Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (42 Rentals)

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

property at 3969 Nobel Dr

$1,895 - $2,795

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$1,895 - $2,795
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$1,895 - $2,795

1 To 2 Bedroom Condos for Rent

Available May 15

3969 Nobel Dr

San DiegoCA92122
property at 6933 Enders Avenue

$2,000

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$2,000
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$2,000

Studio, 0.5 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

6933 Enders Avenue

San DiegoCA92122

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.

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Canyon Park
$2,230 - $3,958
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$2,230 - $3,958
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Canyon Park

9555 Genesee AveSan Diego, CA 92121
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Torrey Pines Village
$2,308 - $3,508
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$2,308 - $3,508
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Torrey Pines Village

8939 Lombard PlSan Diego, CA 92122
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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.

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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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Axiom La Jolla
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$2,556 - $4,556
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$2,556 - $4,556
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Axiom La Jolla

3950 Mahaila AveSan Diego, CA 92122
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Allina La Jolla
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Allina La Jolla

3417 Lebon DrSan Diego, CA 92122

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.

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From surf culture to family-friendly neighborhoods, discover the best North County San Diego areas to rent and what they’re like day-to-day.

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Showing Results 1-42, Page 1 of 1

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 Allina La Jolla priced from $2,227. Canyon Park has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,230. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,227
Canyon ParkStudioStudio,1BA$2,230
Mirada at La Jolla Colony ApartmentsSeville (Renovated)1BR,1BA$2,276
Veranda La JollaStudio FStudio,1BA$2,287
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,345
La Jolla Blue Apartments1Bed 1Bath 709sf1BR,1BA$2,379
Village Square ApartmentsJunior One Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$2,394
Axiom La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath A1BR,1BA$2,576
Nobel Court1 BR 1 BA Reno1BR,1BA$2,591
La Jolla Nobel1 Bed 1 Bath B (4249)1BR,1BA$2,595

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA

As of May 08, 2026 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $3.51 price per square foot 2 Bed, 2 Bath E (Opal Plan - Renovated) Model at Regents La Jolla in the in the Torrey Pines neighborhood starting from $4,251. The second greatest value University City apartment is the Coronado Model at Costa Verde Village Apartments starting at $3,335 with a $3.03 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.
Regents La Jolla2 Bed, 2 Bath E (Opal Plan - Renovated)2BR,2BA$3.51
Costa Verde Village ApartmentsCoronado2BR,2BA$3.03
La Jolla Palms Apartment HomesPlan 52BR,2BA$3.26
Elan Terraza La Jolla2/2 - 900 sq/ft2BR,2BA$3.27
La Regencia ApartmentsPinnacle1BR,1BA$3.18
La Jolla Crossroads ApartmentsChianti1BR,1BA$3.31
Casa Aldea at University City Village2 Bed 2 Bath Casita2BR,2BA$3.14
La Jolla PaseoAvalon1BR,1BA$3.51
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.42
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.61

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

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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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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University City, San Diego, CA

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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 $2,595.

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

The cheapest apartment in University City is Allina La Jolla which is listed at $2,227, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,583.

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 30 regular apartments in University City that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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.

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