Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Jose, CA from $600 (141 Rentals)

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

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.

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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Willow Pointe
1 Bedroom Apartments

Willow Pointe

1010 S 3rd StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Delmas Park
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Delmas Park

350 Barack Obama BlvdSan Jose, CA 95126
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Trestles Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Trestles Apartments

1566 Scott StSan Jose, CA 95126
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Pollard Plaza Apartment
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Pollard Plaza Apartment

1150 Mclaughlin AveSan Jose, CA 95122
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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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Eden Palms Apartments
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Eden Palms Apartments

5398 Monterey RdSan Jose, CA 95111
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Paseo Senter
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Paseo Senter

1900 Senter RdSan Jose, CA 95112
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912 - 914 Delbert Way
Studio Apartments

912 - 914 Delbert Way

912-914 Delbert WaySan Jose, CA 95126
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Jeanne D ARC Manor
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Jeanne D ARC Manor

85 S 5th StSan Jose, CA 95112
Senior Living
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650 S 8th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

650 S 8th St

650 S 8th StSan Jose, CA 95112
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215 Oak St
1 Bedroom Apartments

215 Oak St

215 Oak StSan Jose, CA 95110
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Almaden House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Almaden House

2415 Rinconada DrSan Jose, CA 95125
  • Utilities Included

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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Miranda Village
Studio Apartments

Miranda Village

2094 Forest AveSan Jose, CA 95128
Senior Living
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1137 Roewill Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

1137 Roewill Dr

1137 Roewill DrSan Jose, CA 95117
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Ranchero Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ranchero Apartments

1054-1060 Ranchero WaySan Jose, CA 95117
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Metro Gardens
Studio Apartments

Metro Gardens

420 S 3rd StSan Jose, CA 95112
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The Brooks House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Brooks House

655 Richmond AveSan Jose, CA 95128
Senior Living
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Arbor Terraces
1 Bedroom Apartments

Arbor Terraces

2768 McKee RdSan Jose, CA 95127
Senior Living
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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.

San Jose, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Jose, CA

Pricing Updated: 07/31/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Jose, CA area range in price from $916 to $18,135 with an overall median price of $5,058. The three San Jose neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Cambrian Park at $1,725, Rose at $1,725, and Rose Garden at $1,960. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Jose Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Cambrian Park$1,725$1,7251
Rose$1,725$1,7251
Rose Garden$2,175$1,9605
Hillside$2,250$1,9502
Cadillac East$2,400$2,4001
Cambrian Community$2,533$1,6962
Bonita$2,595$1,1005
Starbird$2,595$2,5951
Ferrari$2,650$2,5001
Payne$2,710$1,8754

Cheapest Available San Jose Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Jose, CA is a Studio unit found at Pensione Esperanza in the South San Jose neighborhood priced from $1,200. Borregas Court Apartments in the North San Jose neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Jose apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Pensione EsperanzaStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$1,200
Borregas Court ApartmentsStudio AStudio,1BA$1,200
Page Street StudiosStudioStudio,1BA$1,234
Parkside StudiosStudioStudio,1BA$1,235
The Village at Willow GlenBuilding A1BR,1BA$1,460
Vela ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,566
The Dudley Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,627
Mainline North | Affordable ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,708

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Jose, CA

As of July 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Jose area is the $2.60 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at Ranchero in the in the North San Jose neighborhood starting from $3,499. The second greatest value San Jose apartment is the 4th Floor Model at Mesa Terrace starting at $2,825 with a $2.33 price per square foot in the South San Jose neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Jose apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Ranchero2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.60
Mesa Terrace4th Floor3BR,2BA$2.33
Stonebridge ApartmentsMODEL 2 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM - FOR VIEWING ONLY2BR,2BA$2.16
Blossom Hill Terrace Apartments2BR/2BTH2BR,2BA$2.53
Sedona Apartments2bed 1bath2BR,1BA$2.44
Valley West ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$2.49
186-192 Selwyn Dr2Bed/1Ba2BR,1BA$2.35
Villa de Guadalupe1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.62
Arcadia Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.58
The Village at Willow GlenBuilding A1BR,1BA$2.43

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San Jose Overview

Many people have been flocking to California Bay Area’s biggest city for the past 50 years and it only takes a moment to see all the reasons why. Nestled in the middle of Silicon Valley, the booming Tech Industry calls this area home, the sun shines over 250 days a year, and the beauty of all of California’s diverse landscapes are all within a few hours’ drive. Its residents are highly educated and culturally diverse and the city offers many opportunities for them to get out of their San Jose apartments and meet your neighbors from annual festivals to enjoying a day at the 170 acre Kelley Park. If you prefer not to drive, the Downtown area caters to those who would rather walk, bike, or ride the train or bus.

Why live in San Jose, CA?

San Jose is known for being at the leading edge of technology when the tech industry is in its Golden Age. Business is booming and the economy is growing so well that the city has dubbed itself the “Capital of Opportunity”. Young professionals will feel at home here with almost 40% of the population being between the ages of 20 and 40. And with a wide variety of options for homes and apartments in San Jose, finding the perfect place is a cinch.

San Jose, CA
Population: 1,030,119

Ranked #10

in US Census Population by City

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Jose, CA

Ranked #8

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Jose, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around San Jose, CA

Walk Score®

68 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

73 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

48 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

San Jose, CA Area Reviews

  • Parks
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Shannon

May 4, 2025

Wonderful place to live if you work remotely, in tech, or in the creative arts. Fantastic vibes and really very affordable compared to other cities like San Francisco. Lots of amazing places to grab a quick bite or waste a spare afternoon, as well.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Jose Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in San Jose?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Jose is under $1,708.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Jose?

The cheapest apartment in San Jose is The Village at Willow Glen which is listed at $1,460, while the average apartment in San Jose costs $5,058.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Jose?

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 3,963 regular apartments in San Jose 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 Jose?

Cheap apartments in San Jose have an average cost of $661 which is $4,397 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Jose.

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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A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose

Written by: Shannon Hilson

If you’ve spent much time in San Jose, you’ve likely heard it referred to as “the capital of Silicon Valley” a time or two, and with good reason. San Jose has it all when it comes to the modern California lifestyle and then some.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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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.