Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Jose Neighborhood of San Jose, CA from $900 (45 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Jose area of 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 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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Delmas Park
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Delmas Park

350 Barack Obama BlvdSan 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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Metro Gardens
Studio Apartments

Metro Gardens

420 S 3rd StSan Jose, CA 95112
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603 S 1st St
Studio Apartments

603 S 1st St

603 S 1st StSan Jose, CA 95113
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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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Miraido Village
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Miraido Village

520-566 N 6th StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Reed Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Reed Apartments

283 E Reed StSan Jose, CA 95112
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39-0008
Studio Apartments

39-0008

74 S 8th StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Tao Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tao Apartments

544 N 4th StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Metro Gardens
1 Bedroom Apartments

Metro Gardens

420 S 3rd StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Metro Station
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Metro Station

439 S 4th StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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670-686 S. 8th
1 Bedroom Apartments

670-686 S. 8th

670-686 S 8th StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Downtown San Jose, San Jose, CA Local Guide

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 $1,200. Vintage Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,721. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Jose apartments for rent in San Jose, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Pensione EsperanzaStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$1,200
Vintage TowerVT1B1BB1BR,1BA$1,721
Alvarado Park - 55+ Senior Housing1Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,728
Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,759
Westwood Properties55 S 6thStudio,1BA$1,800
1040-1058 N. 4th St, San JoseStudioStudio,1BA$1,835
39-00080BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,850
The Kelsey Ayer Station80% AMI StudioStudio,1BA$1,989
Japantown Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,015
The Colonnade ApartmentsMedium StudioStudio,1BA$2,395

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Jose, CA

As of June 21, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Jose area is the $2.83 price per square foot Plan Penthouse G1 Model at 360 Residences in the in the South San Jose neighborhood starting from $8,027. The second greatest value Downtown San Jose apartment is the 133 E Reed St Model at 133 E Reed St, Unit 133 starting at $5,300 with a $3.12 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
360 ResidencesPlan Penthouse G13BR,3.5BA$2.83
133 E Reed St, Unit 133133 E Reed St4BR,2BA$3.12
175 W Saint James St2/22BR,2BA$2.75
Villa TorinoThe Capri2BR,2BA$2.75
Metropolitan Court Apartments5th floor1BR,1BA$2.98
20 S 2nd St, Unit 43420 S 2nd St1BR,1BA$3.16
Sparta505 - Student HousingPlan F2BR,2BA$2.79
Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.64
Vintage TowerVT1B1BB1BR,1BA$2.86
Alvarado Park - 55+ Senior Housing1Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.15

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
Downtown San Jose, San Jose, CA

Ranked #59

Among neighborhoods in San Jose, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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 a cheap apartment in Downtown San Jose?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown San Jose is under $2,395.

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

The cheapest apartment in Downtown San Jose is Vintage Tower which is listed at $1,721, while the average apartment in Downtown San Jose costs $5,425.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 9 regular apartments in Downtown San Jose that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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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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.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.