
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (33 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the University City area of San Diego.


Pacific Gardens Genesee

Casa Aldea at University City Village

Torrey Pines Village

Veranda La Jolla

Allina La Jolla

Costa Verde Village

La Jolla Park East

La Jolla Blue Apartments

Nobel Court

La Jolla Crossroads Apartments

The Villas of Renaissance

Elan Terraza La Jolla

Town Park Villas

La Jolla Terrace

Whispering Pines

8889 Caminito Plaza Centro, Unit 7342

La Regencia

Furnished Studio-San Diego - Sorrento Mesa

Westwood Apartment Homes

Avalon La Jolla Colony

La Jolla Palms Apartment Homes

Avia La Jolla

Towers at Costa Verde

Village Square Apartments

Solazzo Apartments Homes
University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in University City?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
University City Studio Apartments | $3,536 | $2,215 | $8,479 |
University City 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,097 | $2,260 | $8,069 |
University City 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,239 | $2,430 | $10,000+ |
University City 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,837 | $3,950 | $9,490 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 33 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA.
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University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available University City Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the University City area of San Diego, CA is a Studio unit found at Canyon Park priced from $2,215. Pacific Gardens Genesee has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,260. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in San Diego, CA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Canyon Park | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,215 |
Pacific Gardens Genesee | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,260 |
Torrey Pines Village | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $2,300 |
Village Square Apartments | Junior One Bedroom Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $2,363 |
La Jolla Canyon | Pinnacle | 1BR,1BA | $2,365 |
Allina La Jolla | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,367 |
Veranda La Jolla | 1X1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,391 |
La Jolla View | 1/1 R - 700 sq/ft | 1BR,1BA | $2,395 |
Mirada at La Jolla Colony Apartments | Seville (Renovated) | 1BR,1BA | $2,412 |
La Jolla Nobel | 1 Bed 1 Bath A (4149) | 1BR,1BA | $2,498 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, CA
As of March 27, 2025 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $3.36 price per square foot Skye with Loft Model at 360 Luxury Apartments in the in the University City neighborhood starting from $4,270. The second greatest value University City apartment is the Ventura Model at Costa Verde Village starting at $4,390 with a $3.46 price per square foot in the University City neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for University City apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
360 Luxury Apartments | Skye with Loft | 2BR,1BA | $3.36 |
Costa Verde Village | Ventura | 3BR,2BA | $3.46 |
Valentia | Valentia Plan 2B | 2BR,2BA | $3.15 |
Towers at Costa Verde | Catalina | 1BR,1BA | $3.18 |
La Regencia | Pinnacle | 1BR,1BA | $3.07 |
Town Park Villas | Rosemarie | 2BR,1BA | $3.07 |
La Jolla Paseo | Avalon | 1BR,1BA | $3.48 |
La Jolla View | 1/1 R - 700 sq/ft | 1BR,1BA | $3.42 |
Torrey Pines Village | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $3.43 |
Pacific Gardens Genesee | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.48 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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Pet Friendly LifestyleUniversity City, San Diego, CA
Ranked #24
Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in University City, San Diego, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Best Local Schools in University City, San Diego, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com is proud to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of rentals in areas across the United States including University City, San Diego, and the greater San Diego area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, places that make kids happy, proximity to transit, and how walkable or bikeable each community and area is. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Getting Around the University City Neighborhood in San Diego, CA
Walk Score®
52 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
62 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
47 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap University City Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in University City?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in University City is under $2,498.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in University City?
The cheapest apartment in University City is Pacific Gardens Genesee which is listed at $2,260, while the average apartment in University City costs $4,641.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in University City?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 25 regular apartments in University City that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in University City?
Cheap apartments in University City have an average cost of $451 which is $4,190 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in University City.
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.

Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money
Written by: Amber Kanuckel
With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting
Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD
While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.