
Cheap Homes for Rent in Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,700 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Hillcrest area of San Diego.


4217 Third Ave

3705 1st Ave

3531 Park Blvd
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

3950 Cleveland Ave

4284 Third Ave

1067 Lincoln Ave

424 W University Ave
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, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Hillcrest?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillcrest 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,643 | $2,295 | $5,625 |
| Hillcrest 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,999 | $4,999 | $4,999 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 8 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
Explore San Diego
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. Harvey Hillcrest has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,700. 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 |
| Harvey Hillcrest | 305/405/505/605 | Studio,1BA | $1,700 |
| Hilltop Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,748 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA
As of April 16, 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 $3,705 with a $2.62 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 | $1.72 |
| Mission Hills Apartments | LOFT PLAN 6 | Studio ,1BA | $2.62 |
| The Park | 2X2A | 2BR,2BA | $3.34 |
| Park Diplomat | Two Bedroom - Two Bathrooms | 2BR,2BA | $3.26 |
| 1st & Penn Apts - 1penn | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.97 |
| Montecito Point | 2 Bedroom 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.12 |
| 4th Avenue Apartments | 1x1 A | 1BR,1BA | $3.27 |
| Villa Pacifica | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.31 |
| 4175 4th Ave, Unit 4175 half | 4175 4th Ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.80 |
| The Marquis | The Hillcrest | 1BR,1BA | $3.25 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest
What type of rentals are currently available in Hillcrest?
There are currently 656 Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA with pricing that ranges from $995 to $14,906. There are also 43 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Hillcrest ranging from $1,795 to $5,625.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Hillcrest?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Hillcrest ranges from $1,795 to $5,625 with an average monthly rent of $3,807.
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide
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Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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.