
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the San Carlos Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,300 (21 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the San Carlos area of San Diego.


Terra at Mission Trails
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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
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.

Elan Mesa Lofts
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
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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 | $2,341 | $1,845 | $2,659 |
San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,977 | $2,215 | $3,099 |
San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,440 | $1,595 | $3,799 |
San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,789 | $2,250 | $4,559 |
San Carlos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,775 | $1,350 | $4,695 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 21 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 $1,430. Elan Mesa Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,845. 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-F | 4BR,4BA | $1,430 |
Elan Mesa Lofts | 0x1 | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
Terra at Mission Trails | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,927 |
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing | S1 | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
Casa De La Mesa | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,110 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA
As of July 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $3.17 price per square foot Plan A Model at Shasta Lane Apartments in the in the San Carlos neighborhood starting from $2,375. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the 1 Bedroom Model at Casa De La Mesa starting at $2,110 with a $3.01 price per square foot in the San Carlos 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Shasta Lane Apartments | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $3.17 |
Casa De La Mesa | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.01 |
Mission Trails Apartments | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $3.90 |
Adagio | One Bedroom A | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
College View | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.88 |
Terra at Mission Trails | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.78 |
Elan Mesa Lofts | 0x1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.10 |
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student Housing | S1 | Studio ,1BA | $5.00 |
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSan Carlos, San Diego, CA
Ranked #53
Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA 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 the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Carlos?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Carlos is at Elan Mesa Lofts listed at $1,845.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Carlos Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Carlos Apartment is $2,110 at Casa De La Mesa.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Carlos Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Carlos is starting from $2,550 at College View.
What is the most affordable San Carlos Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap San Carlos Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at College View and starts from $2,250.
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.

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.

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.

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.