Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East San Diego/El Cajon Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,300 (23 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the East San Diego/El Cajon 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.

close
View Me
360 Millar Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

360 Millar Ave

360 Millar AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
Vista Del Sol
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Vista Del Sol

1280 W Main StEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
620 Lemon Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

620 Lemon Ave

620 Lemon AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
5111 Dailey Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

5111 Dailey Ct

5111 Dailey CtLa Mesa, CA 91941
close
View Me
5121 Dailey Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

5121 Dailey Ct

5121 Dailey CtLa Mesa, CA 91941

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.

close
View Me
381 Millar Ave
Studio Apartments

381 Millar Ave

381 Millar AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
307 Millar Ave
Studio Apartments

307 Millar Ave

307 Millar AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
The Boulevard
1 Bedroom Apartments

The Boulevard

638 El Cajon BlvdEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
1064 Aster Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1064 Aster Ave

1064 Aster AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
Franklin Ave Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Franklin Ave Apartments

802-858 Franklin AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Dailey Court
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Dailey Court

5151 Dailey CtLa Mesa, CA 91942
close
View Me
Westmont of La Mesa
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Westmont of La Mesa

9000 Murray DrLa Mesa, CA 91942
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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
628 Millar Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

628 Millar Ave

628 Millar AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
close
View Me
735 El Cajon Blvd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

735 El Cajon Blvd

735 El Cajon BlvdEl Cajon, CA 92020

East San Diego/El Cajon, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available East San Diego/El Cajon Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the East San Diego/El Cajon area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Vista Palms priced from $1,395. Volterra Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,095. Here are the most affordable East San Diego/El Cajon apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1sStudio,1BA$1,395
Volterra ApartmentsB12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated1BR,1BA$2,095
Colonnade at Fletcher HillsA21BR,1BA$2,179
Central ParkSaint Auban1BR,1BA$2,364
Grossmont Bluffs2BR/1BA Split - Remodeled2BR,1BA$2,585

Best Value Apartments for Rent in East San Diego/El Cajon, CA

As of December 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the East San Diego/El Cajon area is the $2.95 price per square foot 2BR/1BA Split - Remodeled Model at Grossmont Bluffs in the in the Lake Murray neighborhood starting from $2,585. The second greatest value East San Diego/El Cajon apartment is the B12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated Model at Volterra Apartments starting at $2,095 with a $2.98 price per square foot in the Lake Murray neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for East San Diego/El Cajon apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Grossmont Bluffs2BR/1BA Split - Remodeled2BR,1BA$2.95
Volterra ApartmentsB12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated1BR,1BA$2.98
Colonnade at Fletcher HillsA21BR,1BA$3.20
Central ParkSaint Auban1BR,1BA$3.95
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1sStudio ,1BA$5.58

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 Article
Decorative image

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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

Read Article
Decorative image

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
East San Diego/El Cajon, San Diego, CA

Ranked #79

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Lifestyle Ratings

Our team is happy to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of neighborhoods, cities, and rental properties across California, including San Diego. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for easy access to the parks, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East San Diego/El Cajon Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in East San Diego/El Cajon?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in East San Diego/El Cajon is at Vista Palms listed at $1,395.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom East San Diego/El Cajon Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom East San Diego/El Cajon Apartment is $2,055 at eaves La Mesa.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom East San Diego/El Cajon Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in East San Diego/El Cajon is starting from $2,495 at Volterra Apartments.

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

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 How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips article

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.

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.