Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central City Neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA from $900 (26 Rentals)

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

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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 3 Bedroom Apartments

La Placita Cinco

2239 W 5th StSanta Ana, CA 92703

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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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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Wilshire Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Wilshire Apartments

1201-1233 E Wilshire AveSanta Ana, CA 92707
  • 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.

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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
1 Bedroom Apartments

Durant Court

1507 N Durant StSanta Ana, CA 92706
  • Utilities Included
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1214 W Brook St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1214 W Brook St

1214 W Brook StSanta Ana, CA 92703
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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

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Civic Plaza Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Civic Plaza Apartments

1136 Civic Center DrSanta Ana, CA 92703
  • Utilities Included
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Studio One Apartments
Studio 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

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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1905 N Bush St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1905 N Bush St

1905 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92706

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 Park City View priced from $1,950. The Imperial Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,950. Here are the most affordable Central City apartments for rent in Santa Ana, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Park City ViewStudioStudio,1BA$1,950
The Imperial ApartmentsStudio Style AStudio,1BA$1,950
The Regent1 Bed, 1 Ba1BR,1BA$2,000
Park Downtown Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,015
888 on MainS5Studio,1BA$2,127
Vintage Woods ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$2,135
Harbor Pointe ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$2,170
Villa Del Sol Apartments11B1BR,1BA$2,185
Villa Del Sur Apartment Homes11B1BR,1BA$2,195
Park TowerOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,195

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central City, CA

As of June 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Central City area is the $2.14 price per square foot 213 W Washington Ave Model at 213 W Washington Ave, Unit 213 W Washington Ave in the in the Downtown Historic District neighborhood starting from $2,550. The second greatest value Central City apartment is the 2x1 Downstairs Model at Garden View Apartments starting at $2,595 with a $2.79 price per square foot in the Central City 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.
213 W Washington Ave, Unit 213 W Washington Ave213 W Washington Ave2BR,1BA$2.14
Garden View Apartments2x1 Downstairs2BR,1BA$2.79
Fairview GreenMedium 2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.16
San TropezThe Biscay1BR,1BA$2.64
Harbor Pointe ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$3.18
Artists Village Apartments11C1BR,1BA$3.34
Vintage Woods ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$3.23
The Regent1 Bed, 1 Ba1BR,1BA$3.08
Washington Terrace Apartments1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Plan C1BR,1BA$3.00
Park Downtown Apartments1x11BR,1BA$3.23

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 neighborhoods in Santa Ana, CA 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 $2,195.

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

The cheapest apartment in Central City is The Regent which is listed at $2,000, while the average apartment in Central City costs $3,936.

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 10 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

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.