
Cheap 1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,800 (42 Rentals)


3979 Nobel Dr, Unit #312 Private bedroom/Bath, Unit #312 Private bedroom/Bath

8490 Via Sonoma

3975 Nobel Dr, Unit #290 Private Room+Bath, Unit #290 Private Room+Bath

Casa Aldea at University City Village

Pacific Gardens Genesee

Torrey Pines Village

3440 Lebon Dr
Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Create a productive work-from-home apartment setup, even in a small space or studio. Discover layout ideas, desk solutions, and organization tips that actually work.

3440 Lebon Dr, Unit Grnd Flr, Unit Grnd Flr

La Jolla View

Whispering Pines

La Jolla Terrace

Veranda La Jolla

Canyon Park

Nobel Court

Town Park Villas
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.

Westwood Apartment Homes

La Jolla Park East

The Villas of Renaissance

Total Monthly Price
Axiom La Jolla

La Jolla Nobel

Elan Terraza La Jolla

3927 Nobel Dr

3550 Lebon Dr, Unit 6123, Unit 6123
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.

La Jolla Palms Apartment Homes

Costa Verde Village Apartments

3969 Nobel Dr

La Jolla Paseo

La Jolla Crossroads Apartments

3927 Nobel Dr, Unit 34, Unit 34

9263 Regents Rd

Allina La Jolla
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.

8545 Villa La Jolla Dr

La Jolla Canyon Apartments

8308 Regents Rd

7585 Charmant Dr

7545 Charmant Dr

Avalon La Jolla Colony

La Jolla Blue Apartments

3520 Lebon Dr
Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
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8356 Via Sonoma

Total Monthly Price
Village Square Apartments
University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in University City?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| University City Studio Apartments | $2,574 | $2,159 | $4,259 |
University City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,973 | $1,800 | $6,220 |
| University City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,752 | $2,430 | $8,025 |
| University City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,921 | $3,950 | $7,781 |
Explore San Diego
University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Diego neighborhoods
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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 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 ArticleCash 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 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.
Best Local Schools in University City, San Diego, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap University City Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in University City?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in University City is under $2,570.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in University City?
The cheapest apartment in University City is Mirada at La Jolla Colony Apartments which is listed at $2,210, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,469.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in University City?
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 51 regular apartments in University City 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 University City?
Cheap apartments in University City have an average cost of $1,055 which is $3,414 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in University City.
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

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.

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.

Ditch the Freeway: San Diego's Best Renting Spots for a Shorter Commute
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Hey there! I’m Hayden, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for San Diego.

Moving to North County San Diego: Costs, Commutes, and Culture
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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

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.

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.

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.

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.