Cheap Apartments for Rent in the City Center Neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA from $935 (59 Rentals)

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

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The Ponderosa
$2,045

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,045

Total Monthly Price$2,045
1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Ponderosa

2232-2240 E Lenita LnSanta Ana, CA 92705
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • 3D Tour

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.

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Rafferty
Rent Specials
$2,340 - $10,007

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,340 - $10,007

Total Monthly PriceVaries
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Rafferty

401 N Main StSanta Ana, CA 92701
55+ Active Adult
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
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Park on First
Rent Specials
$2,460 - $5,810

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,460 - $5,810

Total Monthly PriceVaries
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park on First

100 S Zoo LnSanta Ana, CA 92701
Furnished
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
property at 1721 Normandy Pl
$2,650

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,650

Total Monthly Price$2,650
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Furnished

1721 Normandy Pl, Unit C

1721 Normandy Pl
Santa AnaCA92705
  • Smoke Free
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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

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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First Street
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

First Street

1440 E 1st StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • 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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Cypress Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Cypress Apartments

210 Cypress AveSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
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Saddleback Lodge
Studio Apartments

Saddleback Lodge

1649-1655 E 1st StSanta 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

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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Bush Court Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bush Court Apartments

1407 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
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Elk Lane Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Elk Lane Apartments

400 S Elk LnSanta 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
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Park Tower
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Tower

215 E 15th StSanta Ana, CA 92701
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The Courtyard
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Courtyard

1415 N Spurgeon StSanta Ana, CA 92701
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1413 N Spurgeon St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1413 N Spurgeon St

1413 N Spurgeon StSanta Ana, CA 92701

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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Park City View
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park City View

510 N Mortimer StSanta Ana, CA 92701
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Warwick Square
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Warwick Square

780 S Lyon StSanta Ana, CA 92705
  • Utilities Included
property at 450 E 4th St
$2,650

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,650

Total Monthly Price$2,650
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now

450 E 4th St, Unit 334

450 E 4th St
Santa AnaCA92701
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Market Lofts DTSA
1 Bedroom Apartments

Market Lofts DTSA

401 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included

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.

City Center, Santa Ana, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available City Center Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the City Center area of Santa Ana, CA is a Studio unit found at Metro East Senior Park 62+ priced from $1,560. Park Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,775. Here are the most affordable City Center apartments for rent in Santa Ana, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Metro East Senior Park 62+StudioStudio,1BA$1,560
Park TowerOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,775
1418 North French Street0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,850
Warwick SquareA1BR,1BA$1,904
Casa De Porter Apartments1bd/1ba - unit type1BR,1BA$1,950
The Imperial ApartmentsStudio AAStudio,1BA$1,995
The Ponderosa1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2,045
Village MeadowsPlan A1BR,1BA$2,050
888 on MainL1B1BR,1BA$2,130
Park Magnolia Apartment Homes1/1 UB1BR,1BA$2,150

Best Value Apartments for Rent in City Center, CA

As of September 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the City Center area is the $2.43 price per square foot 3BR/2.5BA Model at 1600-1610 Mabury Street in the in the City Center neighborhood starting from $3,595. The second greatest value City Center apartment is the 4 Bedroom Model at First Street starting at $2,746 with a $2.01 price per square foot in the City Center neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for City Center apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1600-1610 Mabury Street3BR/2.5BA3BR,2.5BA$2.43
First Street4 Bedroom4BR,2BA$2.01
Tustin Village Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.68
Emerald Terrace Apartments2 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Story2BR,2BA$2.73
601 S Main St, Unit 1601 S Main St2BR,1BA$2.56
Park Magnolia Apartment Homes1/1 UB1BR,1BA$2.99
105 Monterey Pines Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.00
The Ponderosa1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2.92
Warwick SquareA1BR,1BA$2.92
Casa De Porter Apartments1bd/1ba - unit type1BR,1BA$3.10

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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
City Center, Santa Ana, CA

Ranked #50

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap City Center Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in City Center?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in City Center is at Metro East Senior Park 62+ listed at $1,560.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom City Center Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom City Center Apartment is $1,662 at Metro East Senior Park 62+.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom City Center Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in City Center is starting from $1,977 at Metro East Senior Park 62+.

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

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.