Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (67 Rentals)

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

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property at 8308 Regents Rd

8308 Regents Rd

San DiegoCA92122

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property at 3550 Lebon Dr

3550 Lebon Dr

San DiegoCA92122

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

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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 1 Bed unit found at Casa Aldea at University City Village priced from $2,195. Pacific Gardens Genesee has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,295. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Casa Aldea at University City Village1 Bed 1 Bath Casita1BR,1BA$2,195
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,295
Torrey Pines Village1x1 AR1BR,1BA$2,300
Veranda La JollaStudio CStudio,1BA$2,354
Village Square ApartmentsJunior One Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$2,361
La Jolla CanyonPinnacle1BR,1BA$2,365
La Jolla Terrace1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,395
Whispering Pines1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,395
Canyon ParkOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2,425
La Jolla Nobel1 Bed 1 Bath A (4149)1BR,1BA$2,498

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA

As of September 18, 2025 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $2.88 price per square foot Dana Point Model at Avia La Jolla in the in the University City neighborhood starting from $4,398. The second greatest value University City apartment is the Montecito Model at Towers at Costa Verde starting at $5,010 with a $3.37 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.
Avia La JollaDana Point2BR,2BA$2.88
Towers at Costa VerdeMontecito3BR,2BA$3.37
La RegenciaVentura I3BR,2BA$3.07
Regents La Jolla2 Bed, 2 Bath E (Opal Plan - Renovated)2BR,2BA$3.14
3989 Nobel Dr, Unit 3583989 Nobel Dr2BR,2.5BA$3.00
La Jolla PaseoHuntington2BR,2BA$2.93
Westwood Apartment HomesPlan D2BR,2BA$3.23
Allina La Jolla2 Bed, 2 Bath A2BR,2BA$3.14
Casa Aldea at University City Village2 Bed 2 Bath Casita2BR,2BA$3.28
La Jolla Terrace1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42

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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
University City, San Diego, CA

Ranked #25

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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!

Getting Around the University City Neighborhood in San Diego, CA

Walk Score®

52 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

62 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

47 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

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 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 $2,498.

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

The cheapest apartment in University City is Casa Aldea at University City Village which is listed at $2,195, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,714.

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 15 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 $533 which is $4,181 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in University City.

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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.