Cheap Homes for Rent in San Luis Obispo, CA from $1,200 (13 Rentals)

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

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.

property at 1314 Galleon Way

$2,700

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,700

Total Monthly Price
$2,700

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

1314 Galleon Way

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.

property at 1326 Galleon Way

$2,700

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,700

Total Monthly Price
$2,700

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

1326 Galleon Way

San Luis ObispoCA93405

San Luis Obispo, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Luis Obispo, CA

Pricing Updated: 04/21/2026

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$4,200$1,9009
Valle Vista$6,750$98931
Laguna Lake$16,500$98921

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
WinemanThird FloorStudio,1BA$1,250
Mustang I Townhome4x1 Flat4BR,1BA$1,380
Avila Apartments in Downtown SLOAvila StudioStudio,1BA$1,975
Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,200
Vintage at SLOThe NapaStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
680 Morro St, Unit A680 Morro St2BR,1.5BA$2.92
Irish Hills Hamlet Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.93
Twin Creeks1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.96
Vintage at SLOThe NapaStudio ,1BA$4.79
404 Patricia Dr, Unit Studio404 Patricia DrStudio ,1BA$4.95
Mustang I TownhomeStudio West Village Balcony RenovatedStudio ,1BA$5.86
WinemanSecond FloorStudio ,1BA$6.16
The SLO Student Living ApartmentsPrivate 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.

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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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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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

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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

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.