Cheap Apartments for Rent in the San Carlos Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,300 (21 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
Lomas Del Cerro
2 Bedroom Apartments

Lomas Del Cerro

6960 Golfcrest DrSan Diego, CA 92119

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.

close
View Me
Casa De La Mesa
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Casa De La Mesa

5575 Shasta LnLa Mesa, CA 91942
close
View Me
Murray Manor
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Murray Manor

5700 Cowles Mountain BlvdLa Mesa, CA 91942
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Shasta Greens
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shasta Greens

5525-5529 Shasta LnLa Mesa, CA 91942
close
View Me
Chateau Shasta
2 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau Shasta

5541-5543 Shasta LnLa Mesa, CA 91942

San Carlos, San Diego, CA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
College View4x4-F4BR,4BA$1,430
Elan Mesa Lofts0x1Studio,1BA$1,845
Terra at Mission TrailsStudioStudio,1BA$1,927
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student HousingS1Studio,1BA$1,995
Casa De La Mesa1 Bedroom1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Shasta Lane ApartmentsPlan A1BR,1BA$3.17
Casa De La Mesa1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.01
Mission Trails ApartmentsPlan A1BR,1BA$3.90
AdagioOne Bedroom A1BR,1BA$3.84
College View1x11BR,1BA$4.88
Terra at Mission TrailsStudioStudio ,1BA$3.78
Elan Mesa Lofts0x1Studio ,1BA$4.10
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student HousingS1Studio ,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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Carlos, San Diego, CA

Ranked #53

Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

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.

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 Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

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.

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

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.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

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.