Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA from $800 (14 Rentals)

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

property at 1230 Murray Ave

$1,600

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

1230 Murray Ave

San Luis ObispoCA93405

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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Sheri Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sheri Apartments

721 Johnson AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
  • Utilities Included
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Fairview Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Fairview Apartments

1630 Fairview StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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College Gardens
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

College Gardens

284 N Chorro StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Student Housing
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Garfield Arms Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Garfield Arms Apartments

738 Grand AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
  • Utilities Included

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.

San Luis Obispo, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Luis Obispo, CA

Pricing Updated: 12/18/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Luis Obispo, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Luis Obispo Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
3592 Broad$4,300$1,90010
Laguna Lake$13,000$1,25023
Valle Vista$13,000$1,25019

Cheapest Available San Luis Obispo Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Luis Obispo, CA is a Studio unit found at Avila Apartments in Downtown SLO in the Valle Vista neighborhood priced from $875. Peach Street in the Valle Vista neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,850. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Luis Obispo apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Avila Apartments in Downtown SLOAvila StudioStudio,1BA$875
Peach StreetSTUDIOStudio,1BA$1,850
Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,050
Harvest LoftsStudioStudio,1BA$2,050
Vintage at SLOThe NapaStudio,1BA$2,420

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA

As of December 18, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Luis Obispo area is the $2.04 price per square foot 3217 Johnson Ave Model at 3217 Johnson Ave, Unit #24 in the in the 3592 Broad neighborhood starting from $2,650. The second greatest value San Luis Obispo apartment is the 1BR/1.0BA Model at Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments starting at $2,050 with a $2.73 price per square foot in the Laguna Lake neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Luis Obispo apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
3217 Johnson Ave, Unit #243217 Johnson Ave3BR,1.5BA$2.04
Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.73
170 Casa St, Unit Apt. A170 Casa St2BR,1BA$2.67
The Junction1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.75
Twin Creeks Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.96
Vintage at SLOThe NapaStudio ,1BA$4.84
Artisan ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$5.61
Harvest LoftsPlan A1BR,1BA$5.86
Peach StreetSTUDIOStudio ,1BA$4.28
The SLO Student Living ApartmentsPrivate Room Next to Cal Poly1BR,1BA$6.55

Don'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.

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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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San Luis Obispo Overview

A college town that lies midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is the perfect place to settle down. With its temperate climate, natural spaces and wine-country charm, the city pairs cultural enrichment with all-out fun. Plenty of options in great San Luis Obispo apartments make settling here easy.

Why live in San Luis Obispo, CA?

" San Luis Obispo is a special place to live, and the recognition the town receives confirms it. It is regularly listed among the most romantic towns in the United States. In addition, it is considered one of the best college cities and one of the best places to visit. It is also named as one of the healthiest and friendliest towns. San Luis Obispo residents always have something to do and a beautiful, organic environment in which to do it. They can visit nearby wineries, hike or bike through beautiful, unspoiled spaces, relax on an uncrowded beach or visit a local art center or museum. "

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

Explore San Luis Obispo, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around San Luis Obispo, CA

Walk Score®

67 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

77 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

27 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Luis Obispo Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Luis Obispo?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Luis Obispo is at Avila Apartments in Downtown SLO listed at $875.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Luis Obispo Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Luis Obispo Apartment is $1,975 at Avila Apartments in Downtown SLO.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Luis Obispo Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Luis Obispo is starting from $2,400 at Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments.

What is the most affordable San Luis Obispo Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap San Luis Obispo Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments and starts from $3,300.

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

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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.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.