Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (55 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

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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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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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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property at 6350 Genesee Ave

6350 Genesee Ave

San DiegoCA92122

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.

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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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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 Canyon Park priced from $2,231. 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
Canyon ParkOne Bedroom One Bath1BR,1BA$2,231
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,295
Mirada at La Jolla Colony ApartmentsMadrid (Bond)1BR,1BA$2,350
La Jolla Canyon ApartmentsPinnacle1BR,1BA$2,365
Veranda La JollaStudio CStudio,1BA$2,366
Village Square ApartmentsOne Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$2,407
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,436
Town Park VillasCedar Grove1BR,1BA$2,498
La Jolla Nobel1 Bed 1 Bath A (4149)1BR,1BA$2,498
Westwood Apartment HomesPlan A1BR,1BA$2,550

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA

As of November 04, 2025 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $3.39 price per square foot Montecito Model at Towers at Costa Verde Apartments in the in the Torrey Pines neighborhood starting from $5,035. The second greatest value University City apartment is the Ventura I Model at La Regencia Apartments starting at $4,450 with a $3.07 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.
Towers at Costa Verde ApartmentsMontecito3BR,2BA$3.39
La Regencia ApartmentsVentura I3BR,2BA$3.07
Avia La JollaMonterey2BR,2BA$3.27
3989 Nobel Dr, Unit 3583989 Nobel Dr2BR,2.5BA$2.91
ValentiaValentia Plan 2A2BR,2BA$3.30
La Jolla PaseoHuntington2BR,2BA$3.24
La Jolla Park EastLa Jolla Park East - Renovated Avail Now2BR,2BA$3.42
La Jolla Crossroads ApartmentsChianti1BR,1BA$3.31
Casa Aldea at University City Village2 Bed 2 Bath Casita2BR,2BA$3.28
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.53

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
University City, San Diego, CA

Ranked #28

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 $2,550.

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

The cheapest apartment in University City is Canyon Park which is listed at $2,231, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,575.

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 59 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 $1,282 which is $3,293 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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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.

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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.