A Local Real Estate Expert’s Guide To Top Neighborhoods to Rent for Students in San Diego

Aloha! I’m Hayden, your local San Diego Realtor and relocation expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com. If you’ve ever searched for a San Diego apartment in an affordable neighborhood in this stunning coastal city I call home, you know that the options can feel scarce. San Diego is known for its pristine beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and year-round sunshine, but the cost of living can be steep for most. However, if you’re set on making San Diego your home too, finding the right neighborhood doesn't have to break the bank. I’ve curated this guide to highlight the top 10 most affordable neighborhoods in San Diego, drawing from my personal experiences living here for the past decade.

1. Barrio Logan

Barrio Logan is a unique blend of old-school San Diego charm and a rapidly evolving metro arts scene. The neighborhood is close-knit, and you’ll often hear locals chatting about the best taco trucks in town (like Taco Picasso, a personal favorite) or discussing upcoming art events. Barrio Logan is home to Chicano Park, which boasts some of the most eye-catching murals you’ll find anywhere in the city. It’s a cultural hub with a rich history that residents are passionate about preserving.

As for proximity, you’re just 10 minutes from downtown San Diego, making it easy to enjoy downtown’s offerings while still benefiting from more affordable housing options. The community is diverse, with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. Housing options here range from classic Spanish-style cottages to modern apartment buildings. Public transportation is convenient, with trolley and bus routes connecting you to the rest of the city.

2. Logan Heights

Logan Heights, another affordable option in San Diego, offers an authentic neighborhood feel with strong community ties. It's close to Barrio Logan, but with its own unique vibe. There’s a mix of historic homes and newer apartments, and most buildings are older, adding to the neighborhood's nostalgic charm. Don’t sleep on Ciccia Osteria for some delicious Italian food while you’re here.

Living in Logan Heights makes getting to Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center a breeze, both of which are just 10 minutes away. Residents are a mixture of long-time locals and newcomers looking for affordable options. You’ll also find schools like Logan Heights Elementary, which is highly regarded for its community involvement.

3. City Heights

One of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in San Diego, City Heights is an affordable choice if you’re looking for culture and affordability. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this area with first-time home buyers, and there’s something new to discover. From delicious international cuisine on every corner to the local farmers market, City Heights never lacks character.

City Heights is home to several public parks, like 6-acre Teralta Park, which offers an enormous green space for families and a great dog park for your furry friends to play too. The neighborhood is well-connected to public transportation, including bus routes that go directly into downtown San Diego, making commuting straightforward. The community is eclectic, with a mix of young families, students, and longtime residents, giving the area a welcoming, small-town feel despite its closeness to the city center.

4. Olivenhain

Olivenhain is a peaceful, rural neighborhood located in the heart of North County San Diego’s more populous Encinitas. If you’re someone who enjoys the feel of wide-open spaces while still being close to coastal amenities, Olivenhain is an excellent choice. I’ve always found it to have a special charm with spacious homes and large lots, offering privacy and a sense of seclusion. The neighborhood has a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for families, professionals, or retirees looking for a slower pace of life.

Olivenhain is conveniently located near Encinitas and Carlsbad, offering great public schools, parks, and entertainment options. Development has exploded in the area, so you’re never too far from Target or Starbucks.

5. Southeast San Diego

Southeast San Diego is a place where you get a true sense of local life. A great option with a rich cultural history and more affordable housing. From my experience, people here are incredibly friendly and proud of their neighborhood, staying put generation after generation. You’ll find a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, making it a community with a variety of interests.

With quick access to major freeways like I-805 and I-94, getting to downtown San Diego or other parts of the city is fairly easy. It also has many parks to enjoy, like Chollas Lake Park, which has some amazing trails.

6. Marina District

Marina is one of San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods, offering a waterfront lifestyle with easy access to downtown. The area features upscale condos and apartment buildings, many of which offer stunning views of the bay and Coronado Island. Within walking distance to Gaslamp Quarter, you’re close to the action but not smack in it.

With scenic views and only 5 minutes to the airport, this neighborhood is a magnet for professionals and retirees alike.

7. Balboa Park

Balboa Park isn’t just a San Diego icon—it’s also one of the most affordable places to live near one of the city’s major landmarks. The park itself is enormous, filled with gardens, museums, and even award-winning dining options.

The surrounding neighborhood features older apartment buildings with a lot of character, and there’s a range of condos and small single-family cottages to choose from. Balboa Park is also ideal for families, with highly-rated schools like Roosevelt Middle School nearby.

8. Burlingame

Burlingame is a peaceful residential neighborhood just north of Downtown San Diego, offering both affordability and a quiet, suburban feel. The tree-lined streets and proximity to both Balboa Park and the San Diego International Airport make it an attractive option for anyone who likes to be close to it all. I personally love how walk-able this area is—everything from local coffee shops to Balboa Park is just a short stroll away.

The neighborhood features mostly older homes, with some apartment buildings mixed in. Housing prices here tend to be more affordable than in neighboring districts like Mission Hills or Hillcrest.

9. Downtown San Diego

It may surprise you to find downtown on an affordable list, but the truth is, certain parts of Downtown San Diego offer great value for the price. I’ve spent many evenings in this area, enjoying the lively atmosphere while living only a stone’s throw away from the nightlife.

Catch a Padres game at Petco Park or grab dinner in Little Italy, living downtown offers access to so much. Housing options here are a mix of historic lofts and newer apartment complexes, offering great variety depending on your needs.

10. Harborview

Harborview is a quiet neighborhood located just north of Marina, offering affordable options that are perfect for renters who need easy access to both the bay and the city. The area is mostly residential, with a mix of small apartment buildings and older homes.

Only 5 minutes from the airport, and the beautiful waterfront just a short walk away, I love exploring this area on foot. Harborview Park, overlooking the bay, is a focal point where residents often go to relax and take in the San Diego vista.