Cheap Apartments for Rent in the City Center Neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA from $900 (53 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
The Ponderosa
$2,045 - $2,695
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,045 - $2,695

Total Monthly Price
$2,045 - $2,695
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Ponderosa

2232-2240 E Lenita LnSanta Ana, CA 92705
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Utilities Included
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
Rafferty
$2,295 - $9,309
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,295 - $9,309

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Rafferty

401 N Main StSanta Ana, CA 92701
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 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.

close
View Me
Park on First
$2,525 - $5,673
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,525 - $5,673

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Park on First

100 S Zoo LnSanta Ana, CA 92701
Furnished
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
property at 521 S Lyon St

$2,750

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,750

Total Monthly Price
$2,750

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

521 S Lyon St, Unit Saddleback Villas 35

521 S Lyon St
Santa AnaCA92701
close
View Me
Santa Ana Arts Collective
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Santa Ana Arts Collective

1666 N Main StSanta Ana, CA 92701
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
First Street
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

First Street

1440 E 1st StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
511 E Washington Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

511 E Washington Ave

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

Parc Square Apartments

1330 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • 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.

close
View Me
Cypress Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Cypress Apartments

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

Saddleback Lodge

1649-1655 E 1st StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Studio One Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Studio One Apartments

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

Bush Court Apartments

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

Elk Lane Apartments

400 S Elk LnSanta 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.

close
View Me
1905 N Bush St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1905 N Bush St

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

Garden Court Apartments

300 E Santa Ana BlvdSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Park Tower
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Tower

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

The Courtyard

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

1413 N Spurgeon St

1413 N Spurgeon StSanta Ana, CA 92701
close
View Me
Park City View
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park City View

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

Warwick Square

780 S Lyon StSanta Ana, CA 92705
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Market Lofts DTSA
1 Bedroom Apartments

Market Lofts DTSA

401 N Bush StSanta Ana, CA 92701
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Enrique Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Enrique Apartments

15660 Tustin Village WayTustin, CA 92780
  • 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 $1,100. Park City View has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,825. 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$1,100
Park City ViewStudioStudio,1BA$1,825
Warwick SquareA1BR,1BA$1,904
The Ponderosa1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$2,045
Village MeadowsPlan A1BR,1BA$2,050
First Street3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$2,051
Alders Apartment Company1 Bed W/ Shared Garage-Upstairs1BR,1BA$2,100
105 Monterey Pines Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,150
888 on MainL5Studio,1BA$2,184
Park Magnolia Apartment Homes1/1 UB1BR,1BA$2,200

Best Value Apartments for Rent in City Center, CA

As of July 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the City Center area is the $2.01 price per square foot 4 Bedroom Model at First Street in the in the City Center neighborhood starting from $2,746. The second greatest value City Center apartment is the 2 Bed / 2 Bath Model at Nineteen01 starting at $3,455 with a $3.18 price per square foot in the Santa Ana 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.
First Street4 Bedroom4BR,2BA$2.01
Nineteen012 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.18
Emerald Terrace Apartments2 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Story2BR,2BA$2.75
The Ponderosa2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$2.99
Park Magnolia Apartment Homes1/1 LP1BR,1BA$3.06
105 Monterey Pines Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.00
Alders Apartment Company1 Bed W/ Carport-Downstairs1BR,1BA$3.14
Village MeadowsPlan C1BR,1BA$3.10
Warwick SquareA1BR,1BA$2.92
Metro East Senior Park 62+StudioStudio ,1BA$2.73

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
City Center, Santa Ana, CA

Ranked #47

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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 $1,100.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom City Center Apartment is $1,250 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 $2,009 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

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

decorative image for Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention   article

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

decorative image for How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.