Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Diego County, CA from $300 (305 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Diego County.

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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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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Cheapest Available San Diego County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Diego County, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Rive San Diego in the Rolando neighborhood priced from $386. Fifty Twenty-Five in the College West neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $855. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Diego County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Rive San Diego4x4 B4BR,4BA$386
Fifty Twenty-Five4BR/4BA - Semi Private - Elite (D)4BR,4BA$855
Victory on Paseo5BR/3BA - A5BR,3BA$871
Trolley CourtStandardStudio,$974
3942 8th AveStudioStudio,$995
Studio 15Studios - 50% AMI - Utilities includedStudio,1BA$1,050
Peachtree Inn - Fully furnished units!StandardStudio,1BA$1,062
Hillcrest InnStudioStudio,1BA$1,250
The Residences at 3954 KansasOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1,292
Island Village ApartmentsStudio ALL UTILITIES IncludedStudio,1BA$1,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Diego County, CA

As of December 20, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Diego County area is the $1.74 price per square foot 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Stuart Mesa - Military Housing in the in the Camp Pendleton neighborhood starting from $3,200. The second greatest value San Diego County apartment is the Three Bedroom- Classic Model at Edson - Military Housing starting at $2,900 with a $1.83 price per square foot . Here is today’s list of the best values for San Diego County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Stuart Mesa - Military Housing4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath4BR,2.5BA$1.74
Edson - Military HousingThree Bedroom- Classic3BR,2.5BA$1.83
Camerons Mobile EstatesRent a Home2BR,2BA$1.97
Fountain Estates Apartments2x2 Small2BR,2BA$1.97
Topaz3x3 A3BR,3BA$1.76
The Rive San Diego2x2 B2BR,2BA$1.03
Valle at 9121 KenwoodAzul2BR,2BA$1.94
Palm Shadows ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.89
Iconic on Alvarado: Off-Campus Student HousingB12BR,2BA$1.80
The Residences at 3954 KansasOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1.72

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Diego County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in San Diego County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Diego County is under $1,300.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Diego County?

The cheapest apartment in San Diego County is The Residences at 3954 Kansas which is listed at $1,292, while the average apartment in San Diego County costs $11,150.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Diego County?

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 726 regular apartments in San Diego County 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 San Diego County?

Cheap apartments in San Diego County have an average cost of $328 which is $10,822 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Diego County.

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

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.

decorative image for Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

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.