Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $900 (34 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 Hillcrest 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.

property at 4134 Third Ave

4134 Third Ave

San DiegoCA92103

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
3970 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

3970 Goldfinch St

3970 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
close
View Me
Indiana Palms
1 Bedroom Apartments

Indiana Palms

3621 Indiana StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
630 W Washington St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

630 W Washington St

630 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4077 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

4077 Goldfinch St

4077 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Studios on 6th
Studio Apartments

Studios on 6th

3560 6th AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Santa Fe Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Villas

3912 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Washington Crossing
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Washington Crossing

1445 Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
close
View Me
Nightingale Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Nightingale Apartments

4174 Third AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4533 North Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4533 North Ave

4533 North AveSan Diego, CA 92116
close
View Me
1021 Hayes Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1021 Hayes Ave

1021 Hayes AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Villa Capri
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Capri

3737 3rd AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • 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
Park East Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park East Apartments

111 W Pennsylvania AveSan Diego, CA 92103
close
View Me
Sasan Apartments
Studio Apartments

Sasan Apartments

901 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103

Hillcrest, San Diego, CA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$995
Hillcrest InnStudioStudio,1BA$1,250
Vantaggio Suites HillcrestSmall WestStudio,1BA$1,475
4030 Front St4030 Front St.1BR,1BA$1,500
The Marquis at HillcrestThe UniversityStudio,1BA$1,600
Studios on 6th3560 studiosStudio,1BA$1,645
Sleepy Hollow Apartments4201 Building StudioStudio,1BA$1,695
Canyon Breeze1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,695
Hillcrest Regency 55+ CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,745
Hilltop TerraceStudioStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Lofts at 734 University AveHuge Loft UnitsStudio ,1BA$2.16
1st & Penn Apts - 1penn2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$3.28
Mission Hills ApartmentsTHE CRANE1BR,1BA$3.34
3572 4th Ave, Unit 35723572 4th Ave1BR,1BA$3.44
4th1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.55
3434 Reynard Way, Unit Josie3434 Reynard Way1BR,1BA$2.81
The Anderson - Live in the heart of Hillcrest1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.38
Montecito Point1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.46
4030 Front St4030 Front St.1BR,1BA$2.44
Canyon Breeze1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,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 Article
Decorative image

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

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
Hillcrest, San Diego, CA

Ranked #21

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

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.

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 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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

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.