Cheap Homes for Rent in San Diego, CA from $800 (131 Rentals)

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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.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

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.

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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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San Diego's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Diego and the best places to live with original content written by our , Local Expert Hayden Goldberg

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San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Diego, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/21/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Diego, CA area range in price from $792 to $30,000 with an overall median price of $5,645. The three San Diego neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Encanto at $1,400, North Encanto at $1,400, and Sherman Heights at $1,950. 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
Encanto$1,999$1,4002
North Encanto$1,999$1,4002
Sherman Heights$1,999$1,9502
South Encanto$1,999$1,4003
Kit Carson$2,344$1,89513
College West$2,345$79255
Redwood Village Rolando Park$2,400$1,30021
Grant Hill$2,500$2,5001
Colina Del Sol$2,520$1,7201
Cherokee Point$2,573$1,0606

Cheapest Available San Diego Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at 3942 8th Ave in the Balboa Park neighborhood priced from $1,050. Peachtree Inn in the Balboa Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,062. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Diego apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$1,050
Peachtree InnStandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Parkline North ParkStudioStudio,1BA$1,212
Vista Lane Family Homes - Affordable HousingStudio - 50% AMIStudio,1BA$1,375
Terrace Gardens Apartments - Seniors 55+One Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$1,400
Vista PalmsVista Palms 0+1Studio,1BA$1,445
University Gardens1 Bedroom, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,450
Mar at PrimeraWaveStudio,1BA$1,450

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA

As of June 21, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Diego area is the $0.99 price per square foot 6x3 Private Model at Paseo Place in the in the College West neighborhood starting from $1,899. The second greatest value San Diego apartment is the Rent a Home Model at Camerons Mobile Estates starting at $2,600 with a $1.87 price per square foot in the Prospect Glen 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.
Paseo Place6x3 Private6BR,3BA$0.99
Camerons Mobile EstatesRent a Home2BR,2BA$1.87
99 Pepper Tree Rd, Unit Apartment99 Pepper Tree Rd1BR,1BA$1.98
Terre at BradleySunset2BR,1BA$2.14
7302 Mesa College Dr, Unit 17302 Mesa College Dr2BR,1BA$2.00
Topaz3x3 A3BR,3BA$2.07
Terre at the RanchOrchard2BR,2BA$2.07
Viridian LoftsOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2.16
Winter Gardens Manor9250 Winter Gardens Blvd #151BR,1BA$2.17
The Glorias ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$2.10

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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.

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San Diego, CA Area Reviews

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Hayden • 4+ 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 13125 Apartments for Rent in San Diego, CA with pricing that ranges from $792 to $30,000. There are also 2184 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Diego ranging from $800 to $100,000.

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 $800 to $100,000 with an average monthly rent of $24,682.

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 $930 to $30,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,000 to $42,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,276 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $850.

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.

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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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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.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.