Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $900 (56 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Hillcrest area of San Diego.

property at 3843 Park Blvd

$1,700 - $1,950

Studio To 1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

3843 Park Blvd

San DiegoCA92103

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The Warwick
Rent Specials
$2,170 - $2,815
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,170 - $2,815

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Warwick

606 Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
Eco-Friendly
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3970 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

3970 Goldfinch St

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

Indiana Palms

3621 Indiana StSan Diego, CA 92103
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630 W Washington St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

630 W Washington St

630 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
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4077 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

4077 Goldfinch St

4077 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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4030 Front St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4030 Front St

4030 Front StSan Diego, CA 92103
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Santa Fe Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Villas

3912 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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Washington Crossing
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Washington Crossing

1445 Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
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Sleepy Hollow Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sleepy Hollow Apartments

4201 6th AveSan Diego, CA 92103
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Nightingale Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Nightingale Apartments

4174 Third AveSan Diego, CA 92103
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Studios on 6th
Studio Apartments

Studios on 6th

3560 6th AveSan Diego, CA 92103
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Harvey Hillcrest
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Harvey Hillcrest

1661 Harvey Milk StSan Diego, CA 92103
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4533 North Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4533 North Ave

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

1021 Hayes Ave

1021 Hayes AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

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Villa Capri
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Capri

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

Park East Apartments

111 W Pennsylvania AveSan Diego, CA 92103
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Sasan Apartments
Studio Apartments

Sasan Apartments

901 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
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Sapphire Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sapphire Apartments

1440 Lincoln AveSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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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

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. Sleepy Hollow Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,695. Here are the most affordable Hillcrest apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$995
Sleepy Hollow Apartments4201 Building StudioStudio,1BA$1,695
Harvey Hillcrest305/405/505/605Studio,1BA$1,700
Hilltop TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$1,748
The MarquisThe Hillcrest1BR,1BA$1,850
Aspen Park Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,895
Park View HillcrestStudioStudio,1BA$1,995
10th and Robinson0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,995
Rainford ApartmentsS4Studio,1BA$1,995

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA

As of April 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Hillcrest area is the $1.72 price per square foot Huge Loft Units Model at Lofts at 734 University Ave in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,100. The second greatest value Hillcrest apartment is the LOFT PLAN 6 Model at Mission Hills Apartments starting at $3,915 with a $2.77 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$1.72
Mission Hills ApartmentsLOFT PLAN 6Studio ,1BA$2.77
Park DiplomatTwo Bedroom - Two Bathrooms2BR,2BA$2.96
Montecito Point2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.05
1st & Penn Apts - 1penn2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$3.10
4th Avenue Apartments1x1 A1BR,1BA$3.27
402 Arbor Dr2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.42
4175 4th Ave, Unit 4175 half4175 4th Ave1BR,1BA$2.80
Eitol Towers2171BR,1BA$3.38
The MarquisThe Hillcrest1BR,1BA$3.25

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Hillcrest, San Diego, CA

Ranked #25

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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!

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 $1,850 at The Marquis.

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 $2,000 at The Marquis.

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.

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