Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East San Diego/El Cajon Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,300 (22 Rentals)

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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.

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360 Millar Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

360 Millar Ave

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

Vista Del Sol

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

620 Lemon Ave

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

5111 Dailey Ct

5111 Dailey CtLa Mesa, CA 91941
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1064 Aster Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1064 Aster Ave

1064 Aster AveEl Cajon, CA 92020

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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381 Millar Ave
Studio Apartments

381 Millar Ave

381 Millar AveEl Cajon, CA 92020
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307 Millar Ave
Studio Apartments

307 Millar Ave

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

The Boulevard

638 El Cajon BlvdEl Cajon, CA 92020
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Franklin Ave Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Franklin Ave Apartments

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

Dailey Court

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

Westmont of La Mesa

9000 Murray DrLa Mesa, CA 91942
Senior Living
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628 Millar Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

628 Millar Ave

628 Millar AveEl Cajon, CA 92020

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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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. 5121 Dailey Ct has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $2,000. 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
5121 Dailey CtApartments2BR,1BA$2,000
Volterra ApartmentsB12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated1BR,1BA$2,095
Colonnade at Fletcher HillsA11BR,1BA$2,212
Central ParkSaint Auban1BR,1BA$2,373

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

As of January 15, 2026 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 Apartments Model at 5121 Dailey Ct starting at $2,000 with a $2.59 price per square foot in the Mount Helix 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
5121 Dailey CtApartments2BR,1BA$2.59
Volterra ApartmentsB12 - 1 x 1 Cortona A - Renovated1BR,1BA$2.98
Colonnade at Fletcher HillsA21BR,1BA$3.28
Central ParkSaint Auban1BR,1BA$3.97
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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 $2,095 at Volterra Apartments.

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 $2,000 at 5121 Dailey Ct.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.