Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (61 Rentals)

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

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

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

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property at 3937 Nobel Dr

$1,700

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

3937 Nobel Dr

San DiegoCA92122

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.

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property at 7405 Charmant Dr

$2,100 - $3,150

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

7405 Charmant Dr

San DiegoCA92122
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Allina La Jolla
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Allina La Jolla

3417 Lebon DrSan Diego, CA 92122

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available University City Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the University City area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Canyon Park priced from $2,215. Veranda La Jolla has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,238. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Canyon ParkStudioStudio,1BA$2,215
Veranda La Jolla1X11BR,1BA$2,238
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,255
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,269
Mirada at La Jolla Colony ApartmentsSeville (Renovated)1BR,1BA$2,273
Elan Terraza La Jolla1/1 - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$2,333
La Jolla Canyon ApartmentsPinnacle1BR,1BA$2,385
La Jolla View1/1 R - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$2,395
Axiom La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath D1BR,1BA$2,460
Avalon La Jolla Colony543-floor11BR,1BA$2,515

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA

As of February 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $3.07 price per square foot Ventura I Model at La Regencia Apartments in the in the Torrey Pines neighborhood starting from $4,450. The second greatest value University City apartment is the 2 Bed, 2 Bath with Den D (Jewel Plan - Classic) Model at Regents La Jolla starting at $3,840 with a $3.44 price per square foot in the Torrey Pines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for University City apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
La Regencia ApartmentsVentura I3BR,2BA$3.07
Regents La Jolla2 Bed, 2 Bath with Den D (Jewel Plan - Classic)2BR,2BA$3.44
Westwood Apartment HomesPlan C2BR,2BA$3.15
La Jolla Park EastSanta Daniela's Garden-Avai2BR,2BA$3.47
Village View2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.36
Costa Verde Village ApartmentsPinnacle1BR,1BA$3.17
La Jolla Crossroads ApartmentsMedici1BR,1BA$3.34
Casa Aldea at University City Village2 Bed 2 Bath Casita2BR,2BA$3.28
Elan Terraza La Jolla1/1 - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$3.33
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.47

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Best Local Schools in
University City, San Diego, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com is proud to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals in areas across the United States including University City, 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 our Star Ratings to compare for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, places that make kids happy, proximity to transit, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

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 $2,515.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in University City?

The cheapest apartment in University City is Veranda La Jolla which is listed at $2,238, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,450.

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 73 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 $1,677 which is $2,773 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

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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.

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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.

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

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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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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.