
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,500 (53 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the University City area of San Diego.


3969 Nobel Dr

3989 Nobel Dr

3979 Nobel Dr, Unit #312 Private bedroom/Bath

6933 Enders Avenue

3989 Nobel Dr, Unit 356

Furnished Studio-San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

Veranda La Jolla

Casa Aldea at University City Village

Total Monthly Price
Canyon Park
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.

3550 Lebon Dr

Elan Terraza La Jolla

Pacific Gardens Genesee

5118 Constitution Rd

Whispering Pines

La Jolla Terrace

Total Monthly Price
Torrey Pines Village

La Jolla View

3440 Lebon Dr, Unit Grnd Flr

7425 Charmant Dr, Unit 2909
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.

Total Monthly Price
The Villas of Renaissance

Town Park Villas

Nobel Court

Costa Verde Village Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Westwood Apartment Homes

La Jolla Crossroads Apartments

8889 Caminito Plaza Centro, Unit 7221

La Jolla Nobel

Total Monthly Price
Axiom La Jolla

La Jolla Park East
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La Regencia Apartments

3550 Lebon Dr, Unit 6123

7405 Charmant Dr

Allina La Jolla

3162 Via Alicante

6182 Agee St

3440 Lebon Dr

Mirada at La Jolla Colony Apartments

La Jolla Blue Apartments

La Jolla Canyon Apartments
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.

4678 Firestone St

8308 Regents Rd

8656 Via Mallorca

4034 Nobel Dr

4050 Rosenda Ct

8545 Villa La Jolla Dr

Avalon La Jolla Colony

8640 Via Mallorca

8520 Via Mallorca

3520 Lebon Dr
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
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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 | $2,569 | $2,129 | $4,510 |
| University City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,940 | $1,550 | $5,859 |
| University City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,876 | $2,430 | $7,163 |
| University City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,562 | $3,950 | $7,040 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 53 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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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 Veranda La Jolla priced from $2,204. Allina La Jolla has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,263. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veranda La Jolla | Studio C | Studio,1BA | $2,204 |
| Allina La Jolla | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,263 |
| Pacific Gardens Genesee | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| Mirada at La Jolla Colony Apartments | Madrid (Bond) | 1BR,1BA | $2,300 |
| Nobel Court | 1 BR 1 BA Large Reno | 1BR,1BA | $2,328 |
| Village Square Apartments | Junior One Bedroom Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $2,340 |
| La Jolla Canyon Apartments | Pinnacle | 1BR,1BA | $2,365 |
| La Jolla Blue Apartments | 1Bed 1 Bath 687sf | 1BR,1BA | $2,387 |
| The Villas of Renaissance | Plan 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,440 |
| Canyon Park | One Bedroom One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,445 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA
As of March 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $3.18 price per square foot Ventura II Model at La Regencia Apartments in the in the Torrey Pines neighborhood starting from $4,775. The second greatest value University City apartment is the South Tower Montecito Model at Towers at Costa Verde Apartments starting at $4,960 with a $3.50 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Regencia Apartments | Ventura II | 3BR,2BA | $3.18 |
| Towers at Costa Verde Apartments | South Tower Montecito | 3BR,2BA | $3.50 |
| La Jolla Palms Apartment Homes | Plan 4L | 2BR,2BA | $3.38 |
| Regents Court | Pahoa Island | 2BR,2BA | $3.47 |
| Westwood Apartment Homes | Plan C | 2BR,2BA | $3.11 |
| La Jolla Blue Apartments | 2Bed 2Bath 981sf | 2BR,2BA | $3.50 |
| La Jolla Park East | La Jolla Park East - Renovated Avail Now | 2BR,2BA | $2.94 |
| Casa Aldea at University City Village | 2 Bed 2 Bath Casita | 2BR,2BA | $3.28 |
| Allina La Jolla | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.47 |
| Pacific Gardens Genesee | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.53 |
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
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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
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 $2,445.
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 $2,263, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,310.
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 76 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 $961 which is $3,349 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.

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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

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.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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.