Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose are East San Jose, South San Jose, and Garden Alameda. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Jose, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 4, 2025, the average rent in San Jose is $2,621, which is 1% higher 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.
East San Jose
Average Rent
$2,469/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
75 Rentals
East San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $2,469. Compare this to the city average of $2,621. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.4%. East San Jose provides easy access to Berryessa Station, Penitencia Creek County Park, and White Road Plaza. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 67.
South San Jose
Average Rent
$2,939/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
397 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, South San Jose might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,939, while the city’s average stands at $2,621. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.4%. South San Jose is near Downer Square, San Jose State University, and Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
Garden Alameda
Average Rent
$2,960/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
58 Rentals
Garden Alameda is a relaxed respite from the business of city streets and downtown excitement. This neighborhood is near Guadalupe River Park, providing a serene atmosphere for renters. Garden Alameda is just a mile west of downtown, making for a quick commute to work.
Buena Vista
Average Rent
$2,983/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
58 Rentals
Buena Vista is a residential area just two miles southwest of downtown San Jose. The neighborhood is minutes from several major institutions and amenities, such as City College, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and San Jose Mineta International Airport.
West Valley San Jose
Average Rent
$3,042/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
232 Rentals
West Valley San Jose is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Valley San Jose is $3,042 while the city average is $2,621. This is a 4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Orchard City Green, West Valley College, and Downtown Campbell Station. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.
Santa Teresa
Average Rent
$3,123/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
93 Rentals
Santa Teresa features affordable rental options minutes south of downtown. Bordered to the south by Coyote Valley, the neighborhood includes access to multiple parks, restaurants, and shopping centers, adding to the area's overall appeal.
Berryessa
Average Rent
$3,151/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9.5%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
97 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out Berryessa. The average rent is $3,151, compared to the city average of $2,621. Rent prices have increased by 9.5%. Berryessa is convenient to The Tech Museum of Innovation, Metro Oakland International, and Brokaw Commons. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.
Midtown San Jose
Average Rent
$3,181/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
339 Rentals
Midtown San Jose is right beside downtown, providing residents access to everything the city offers. Rentals range from studio apartments to single-family homes, and locals enjoy the mix of residential comfort with city conveniences. Commuting is made easy with bike lanes and available Amtrak stations for public transportation.
Downtown San Jose
Average Rent
$3,305/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
467 Rentals
Downtown San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $3,305. Compare this to the city average of $2,621. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Downtown San Jose provides easy access to Paseo De San Antonio Station Southbound, St. James Station Southbound, and San Jose City College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
Northside
Average Rent
$3,413/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
174 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, Northside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,413, while the city’s average stands at $2,621. In the last year, prices have decreased by 3.6%. Northside is near Japantown/Ayer Station, San Jose State University, and St. James Station Southbound.
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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.