Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of San Diego, CA from $1,600 (33 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the University City area of San Diego.

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La Jolla Canyon
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

La Jolla Canyon

9515 Genesee AveSan Diego, CA 92121
Showing Results 1-33, Page 1 of 1

University City, San Diego, CA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Canyon ParkStudioStudio,1BA$2,215
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,260
Torrey Pines VillagePlan A1BR,1BA$2,300
Village Square ApartmentsJunior One Bedroom Renovated1BR,1BA$2,363
La Jolla CanyonPinnacle1BR,1BA$2,365
Allina La Jolla1 Bed, 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,367
Veranda La Jolla1X11BR,1BA$2,391
La Jolla View1/1 R - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$2,395
Mirada at La Jolla Colony ApartmentsSeville (Renovated)1BR,1BA$2,412
La Jolla Nobel1 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
360 Luxury ApartmentsSkye with Loft2BR,1BA$3.36
Costa Verde VillageVentura3BR,2BA$3.46
ValentiaValentia Plan 2B2BR,2BA$3.15
Towers at Costa VerdeCatalina1BR,1BA$3.18
La RegenciaPinnacle1BR,1BA$3.07
Town Park VillasRosemarie2BR,1BA$3.07
La Jolla PaseoAvalon1BR,1BA$3.48
La Jolla View1/1 R - 700 sq/ft1BR,1BA$3.42
Torrey Pines VillagePlan A1BR,1BA$3.43
Pacific Gardens Genesee1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.48

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
University City, San Diego, CA

Ranked #24

Among neighborhoods in San Diego, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.