Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Old Town San Diego Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,000 (89 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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.

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.

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.

close
View Me
3970 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

3970 Goldfinch St

3970 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
close
View Me
630 W Washington St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

630 W Washington St

630 W Washington StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
1849-1867 Morena Blvd
1 Bedroom Apartments

1849-1867 Morena Blvd

1849-1867 Morena BlvdSan Diego, CA 92110
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Harbor Villa Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Harbor Villa Apartments

2810 Keats StSan Diego, CA 92106
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4077 Goldfinch St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

4077 Goldfinch St

4077 Goldfinch StSan Diego, CA 92103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
4030 Front St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4030 Front St

4030 Front StSan Diego, CA 92103
close
View Me
The Mission Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Mission Apartments

1825 Hancock StSan Diego, CA 92110
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Barcelona
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Barcelona

326 Juniper StSan Diego, CA 92101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
St. Paul's Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

St. Paul's Manor

2635 2nd AveSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Santa Fe Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Fe Villas

3912 Albatross StSan Diego, CA 92103
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Park Loma Apartment Homes
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Loma Apartment Homes

2089 Chatsworth BlvdSan Diego, CA 92107
  • Utilities Included

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.

Old Town San Diego, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Old Town San Diego Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Old Town San Diego area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at The Presidio Apartments priced from $1,508. Redwood Terrace has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,595. Here are the most affordable Old Town San Diego apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Presidio ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,508
Redwood Terrace1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,595
Hilltop TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$1,748
Love Where You LiveAlcove Studio 1Studio,1BA$1,795
City Lofts0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,795
Bay Park Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,875
Aspen Park Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,895
Gaines Street Apartment1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2,000
CentrePointePlan SAStudio,1BA$2,027
Arbor Crest on FourthStudioStudio,1BA$2,058

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Old Town San Diego, CA

As of April 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Old Town San Diego area is the $2.79 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at Bayview Townhomes at Point Loma in the in the Wooded Area neighborhood starting from $5,295. The second greatest value Old Town San Diego apartment is the LOFT PLAN 6 Model at Mission Hills Apartments starting at $3,910 with a $2.77 price per square foot in the Balboa Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Old Town San Diego apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Bayview Townhomes at Point Loma3 Bedroom3BR,2.5BA$2.79
Mission Hills ApartmentsLOFT PLAN 6Studio ,1BA$2.77
Fashion Terrace Apartment HomesBrentwood2BR,2BA$2.99
Loma Palisades2 Bedroom Townhome Palms2BR,1.5BA$2.92
Montecito Point2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.05
Loft2015 ApartmentsAlta- Townhome2BR,2BA$3.09
1st & Penn Apts - 1penn2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$3.10
Loma Village Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$3.02
Gaines Street Apartment2BR/1BA2BR,1BA$3.20
University Crest Apartments | Hillcrest/Mission Hills – Modern Living1BD/1BA1BR,1BA$3.06

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

Read Article
Decorative image

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 Article
Decorative image

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Old Town San Diego, San Diego, CA

Ranked #11

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Lifestyle Ratings

Our team compiles millions of data points to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of neighborhoods, cities, and rental properties across California including Old Town San Diego, San Diego, and the greater San Diego area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and proximity to parks, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, features that make it easier to raise kids, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Old Town San Diego Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Old Town San Diego?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Old Town San Diego is under $2,058.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Old Town San Diego?

The cheapest apartment in Old Town San Diego is Redwood Terrace which is listed at $1,595, while the average apartment in Old Town San Diego costs $9,579.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Old Town San Diego?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 12 regular apartments in Old Town San Diego that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Old Town San Diego?

Cheap apartments in Old Town San Diego have an average cost of $134 which is $9,445 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Old Town San Diego.

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

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.

decorative image for Your Guide to Picking the Perfect San Diego Neighborhood for Student Renters article

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.

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

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.

decorative image for Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture article

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

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

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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.