Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (56 Rentals)

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Cheap Apartments in the University City area of San Diego.

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

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La Jolla Canyon
1 Bedroom Apartments

La Jolla Canyon

9515 Genesee AveSan Diego, CA 92121
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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 Studio unit found at Canyon Park priced from $2,215. Veranda La Jolla has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,362. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Canyon ParkStudioStudio,1BA$2,215
Veranda La Jolla1X11BR,1BA$2,362
La Jolla CanyonPinnacle1BR,1BA$2,365
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,376
Mirada at La Jolla Colony ApartmentsSeville (Renovated)1BR,1BA$2,380
La Jolla Terrace1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,395
La Jolla View1/1 R - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$2,395
Town Park VillasCedar Grove1BR,1BA$2,398
Village Square ApartmentsJunior One Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$2,410
La Jolla Blue Apartments1Bed 1Bath 709sf1BR,1BA$2,495

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA

As of May 02, 2025 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $2.67 price per square foot Belmont II Model at La Regencia in the in the University City neighborhood starting from $3,200. The second greatest value University City apartment is the 2 Bed, 2 Bath B (Garnet Plan - Renovated) Model at Regents La Jolla starting at $4,035 with a $3.64 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.
La RegenciaBelmont II2BR,2BA$2.67
Regents La Jolla2 Bed, 2 Bath B (Garnet Plan - Renovated)2BR,2BA$3.64
Torrey Pines VillagePlan C2BR,2BA$3.10
Towers at Costa VerdeRegency1BR,1BA$3.14
Costa Verde VillagePinnacle1BR,1BA$3.05
La Jolla Palms Apartment HomesPlan 21BR,1BA$3.59
La Jolla Blue Apartments1Bed 1Bath 709sf1BR,1BA$3.52
La Jolla Terrace1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42
La Jolla View1/1 R - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$3.42
Town Park VillasCedar Grove1BR,1BA$3.55

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 #20

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 $2,495.

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

The cheapest apartment in University City is Mirada at La Jolla Colony Apartments which is listed at $2,352, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,800.

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 $596 which is $4,204 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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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Written by: Sandy Baker

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.

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Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters

Written by: Brandie Parton

As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.

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Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everyone needs a place to live and to call home. For decades, the federal government has established protections to ensure that individuals and families can find housing free from discriminatory barriers.