Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Thunderbird Neighborhood of San Jose, CA from $600 (40 Rentals)

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

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Willow Pointe
1 Bedroom Apartments

Willow Pointe

1010 S 3rd StSan Jose, CA 95112
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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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Jeanne D ARC Manor
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Jeanne D ARC Manor

85 S 5th StSan Jose, CA 95112
Senior Living

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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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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Metro Gardens
Studio Apartments

Metro Gardens

420 S 3rd StSan Jose, CA 95112
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Arbor Terraces
1 Bedroom Apartments

Arbor Terraces

2768 McKee RdSan Jose, CA 95127
Senior Living
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Clayburn Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Clayburn Apartments

67 N Jackson AveSan Jose, CA 95116
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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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Alum Rock Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Alum Rock Apartments

1528-1530 Alum Rock AveSan Jose, CA 95116
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Reed Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Reed Apartments

283 E Reed StSan Jose, CA 95112
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McKee Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

McKee Apartments

1735-1745 Mckee RdSan Jose, CA 95116
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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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670-686 S. 8th
1 Bedroom Apartments

670-686 S. 8th

670-686 S 8th 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.

Thunderbird, San Jose, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Thunderbird Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Thunderbird area of San Jose, CA is a Studio unit found at Vela Apartments priced from $1,566. Vintage Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,721. Here are the most affordable Thunderbird apartments for rent in San Jose, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Vela ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,566
Vintage TowerVT1B1BB1BR,1BA$1,721
Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,759
Westwood Properties55 S 6thStudio,1BA$1,800
The Ruckers MansionAPT#1Studio,1BA$1,900
The Colonnade ApartmentsMedium StudioStudio,1BA$2,319
Peppertree Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,366
ReNew Twenty50Madeline1BR,1BA$2,555
The JamesS01Studio,1BA$2,559

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Thunderbird, CA

As of June 10, 2025 the best value apartment in the Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird 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
101 San FernandoPlan - 2 Bed / 2 Bath Townhome2BR,2BA$2.96
Villa de Guadalupe1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.62
1298 Shortridge Ave, Unit B1298 Shortridge Ave2BR,1BA$2.80
Foundry CommonsC1 (2x2)2BR,2BA$3.16
Aviara2-Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.59
862 Jeanne Ave, Unit 2862 Jeanne Ave2BR,1BA$3.20
Sparta505 - Student HousingPlan F2BR,2BA$2.79
Hacienda Creek Senior Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.64

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Lifestyle Ratings

This website is proud to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals in areas across the United States, including San Jose. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury amenities, apartment communities for the kids, raising pets, transit options, and more. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Thunderbird Neighborhood in San Jose, CA

Walk Score®

35 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

52 / 100

Good Transit

Many nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Thunderbird Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Thunderbird?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Thunderbird is under $2,559.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Thunderbird?

The cheapest apartment in Thunderbird is Vintage Tower which is listed at $1,721, while the average apartment in Thunderbird costs $6,270.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Thunderbird?

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 regular apartments in Thunderbird 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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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.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.