Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Mission Valley Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $500 (34 Rentals)

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

property at 6202 Friars Rd

6202 Friars Rd

San DiegoCA92108

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.

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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Versa
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Versa

2355 Via AltaSan Diego, CA 92108
Senior Living
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2253-2285 Dunlop St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2253-2285 Dunlop St

2253-2285 Dunlop StSan Diego, CA 92111
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4576-4580 32nd St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4576-4580 32nd St

4576-4580 32nd StSan Diego, CA 92116
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4345 McClintock St
2 Bedroom Apartments

4345 McClintock St

4345 McClintock StSan Diego, CA 92105
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Astro Vista Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Astro Vista Apartments

2233-2281 Ulric StSan Diego, CA 92111
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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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4424 Mississippi St
1 Bedroom Apartments

4424 Mississippi St

4424 Mississippi StSan Diego, CA 92116
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Bel Vue Terrace
2 Bedroom Apartments

Bel Vue Terrace

1336-1348 Brunner StSan Diego, CA 92110
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The Amberjack
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Amberjack

4740 Wilson AveSan Diego, CA 92116
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4455-4465 Cherokee Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

4455-4465 Cherokee Ave

4455-4465 Cherokee AveSan Diego, CA 92116
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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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5747 Lauretta
1 Bedroom Apartments

5747 Lauretta

5747 Lauretta StSan Diego, CA 92110
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The Ray
Studio Apartments

The Ray

4567 Texas StSan Diego, CA 92116

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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4534 30th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

4534 30th St

4534 30th StSan Diego, CA 92116
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4354 Utah St
2 Bedroom Apartments

4354 Utah St

4354 Utah StSan Diego, CA 92104

Mission Valley, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Mission Valley Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Mission Valley area of San Diego, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at 4658 E Mountain View Dr priced from $1,895. Gaines Street Apartment has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,000. Here are the most affordable Mission Valley apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
4658 E Mountain View DrMtn View1BR,1BA$1,895
Gaines Street Apartment1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2,000
The Hills at Fashion Valley fka Fashion Hills TerraceAspen1BR,1BA$2,049
2911 AdamsStudioStudio,1BA$2,150
Prado ApartmentsThe Essex1BR,1BA$2,190
The Modernaire Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath Partial Classic1BR,1BA$2,199
Metro Mission ValleyStudioStudio,1BA$2,282
The Promenade Rio Vista ApartmentsResidence 11BR,1BA$2,324

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Mission Valley, CA

As of June 16, 2025 the best value apartment in the Mission Valley area is the $2.17 price per square foot 6745 S Elman St Model at 6745 S Elman St, Unit 6745 S Elman in the in the Balboa Park neighborhood starting from $3,898. The second greatest value Mission Valley apartment is the 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Model at The Margo starting at $4,429 with a $3.07 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Mission Valley apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
6745 S Elman St, Unit 6745 S Elman6745 S Elman St3BR,2BA$2.17
The Margo3 Bedroom, 2 Bath3BR,2BA$3.07
Monte Vista Apartment HomesPlan 72BR,2BA$2.66
4515 Felton St3 Beds, 2 baths3BR,2BA$3.08
Fashion Terrace Apartment HomesBrentwood2BR,2BA$2.84
Del Rio Apartment HomesPlan B1BR,1BA$3.17
Gaines Street Apartment2BR/1BA2BR,1BA$3.20
Prado ApartmentsThe Essex1BR,1BA$3.12
4554 Campus Ave, Unit 14554 Campus Ave1BR,1BA$3.04
4524 1/2 35th St4524 1/2 35th StStudio ,1BA$2.61

Quick 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.

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Lifestyle Ratings

This website is happy to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of neighborhoods, cities and towns, and rental properties across California and customized analysis for San Diego, California. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and proximity to parks, multifamily communities for the kids, raising pets, transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Mission Valley Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

Walk Score®

55 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

48 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

49 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Mission Valley Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Mission Valley?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Mission Valley is at 2911 Adams listed at $2,150.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Mission Valley Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Mission Valley Apartment is $1,895 at 4658 E Mountain View Dr.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Mission Valley Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Mission Valley is starting from $2,400 at Gaines Street Apartment.

What is the most affordable Mission Valley Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Mission Valley Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Crandall Apartments and starts from $2,869.

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.

decorative image for Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego: A Local Real Estate Expert Guide article

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.