
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East San Diego/El Cajon Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,300 (23 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the East San Diego/El Cajon area of San Diego.


Serena Vista Apartment Homes

Volterra Apartments

Colonnade at Fletcher Hills
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.
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.
East San Diego/El Cajon, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in East San Diego/El Cajon?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| East San Diego/El Cajon Studio Apartments | $1,411 | $1,395 | $1,460 |
| East San Diego/El Cajon 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,252 | $2,055 | $2,660 |
| East San Diego/El Cajon 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,824 | $2,495 | $3,400 |
| East San Diego/El Cajon 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,240 | $3,240 | $3,240 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 23 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the East San Diego/El Cajon Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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East San Diego/El Cajon, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1s | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
| Volterra Apartments | B12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
| Colonnade at Fletcher Hills | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,179 |
| Central Park | Saint Auban | 1BR,1BA | $2,364 |
| Grossmont Bluffs | 2BR/1BA Split - Remodeled | 2BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grossmont Bluffs | 2BR/1BA Split - Remodeled | 2BR,1BA | $2.95 |
| Volterra Apartments | B12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $2.98 |
| Colonnade at Fletcher Hills | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $3.20 |
| Central Park | Saint Auban | 1BR,1BA | $3.95 |
| Vista Palms | Vista Palms 0+1s | Studio ,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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleEast San Diego/El Cajon, San Diego, CA
Ranked #79
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in East San Diego/El Cajon, San Diego, CA
Northmont Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
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

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.


















