Your Quick Guide to the Most Affordable Neighbourhoods of San Diego

Wondering if living in San Diego would end up draining your wallet? Well, it has surely got the buzz of big cities and offers the lure of sunny beaches.

But hiding among the high price tags are some of the most affordable apartments in San Diego that offer true comfort, convenience, and affordability. Recent data reveals that the average rent for apartments in San Diego is $2,350 per month.

So, whether you're a student or a young professional, you’ll find places where you can live well without overspending.

Top 10 Affordable Neighborhoods in San Diego

Here’s a list of 10 cheap neighborhoods in San Diego with comfortable homes that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Note that the crime rates for each neighborhood is expressed in terms of the number of incidents of crime reported per 1000 residents.

1. Mira Mesa

Current Rental Estimate: $2,799/month

Crime Rate: 3.8 (per 1000 residents)

Mira Mesa is among the most affordable suburbs of San Diego, thanks to the diverse housing facilities available at much cheaper rates than in other areas. Even the public transport facilities in the region, like buses, shared bike rides, and cabs, are cost-effective and convenient.

Furthermore, the proximity to major attractions such as the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and Miramar Regional Park lets residents enjoy several outdoor activities. The area houses some of the top universities in San Diego, such as the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Point Loma Nazarene University, and San Diego State University, making it a great spot for student housing.

2. Midway District

Current Rental Estimate: $2,968/month

Crime Rate: 12.2

Next up, Midway District is a hotspot for industrial and commercial activity in San Diego. Highly sought-after among the cheap neighborhoods in San Diego, this area is a gateway that connects several parts of the city, facilitating easy connectivity to surrounding regions.

Midway District also houses several shopping centers, a well-known sports arena, and pockets of residential development. The proximity to leading universities such as San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and the United States University further enhances its convenience for students.

3. Balboa Park

Current Rental Estimate: $3,219/month

Crime Rate: 74.6

If you have a soft corner for culturally significant spots and lush green spaces, this neighborhood is an option you should definitely consider. There are as many as 17 museums in the region, in addition to lush gardens such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and a well-known zoo.

Additionally, Balboa Park offers efficient walkability, making it easy for residents to access essential amenities and lifestyle and entertainment hubs in San Diego. Educational institutions such as San Diego City College and the University of San Diego are located close to the area.

For more insights into what the city has to offer, check out this detailed city guide to San Diego.

4. Uptown San Diego

Current Rental Estimate: $3,003/month

Crime Rate: 18.97

This urban locale finds a place among the most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego and is known for its diverse communities. With several active commercial spaces, such as the University Town Center and those along Washington Street, the region exudes a distinct urban appeal.

Uptown San Diego is also known for its diverse historic architecture, including buildings in Spanish Eclectic, Queen Anne, and Victorian styles. What’s more, the region is widely chosen by students enrolling at institutions like San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

5. Hilcrest

Current Rental Estimate: $2,996/month

Crime Rate: 9.5

We move on to this booming neighborhood known for its inclusive environment, especially for communities like the LGBTQ+. Other significant features of this region include its diverse businesses, variety of housing facilities, and an active community life.

Several significant universities, like UCSD and San Diego State University, which witness huge enrollment numbers from across the world, are located close to this area. Moreover, the pedestrian-friendly avenues in this neighborhood make different amenities easily accessible to residents.

6. Point Loma Heights

Current Rental Estimate: $2,675/month

Crime Rate: 3.8

For those who prefer waking up to spectacular ocean views, the residential neighborhood of Point Loma Heights is a perfect choice. Regarded as one of the best affordable neighborhoods in San Diego, this region also offers proximity to key attractions such as the Sunset Cliffs, Liberty Station, and the Point Loma Naval Base.

The Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a college of liberal arts located in the region, which offers diverse graduate and undergraduate courses across fields such as education, science, and business. Apart from this, the other universities located near the locality include California State University, San Marcos, the University of San Diego, and San Diego State University.

7. East County

Current Rental Estimate: $2,388/month

Crime Rate: 20.57

Here’s another picturesque neighborhood that’s regarded as one of the most affordable San Diego suburbs. Known for its diverse landscape featuring mountains, rolling hills, canyons, and lakes, the region blends a distinct suburban living with natural beauty.

That said, despite being a suburban region, East County has a dense population, which is more common in urban areas. The communities in the region are a mix of rural, suburban, and semi-rural, which enhances the diversity of its population.

The educational institutions close to the East County region include San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, California State University, San Marcos, and Point Loma Nazarene University.

8. Scripps Ranch

Current Rental Estimate: $2,836/month

Crime Rate: 1.6

Located in the northeastern part of the county of San Diego, Scripps Ranch is one of the safest neighborhoods in San Diego. Moreover, its central location in the county of San Diego enhances its appeal for regular commuters.

Scripps Ranch is also known for its beautiful parks with playgrounds and hiking trails. What’s more, the Miramar Lake offers opportunities for recreational fishing and boating.

This region is also a popular choice among students as it’s located near Alliant International University, the University of San Diego, and John Paul the Great Catholic University.

9. East Village

Current Rental Estimate: $3,250/month

Crime Rate: 8.2

The largest downtown region of San Diego, East Village, offers a combination of a thriving artistic scene, a distinct urban vibe, and a range of dining options. Spanning as many as 130 blocks, the area houses several artistic lofts, converted warehouses, and galleries.

A major attraction of the area is Petco Park, the stadium of the San Diego Padres baseball team. It’s worth noting here that this stadium has served as a catalyst for the revitalization of the neighborhood.

10. South I-15 Corridor

Current Rental Estimate: $2,815/month

Crime Rate: 18.97

Our list ends with the suburban area located around the popular I-15 highway, a significant corridor for transportation and economic affairs. Its efficient connectivity to key commercial and educational centers of the county makes it ideal for working professionals and students alike.

The educational institutions located in proximity to the region include UCSD and USD, both of which are well-known for their research initiatives and academic curriculam. Furthermore, the I-15 corridor connects agricultural regions and ports of Southern California to significant cities such as Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

Safe & Reliable Off-Campus Student Housing in San Diego

San Diego’s laid-back charm meets serious student energy, making it one of the best places to study and live on the West Coast. From buzzing college neighborhoods near SDSU and UC San Diego to quiet, budget-friendly corners perfect for focusing, there’s a place here for every kind of student.

With amber, finding student housing in affordable neighborhoods in San Diego is easy. From cosy studios to shared apartments, our handpicked student housing in San Diego comes with zero stress and full support, right from shortlisting to signing the lease.

Here are some top student housing options in San Diego: