
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $900 (34 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Hillcrest area of San Diego.


Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest

338-340 University Pl

The Marquis at Hillcrest

Sapphire Apartments

Canyon Breeze
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.

Hillcrest Regency 55+ Community

Hilltop Terrace

Duplet at Hillcrest - New Boutique Apartme...

3434 Reynard Way, Unit Josie

4134 Third Ave

3965 Normal St

Rainford Apartments

Park View Hillcrest
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.
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.

The Anderson - Live in the heart of Hillcrest
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.
Hillcrest, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Hillcrest?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest Studio Apartments | $2,490 | $995 | $3,195 |
| Hillcrest 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,251 | $1,500 | $5,100 |
| Hillcrest 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,299 | $2,300 | $6,063 |
| Hillcrest 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,320 | $3,850 | $9,827 |
| Hillcrest 4 Bedroom Apartments | $8,294 | $6,178 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 34 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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Hillcrest, San Diego, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Diego neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Hillcrest Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at 3942 8th Ave priced from $995. Hillcrest Inn has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,250. Here are the most affordable Hillcrest apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3942 8th Ave | Studio | Studio, | $995 |
| Hillcrest Inn | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,250 |
| Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest | Small West | Studio,1BA | $1,475 |
| 4030 Front St | 4030 Front St. | 1BR,1BA | $1,500 |
| The Marquis at Hillcrest | The University | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| Studios on 6th | 3560 studios | Studio,1BA | $1,645 |
| Sleepy Hollow Apartments | 4201 Building Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
| Canyon Breeze | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
| Hillcrest Regency 55+ Community | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,745 |
| Hilltop Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,748 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA
As of November 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the Hillcrest area is the $2.16 price per square foot Huge Loft Units Model at Lofts at 734 University Ave in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $2,850. The second greatest value Hillcrest apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at 1st & Penn Apts - 1penn starting at $3,195 with a $3.28 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Hillcrest apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lofts at 734 University Ave | Huge Loft Units | Studio ,1BA | $2.16 |
| 1st & Penn Apts - 1penn | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $3.28 |
| Mission Hills Apartments | THE CRANE | 1BR,1BA | $3.34 |
| 3572 4th Ave, Unit 3572 | 3572 4th Ave | 1BR,1BA | $3.44 |
| 4th | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.55 |
| 3434 Reynard Way, Unit Josie | 3434 Reynard Way | 1BR,1BA | $2.81 |
| The Anderson - Live in the heart of Hillcrest | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.38 |
| Montecito Point | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.46 |
| 4030 Front St | 4030 Front St. | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Canyon Breeze | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.08 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
Read ArticleDon'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 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 LifestyleHillcrest, San Diego, CA
Ranked #21
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com compares millions of points of data to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in cities and towns across the United States and customized analysis for Central San Diego, CA. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for the best outdoor access, luxury amenities, places that make kids happy, raising pets, transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!
Getting Around the Hillcrest Neighborhood in San Diego, CA
Walk Score®
91 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
65 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
52 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Hillcrest Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Hillcrest?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Hillcrest is at 3942 8th Ave listed at $995.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Hillcrest Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Hillcrest Apartment is $1,500 at 4030 Front St.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Hillcrest Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Hillcrest is starting from $2,300 at The Marquis at Hillcrest.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.


















