Cheap Homes for Rent in San Diego, CA from $900 (175 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Diego.

property at 740 Edgewater Dr

$1,050

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,050

Total Monthly Price
$1,050

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

740 Edgewater Dr

Chula VistaCA91913

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.

property at 4781 73rd St

$1,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,200

Total Monthly Price
$1,200

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

4781 73rd St

La MesaCA91942

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.

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.

property at 8308 Regents Rd

$1,525

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,525

Total Monthly Price
$1,525

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Sep 1

8308 Regents Rd, Unit 1E, Unit 1E

8308 Regents Rd
San DiegoCA92122

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.

property at 4272 Harbinson Ave

$1,600

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,600

Total Monthly Price
$1,600

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Jun 1

4272 Harbinson Ave

La MesaCA91942
property at 3020 C St

$1,650 - $2,875

1 To 2 Bedroom Townhomes for Rent

Available Now

3020 C St

San DiegoCA92102

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture

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.

San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Diego, CA

Pricing Updated: 05/23/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Diego, CA area range in price from $850 to $49,013 with an overall median price of $7,247. The three San Diego neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Teralta West at $1,500, Crest at $1,950, and Colina Del Sol at $1,295. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Diego Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Teralta West$1,500$1,5001
Crest$1,950$1,9501
Colina Del Sol$2,035$1,2954
Sherman Heights$2,250$1,6952
Logan Heights$2,295$1,40017
Ridgeview Webster$2,350$2,2001
Swan Canyon$2,350$2,2001
Fairmont Village$2,450$1,9954
Teralta East$2,545$1,5777
East Canyon$2,595$1,89521

Cheapest Available San Diego Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Diego, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Rive San Diego in the Rolando neighborhood priced from $386. Fifty Twenty-Five in the College West neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $869. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Diego apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Rive San Diego4x4 B4BR,4BA$386
Fifty Twenty-Five4BR/4BA - Semi Private - Elite (D)4BR,4BA$869
Victory on Paseo5BR/3BA - A5BR,3BA$899
Arlington ApartmentsSingle Room OccupantStudio,$900
Trolley CourtStandardStudio,$974
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$995
Studio 15Studios - 50% AMI - Utilities includedStudio,1BA$1,050
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!StandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Meade Avenue Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,295
Island Village ApartmentsStudio ALL UTILITIES IncludedStudio,1BA$1,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

As of May 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Diego 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 San Diego apartment is the 4x4 B Model at The Rive San Diego starting at $386 with a $0.23 price per square foot in the Rolando neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Diego apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Lofts at 734 University AveHuge Loft UnitsStudio ,1BA$1.72
The Rive San Diego4x4 B4BR,4BA$0.23
Viridian LoftsOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$1.72
250 B Ave, Unit 250250 B Ave1BR,1BA$1.38
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$1.91
Topaz3x3 A3BR,3BA$1.74
2949-2955 Logan Ave1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1.55
1221 Gonzales Way1bed1bath1BR,1BA$1.42
MBS StudiosStudioStudio ,1BA$1.56
Union GrantvilleB22BR,2BA$1.96

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.

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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

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Real 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.

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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San Diego, CA Area Reviews

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Hayden4+ years in San Diego

March 6, 2025

San Diego is an amazing city for families, young professionals, and retirees!

Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego

What type of rentals are currently available in San Diego?

There are currently 13281 Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA with pricing that ranges from $850 to $49,013. There are also 1640 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Diego ranging from $950 to $55,000.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in San Diego?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in San Diego ranges from $950 to $55,000 with an average monthly rent of $7,048.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in San Diego?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in San Diego range from $1,050 to $29,135, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,200 to $35,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,900 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $850.

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

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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.

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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.

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Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute

Written by: Hayden Goldberg

Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

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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

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.