
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Jose Neighborhood of San Jose, CA from $900 (33 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Jose area of San Jose.


737 S 11th St

Pensione Esperanza

598 Columbia Ave

Atrium Garden

The Kelsey Ayer Station

455 E St John St
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.

Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments

Metropolitan Court Apartments
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.

E Empire - Owner Notify - Rent Control-DT
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.
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.
Downtown San Jose, San Jose, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown San Jose?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Jose Studio Apartments | $2,586 | $1,250 | $4,139 |
| Downtown San Jose 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,106 | $1,100 | $6,921 |
| Downtown San Jose 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,718 | $2,515 | $6,241 |
| Downtown San Jose 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,557 | $3,346 | $6,079 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 33 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Jose Neighborhood of San Jose, CA.
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Downtown San Jose, San Jose, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Downtown San Jose Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown San Jose area of San Jose, CA is a Studio unit found at Pensione Esperanza priced from $1,250. The Franciscan has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,450. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Jose apartments for rent in San Jose, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensione Esperanza | Studio, 1 bath | Studio,1BA | $1,250 |
| The Franciscan | Room 8 | Studio,1BA | $1,450 |
| The Kelsey Ayer Station | 50% AMI Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,566 |
| 39-0008 | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,650 |
| 515 E WiLL | 7 | 1BR,1BA | $1,680 |
| Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,759 |
| 232 N 8th St | 1 Bed 1 Bath Corner | 1BR,1BA | $1,895 |
| 1040-1058 N. 4th St, San Jose | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,935 |
| Parkside Terrace | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,100 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Jose, CA
As of December 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Jose area is the $2.25 price per square foot 455 Washington St Model at 455 Washington St, Unit A in the in the South San Jose neighborhood starting from $3,599. The second greatest value Downtown San Jose apartment is the Regent Model at The Esplanade starting at $4,439 with a $2.97 price per square foot in the South San Jose neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown San Jose apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 455 Washington St, Unit A | 455 Washington St | 3BR,1.5BA | $2.25 |
| The Esplanade | Regent | 3BR,3BA | $2.97 |
| 101 San Fernando | Plan - 2 Bed / 2 Bath Townhome | 2BR,2BA | $3.12 |
| 428 S 11th St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.88 |
| Westwood Properties | 55 S 6th | 1BR,1BA | $3.13 |
| 182 N 11th St | 182 N 11th St | 1BR,1BA | $2.49 |
| 515 E WiLL | 7 | 1BR,1BA | $2.49 |
| Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.64 |
| Vintage Tower | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.55 |
| 39-0008 | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $3.00 |
Beyond Campus: Finding Your Perfect San Jose Apartment in the Perfect Student Friendly Neighborhood
Going to college in San Jose? Our local expert gives you the inside scoop on the best neighborhoods to live near Near SJSU, SCU, SJCC, and EVC
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown San Jose, San Jose, CA
Ranked #56
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown San Jose, San Jose, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
Our team compiles millions of data points to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for San Jose, California. 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 the best outdoor access, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, and other valuable search options. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Jose Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown San Jose?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown San Jose is at Pensione Esperanza listed at $1,250.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Jose Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Jose Apartment is $1,680 at 515 E WiLL.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown San Jose Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown San Jose is starting from $2,595 at 428 S 11th St.
What is the most affordable Downtown San Jose Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Downtown San Jose Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Avalon Morrison Park and starts from $3,854.
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

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.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!






















