Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central City Neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA from $900 (73 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Central City area of Santa Ana.

property at 1321 N Durant St

$1,150

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,150

Total Monthly Price
$1,150

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

1321 N Durant St

Santa AnaCA92706

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 1021 W Bishop St

$1,950

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,950

Total Monthly Price
$1,950

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1021 W Bishop St

Santa AnaCA92703
property at 517 Sunset St

$2,100 - $3,900

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,100 - $3,900

Total Monthly Price
$2,100 - $3,900

1 To 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent

Available Now

517 Sunset St

Santa AnaCA92703
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Arte West
$2,254 - $2,608
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,254 - $2,608

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available May 29

Arte West

3630 Westminster AveSanta Ana, CA 92703
Pet Friendly
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  • Customer Reviewed
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Fairview Green
$2,290 - $3,390
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,290 - $3,390

Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Fairview Green

2613 S Fairview Sreet StSanta Ana, CA 92704
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  • 3D Tour

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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Rafferty
Rent Specials
$2,340 - $7,887
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,340 - $7,887

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Rafferty

401 N Main StSanta Ana, CA 92701
55+ Active Adult
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317 S Flower St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

317 S Flower St

317 S Flower StSanta Ana, CA 92703
  • Utilities Included
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La Placita Cinco
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

La Placita Cinco

2239 W 5th StSanta Ana, CA 92703
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Santa Ana Arts Collective
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Ana Arts Collective

1666 N Main StSanta Ana, CA 92701
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

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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Villa Sonata Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Sonata Apartments

1601 Civic Center Dr WSanta Ana, CA 92703
  • Utilities Included
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1401 W. Walnut St.
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1401 W. Walnut St.

1401 W Walnut StSanta Ana, CA 92703
  • Utilities Included
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511 E Washington Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

511 E Washington Ave

511 E Washington AveSanta Ana, CA 92701
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Parc Square Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Parc Square Apartments

1330 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
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Wilshire Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Wilshire Apartments

1201-1233 E Wilshire AveSanta Ana, CA 92707
  • Utilities Included
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Walnut Street Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Walnut Street Apartments

1622-1658 W Walnut StSanta Ana, CA 92703
  • Utilities Included
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Durant Court
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Durant Court

1507 N Durant StSanta Ana, CA 92706
  • 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.

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Highland Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Highland Apartments

1116-1120 Highland StSanta Ana, CA 92703
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Cypress Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Cypress Apartments

210 Cypress AveSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
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Studio One Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Studio One Apartments

315 E Washington AveSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
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Bush Court Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bush Court Apartments

1407 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
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1905 N Bush St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1905 N Bush St

1905 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92706
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Garden Court Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Garden Court Apartments

300 E Santa Ana BlvdSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included

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.

Central City, Santa Ana, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Central City Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Central City area of Santa Ana, CA is a Studio unit found at Santiago Villas Senior Apartments priced from $1,499. Park Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,775. Here are the most affordable Central City apartments for rent in Santa Ana, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Santiago Villas Senior ApartmentsStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$1,499
Park TowerOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,775
Minnie Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1,800
Borchard Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,800
710 W. Washington Ave.Studio - 710 W Washington AveStudio,1BA$1,900
The Imperial ApartmentsStudio AAStudio,1BA$1,950
Park Downtown Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,015
Flower TerraceOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,044
Washington Terrace Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Plan D1BR,1BA$2,050
Villa Del Sur Apartment Homes11B1BR,1BA$2,095

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central City, CA

As of May 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central City area is the $3.05 price per square foot Large 2 Bed 1 Bath Model at Fairview Green in the in the South Harbor neighborhood starting from $2,824. The second greatest value Central City apartment is the 2Bed, 2Ba Model at The Regent starting at $2,395 with a $2.74 price per square foot in the Bristol neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central City apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Fairview GreenLarge 2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.05
The Regent2Bed, 2Ba2BR,2BA$2.74
Harbor Pointe ApartmentsPlan 32BR,2BA$2.96
Park City ViewTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.05
850 N. Van Ness Ave.2BD x 1 BA2BR,1BA$3.17
BROADWAY PLAZA2 Bedroom, 1 1/4 Bath (C)2BR,1BA$3.20
Pacific Woods Apartment Homes1 Bed 1 Bath D Location1BR,1BA$3.12
Borchard Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2.57
Minnie Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.77
Park Downtown Apartments1x11BR,1BA$3.23

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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Central City, Santa Ana, CA

Ranked #46

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central City Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Central City?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Central City is under $2,095.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Central City?

The cheapest apartment in Central City is Park Tower which is listed at $1,775, while the average apartment in Central City costs $3,385.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Central City?

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 12 regular apartments in Central City that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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 A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.