
Cheap Homes for Rent in Hillcrest Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,700 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Hillcrest area of San Diego.


3967-69 8th Ave, Unit 3

3691 Reynard Way, Unit A
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.

3967 8th Ave

3967 8th Ave, Unit 5

4284 Third 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.

424 W University Ave
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 | $3,546 | $2,995 | $5,625 |
| Hillcrest 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,745 | $3,800 | $5,690 |
| Hillcrest 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,995 | $6,995 | $6,995 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 7 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
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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. Sapphire Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,595. 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 |
| Sapphire Apartments | 0 Beds, 1 Baths | Studio,1BA | $1,595 |
| Hilltop Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,614 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA
As of June 12, 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 2 Beds, 1 Baths Model at 1625-1635 Brookes Ave starting at $3,600 with a $3.60 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 |
| 1625-1635 Brookes Ave | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $3.60 |
| Fourth Avenue Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| 4284-4288 3rd Ave | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $3.23 |
| 4th Avenue Apartments | Layout B | 1BR,1BA | $3.74 |
| Arbor Crest on Fourth | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.55 |
| Montecito Point | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
| The Marquis | The Park | 1BR,1BA | $3.55 |
| Canyon Breeze | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.08 |
| 3939 7th Ave | 0 Beds, 1 Baths | Studio ,1BA | $3.59 |
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 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 ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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 #24
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Hillcrest
What type of rentals are currently available in Hillcrest?
There are currently 664 Apartments for Rent in Hillcrest, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,250 to $15,006. There are also 32 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Hillcrest ranging from $1,595 to $6,995.
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 $1,595 to $6,995 with an average monthly rent of $3,986.
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
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Choosing the right place to live during your college years can make or break your collegiate experience. My name is Hayden, I’m a San Diego area expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com and have been in the real estate world for years.

Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute
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Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
Written by: Hayden Goldberg
Sun, surf, clean air, healthy lifestyles, and a coastline that seems to stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.