Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,000 (21 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
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.

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
Hillcrest Inn
Studio Apartments

Hillcrest Inn

3754 5th AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
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
1 Bedroom Apartments

4077 Goldfinch St

4077 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Santa Fe Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Villas

3912 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Studios on 6th
Studio Apartments

Studios on 6th

3560 6th AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • 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
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
Sapphire Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sapphire Apartments

1440 Lincoln AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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 $1,050. The Marquis at Hillcrest has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,600. Here are the most affordable Hillcrest apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$1,050
The Marquis at HillcrestThe UniversityStudio,1BA$1,600
Studios on 6th3560 studiosStudio,1BA$1,645
Hillcrest Regency 55+ Community1 x 11BR,1BA$1,750
Hillcrest PlaceStudio AStudio,1BA$1,948

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA

As of August 07, 2025 the best value apartment in the Hillcrest area is the $2.27 price per square foot Huge Loft Units Model at Lofts at 734 University Ave in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,000. The second greatest value Hillcrest apartment is the THE LARK Model at Mission Hills Apartments starting at $3,630 with a $3.07 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$2.27
Mission Hills ApartmentsTHE LARK2BR,2BA$3.07
Park DiplomatTwo Bedrooms - One Bathroom2BR,1BA$3.08
The Louis1bd / 1ba1BR,1BA$3.72
The Anderson - Live in the heart of Hillcrest1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.68
3434 Reynard Way, Unit Josie3434 Reynard Way1BR,1BA$3.08
Arbor Crest on FourthOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$3.59
Villa Pacifica1x11BR,1BA$3.54
1440 Lincoln Ave, Unit 251440 Lincoln Ave1BR,1BA$3.39
Hillcrest Regency 55+ Community1 x 11BR,1BA$3.50

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 #17

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 $1,050.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Hillcrest Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Hillcrest Apartment is $1,750 at Hillcrest Regency 55+ Community.

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 $2,899 at Park Diplomat.

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 The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

decorative image for Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting article

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.