Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA from $899 (43 Rentals)

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

property at 969 Pismo St
$1,455 - $1,650
Studio Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

969 Pismo St

San Luis ObispoCA93401
property at 3051 Augusta St
$1,500 - $2,200

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,500 - $2,200

Total Monthly Price$1,500 - $2,200
1 To 2 Bedroom Townhomes for Rent
Available Now
Furnished

3051 Augusta St

San Luis ObispoCA93401

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

property at 1109 Pismo St
$2,200 - $4,000
2 To 4 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

1109 Pismo St

San Luis ObispoCA93401

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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392 Santa Maria Ave, Unit A
$2,375

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,375

Total Monthly Price$2,375
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

392 Santa Maria Ave, Unit A

392 Santa Maria AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Affordability
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Sheri Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sheri Apartments

721 Johnson AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
  • Utilities Included

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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Fairview Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Fairview Apartments

1630 Fairview StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
  • Utilities Included
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555 Westmont
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

555 Westmont

555 Westmont AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Student Housing
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University Chorro Commons
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

University Chorro Commons

263 N ChorroSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Roundhouse Place
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Roundhouse Place

2220-2224 Emily StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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Harvest Lofts
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Harvest Lofts

845 Madonna RdSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405
  • Utilities Included

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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1290 Murray Avenue
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1290 Murray Avenue

1290 Murray AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Student Housing
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1249 Palm St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1249 Palm St

1249 Palm StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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2038 Chorro St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2038 Chorro St

2038 Chorro StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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742 Boysen Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

742 Boysen Ave

742 Boysen AveSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405

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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421 Dana St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

421 Dana St

421 Dana StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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2800 Broad St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2800 Broad St

2800 Broad StSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401
  • Utilities Included

San Luis Obispo, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Luis Obispo, CA

Pricing Updated: 09/07/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Luis Obispo, CA area range in price from $899 to $5,400 with an overall median price of $2,722. Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Luis Obispo Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Valle Vista$2,672$89943
Laguna Lake$2,750$1,09933
3592 Broad$3,320$2,0002

Cheapest Available San Luis Obispo Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Luis Obispo, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments in the San Luis Obispo neighborhood priced from $2,050. Mustang I Townhome in the San Luis Obispo neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,102. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Luis Obispo apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,050
Mustang I TownhomeStudio Creekside RenovatedStudio,1BA$2,102
0053 2935 Augusta #1-82935 Augusta Street2BR,1BA$2,200
College Gardens ApartmentsCollege Gardens Apartments - Two bed apartment ...2BR,1BA$2,300
2038 Chorro St2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2,300
de Tolosa Ranch Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,425
The Junction (2120 Santa Barbara Ave)SawtoothStudio,1BA$2,625

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA

As of September 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Luis Obispo area is the $2.93 price per square foot 3BR/3.0BA Model at Twin Creeks in the in the San Luis Obispo neighborhood starting from $3,850. The second greatest value San Luis Obispo apartment is the 680 Morro St Model at 680 Morro St, Unit B starting at $3,500 with a $2.92 price per square foot in the San Luis Obispo 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.
Twin Creeks3BR/3.0BA3BR,3BA$2.93
680 Morro St, Unit B680 Morro St2BR,1.5BA$2.92
Palomar at SLO4BR/2BA - Foothill4BR,2BA$1.47
Chorro at SLO4BR/2BA - Morro4BR,2BA$1.58
1271 Murray Ave, Unit #B1271 Murray Ave2BR,2BA$2.80
607 Grand Apartments607 Grand Apts. - CalPoly Grand Ave. Entrance2BR,1BA$2.69
Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.82
de Tolosa Ranch Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.21
645 Palm St, Unit 1645 Palm St2BR,1BA$3.33
392 Santa Maria Ave, Unit A392 Santa Maria Ave1BR,1BA$5.28

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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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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Luis Obispo Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in San Luis Obispo?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Luis Obispo is under $2,625.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Luis Obispo?

The cheapest apartment in San Luis Obispo is Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments which is listed at $2,050, while the average apartment in San Luis Obispo costs $2,722.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Luis Obispo?

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 15 regular apartments in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo?

Cheap apartments in San Luis Obispo have an average cost of $817 which is $1,905 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Luis Obispo.

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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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

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Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

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Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

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Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

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Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

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First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

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Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.