Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (48 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 3927 Nobel Dr

3927 Nobel Dr

San DiegoCA92122
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Veranda La Jolla
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Veranda La Jolla

3845 Nobel DrSan Diego, CA 92122

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La Jolla Canyon
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

La Jolla Canyon

9515 Genesee AveSan Diego, CA 92121
property at 3520 Lebon Dr

3520 Lebon Dr

San DiegoCA92122

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Showing Results 1-48, 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 Casa Aldea at University City Village priced from $2,275. Allina La Jolla has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,281. 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$2,275
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,281
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,295
Veranda La Jolla1X11BR,1BA$2,345
La Jolla CanyonPinnacle1BR,1BA$2,365
Mirada at La Jolla Colony ApartmentsMadrid (Renovated)1BR,1BA$2,375
Town Park VillasCedar Grove1BR,1BA$2,377
Canyon ParkOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2,425
Village Square ApartmentsJunior One Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$2,451
La Jolla Park EastLa Jolla Park East - Renovated 6/151BR,1BA$2,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA

As of June 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $3.08 price per square foot Dana Point Model at Avia La Jolla in the in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood starting from $4,698. 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 University City 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$3.08
Towers at Costa VerdeMontecito3BR,2BA$3.37
La Jolla Park EastLa Jolla Park East - Renovated Avail Now2BR,2BA$3.60
La RegenciaPinnacle1BR,1BA$3.04
Casa Aldea at University City Village2 Bed 2 Bath Casita2BR,2BA$3.37
La Jolla PaseoAvalon1BR,1BA$3.51
Torrey Pines VillagePlan B1BR,1BA$3.42
Town Park VillasCedar Grove1BR,1BA$3.52
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.50
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.53

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
University City, San Diego, CA

Ranked #28

Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA 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 $2,500.

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 $2,275, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,762.

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 22 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 $607 which is $4,155 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.

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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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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.