Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Diego are Teralta East, Alhambra Park, and Egger Highlands. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Diego, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 27, 2025, the average rent in San Diego is $2,372, which is 0.8% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Teralta East
Average Rent
$1,800/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Teralta East is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Teralta East is $1,800 while the city average is $2,372. This is a 1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Sdsu Transit Center, Balboa Park, and City Heights Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
Alhambra Park
Average Rent
$1,866/Month
TransitScore® Rating
48/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Diego neighborhood on a budget, check out Alhambra Park. The average rent is $1,866, compared to the city average of $2,372. Alhambra Park is convenient to Grantville, San Diego Natural History Museum, and Sdsu Transit Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 82.
Egger Highlands
Average Rent
$1,879/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
46/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Egger Highlands is an affordable neighborhood in San Diego with an average rent price of $1,879. Compare this to the city average of $2,372. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.1%. Egger Highlands provides easy access to Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego City College, and Southwestern Coll, Chula Vista. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 76.
Colina Del Sol
Average Rent
$1,881/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Diego, Colina Del Sol might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,881, while the city’s average stands at $2,372. In the last year, prices have increased by 2%. Colina Del Sol is near San Diego International, Metro Center, and San Diego City College.
Collwood Park
Average Rent
$1,932/Month
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Collwood Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Collwood Park is $1,932 while the city average is $2,372. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC San Diego, Medical Center, Grantville, and Grossmont College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
Grant Hill
Average Rent
$1,974/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
56/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Diego neighborhood on a budget, check out Grant Hill. The average rent is $1,974, compared to the city average of $2,372. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Grant Hill is convenient to Crosby Square, San Diego International, and San Diego Natural History Museum. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Bay Terraces
Average Rent
$1,997/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
Bay Terraces is an affordable neighborhood in San Diego with an average rent price of $1,997. Compare this to the city average of $2,372. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Bay Terraces provides easy access to Mi Familia Shopping Center, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and Lamar County Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 56.
San Ysidro South
Average Rent
$1,999/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Diego, San Ysidro South might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,999, while the city’s average stands at $2,372. San Ysidro South is near Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, San Diego International, and Border Field State Park.
El Cerrito
Average Rent
$2,000/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
El Cerrito is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in El Cerrito is $2,000 while the city average is $2,372. This is a 1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Diego International, Sweetwater Lane County Park, and The Art Inst., San Diego. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 81.
Paradise Hills
Average Rent
$2,023/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Diego neighborhood on a budget, check out Paradise Hills. The average rent is $2,023, compared to the city average of $2,372. Rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. Paradise Hills is convenient to Sweetwater Regional Park, Reo Plaza, and Plaza Village Center. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 60.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.