3 Bed 2 Bath | 3BR,2BA | $2.83 |
| Koll Center | Large 2 Bed 1.5 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.71 |
| Pioneer – Lofts (PIOLOF) | Lofts | 1BR,1BA | $2.58 |
| 420 S Evans St, Unit Evans | 420 S Evans St | 2BR,1BA | $2.17 |
| Horton 4th Avenue | 1BD | 1BR,1BA | $2.60 |
| 3416 Front St, Unit 3418 | 3416 Front St | 2BR,1BA | $2.88 |
| Arrive Broadway Lofts | Bvilding Studio | Studio ,1BA | $2.88 |
| Villa De Oro Apartments | 2 bedrooms | 2BR,1BA | $2.88 |
| Pacific Vu Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.81 |
| Jade Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.83 |
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.
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 #4
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 (761)
5 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 $14,989.
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 55 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 $245 which is $14,744 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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips
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.
How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.
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.
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.