
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA from $1,200 (13 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Luis Obispo.


680 Chorro St

859 California Blvd

2091 Sierra Way

1745 Nipomo St

1368 Breck St
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.

817 Boysen Ave

805 Boysen Ave

1176 Seaward St

1025 Southwood Dr, Unit Southwood, Unit Southwood

2225 Exposition Dr

1314 Galleon Way
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.

1326 Galleon Way
San Luis Obispo, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in San Luis Obispo?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,109 | $2,400 | $4,000 |
| San Luis Obispo 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,407 | $3,300 | $5,350 |
| San Luis Obispo 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,407 | $5,000 | $9,200 |
| San Luis Obispo 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,565 | $6,000 | $10,000+ |
| San Luis Obispo 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,000 | $9,000 | $9,000 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in San Luis Obispo
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San Luis Obispo, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Luis Obispo, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/21/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3592 Broad | $4,200 | $1,900 | 9 |
| Valle Vista | $6,750 | $989 | 31 |
| Laguna Lake | $16,500 | $989 | 21 |
Cheapest Available San Luis Obispo Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Luis Obispo, CA is a Studio unit found at Wineman in the Valle Vista neighborhood priced from $1,250. Mustang I Townhome in the Valle Vista neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,380. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Luis Obispo apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wineman | Third Floor | Studio,1BA | $1,250 |
| Mustang I Townhome | 4x1 Flat | 4BR,1BA | $1,380 |
| Avila Apartments in Downtown SLO | Avila Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,975 |
| Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
| Vintage at SLO | The Napa | Studio,1BA | $2,395 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA
As of April 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Luis Obispo area is the $2.92 price per square foot 680 Morro St Model at 680 Morro St, Unit A in the in the Valle Vista neighborhood starting from $3,500. The second greatest value San Luis Obispo apartment is the 1BR/1.0BA Model at Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments starting at $2,200 with a $2.93 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 680 Morro St, Unit A | 680 Morro St | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.92 |
| Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.93 |
| Twin Creeks | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.96 |
| Vintage at SLO | The Napa | Studio ,1BA | $4.79 |
| 404 Patricia Dr, Unit Studio | 404 Patricia Dr | Studio ,1BA | $4.95 |
| Mustang I Townhome | Studio West Village Balcony Renovated | Studio ,1BA | $5.86 |
| Wineman | Second Floor | Studio ,1BA | $6.16 |
| The SLO Student Living Apartments | Private Single Room in a 6 Bed, 2 Bath Suite - ... | 1BR,1BA | $6.55 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
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
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Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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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.
Best Local Schools in San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo High
School data provided by Great Schools
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 San Luis Obispo
What type of rentals are currently available in San Luis Obispo?
There are currently 200 Apartments for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA with pricing that ranges from $989 to $16,500. There are also 88 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Luis Obispo ranging from $1,250 to $12,500.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in San Luis Obispo?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in San Luis Obispo ranges from $1,250 to $12,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,957.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in San Luis Obispo?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in San Luis Obispo range from $3,200 to $5,700, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,300 to $5,350. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,000 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,380.
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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.