Cheap Apartments for Rent in the City Center Neighborhood of Santa Ana, CA from $1,000 (23 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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511 E Washington Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

511 E Washington Ave

511 E Washington AveSanta Ana, CA 92701

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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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
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Studio One Apartments
Studio Apartments

Studio One Apartments

315 E Washington AveSanta 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.

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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
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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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The Courtyard
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Courtyard

1415 N Spurgeon StSanta Ana, CA 92701

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.

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 1 Bed unit found at Metro East Senior Park 62+ priced from $1,557. Park City View has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,950. Here are the most affordable City Center apartments for rent in Santa Ana, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Metro East Senior Park 62+1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,557
Park City ViewStudioStudio,1BA$1,950
Excelsior Apartments1 Bed / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,950
Village MeadowsPlan A1BR,1BA$2,000
HorizonStudioStudio,1BA$2,014

Best Value Apartments for Rent in City Center, CA

As of June 12, 2025 the best value apartment in the City Center area is the $2.91 price per square foot 3 Bed / 2.0 Bath Model at Nineteen01 in the in the Lemon Heights neighborhood starting from $4,399. The second greatest value City Center apartment is the 2 Bed / 2 Bath Model at Emerald Terrace Apartments starting at $2,850 with a $2.79 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.
Nineteen013 Bed / 2.0 Bath3BR,2BA$2.91
Emerald Terrace Apartments2 Bed / 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.79
Tustin Village Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.26
Excelsior Apartments1 Bed / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.60
The Aspens FairhavenAlpine1BR,1BA$3.16
Las Fuentes1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.88
Park Magnolia Apartment Homes1/1 UB1BR,1BA$2.92
105 Monterey Pines Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.86
Alders Apartment Company1 Bed W/ Carport-Downstairs & Big Backyard1BR,1BA$3.21
Village MeadowsPlan C1BR,1BA$3.03

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 #54

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 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 $1,587.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom City Center Apartment is $1,557 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

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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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.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Written by: Sandy Baker

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.