
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the San Carlos Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,300 (26 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the San Carlos area of San Diego.


Terra at Mission Trails
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.

Shasta Lane Apartments

Adagio

Elan Mesa Lofts
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.
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.
San Carlos, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Carlos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos Studio Apartments | $2,456 | $1,915 | $2,759 |
| San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,997 | $2,095 | $3,299 |
| San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,427 | $1,485 | $3,899 |
| San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,847 | $2,250 | $4,634 |
| San Carlos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,484 | $1,365 | $1,560 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 26 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the San Carlos Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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San Carlos, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the San Carlos area of San Diego, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at College View priced from $1,560. Canyon View Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,100. Here are the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| College View | 4x4 | 4BR,4BA | $1,560 |
| Canyon View Apartments | A5 | 1BR,1BA | $2,100 |
| Casa De La Mesa | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,110 |
| Terra at Mission Trails | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,125 |
| Adagio | One Bedroom A | 1BR,1BA | $2,258 |
| Mission Trails Apartments | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $2,596 |
| Atlas Alvarado | S1 | Studio,1BA | $2,624 |
| 5563 Gala Ave | 5563 Gala | 3BR,2BA | $4,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA
As of October 27, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $2.80 price per square foot 5563 Gala Model at 5563 Gala Ave in the in the Grantville neighborhood starting from $4,200. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the B1 Model at Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing starting at $1,505 with a $1.80 price per square foot in the College East neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Carlos apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5563 Gala Ave | 5563 Gala | 3BR,2BA | $2.80 |
| Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.80 |
| Canyon View Apartments | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $2.84 |
| Casa De La Mesa | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.01 |
| Mission Trails Apartments | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $3.87 |
| Adagio | One Bedroom A | 1BR,1BA | $3.65 |
| Atlas Alvarado | S1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.42 |
| College View | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.88 |
| Terra at Mission Trails | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.17 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
Read ArticleDon'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 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 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 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 LifestyleSan Carlos, San Diego, CA
Ranked #53
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in San Carlos, San Diego, CA
Patrick Henry High School
School data provided by Great Schools
Getting Around the San Carlos Neighborhood in San Diego, CA
Walk Score®
55 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
35 / 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Minimal bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
22 / 100
Minimal Transit
It may be possible to get on a bus
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Carlos Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in San Carlos?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Carlos is under $4,200.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Carlos?
The cheapest apartment in San Carlos is Canyon View Apartments which is listed at $2,100, while the average apartment in San Carlos costs $4,559.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Carlos?
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 256 regular apartments in San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
Cheap apartments in San Carlos have an average cost of $2,543 which is $2,016 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Carlos.
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.

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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.




















