Top 7 Cheapest neighborhoods in San Diego with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,825 
• Median property buying cost: $688,800

Our top pick for the cheapest neighborhoods to live in San Diego is El Cajon, a centrally located neighborhood with a short commute to beaches like Solana Beach or Playa del Rosarito, hiking trails, and downtown San Diego. El Cajon offers its residents a handful of community amenities like the local churches, parks like Wells Park and multiple museums for a weekend activity. 

Locals appreciate the selection of schools El Cajon offers, ranging from public to private to charter schools, making sure every family has options to choose from. Every year, residents get to relax and enjoy the annual Mother Goose Parade with festive floats and marching bands.

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $688,800 while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,825 as of August 2023. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,925
• Median property buying cost: $555,000

El Cerrito is a great choice as it has easy access to the BART station (Bay Area Rapid Transit) through El Cerrito del Norte, which is considerable for getting around for concerts, restaurants and night-life. 

For outdoor enthusiasts and family friendly activities, El Cerrito has several parks and green spaces for its residents to enjoy like the Kensington Park or Arlington Park. These parks also have access to hiking paths and sports fields. 

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,925 and the median cost of buying a property is $555,000 as of July 2023. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $1,800
• Median property buying cost: $710,000

Spring Valley is a suburb located in the East County of San Diego. The neighborhood provides a combination of community and tranquility. Throughout the year, Spring Valley provides its residents with local events and festivals like the Spring Valley Tailgate and Barbecue Festival and the annual Spring Valley Lemon Festival. 

Locals like the Spring Valley Beach and the Spring Valley County park, which promote outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities.

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $710,000, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,800 as of August 2023, making it one of the cheapest neighborhoods to live in San Diego. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,100
• Median property buying cost: $851,908

San Ysidro’s proximity to major highways like the 905, 805 and 5 makes it an ideal place for both work and entertainment. If you don’t drive, no need to worry, the San Diego Trolley connects to San Ysidro. For only $2.50 you can make your way to downtown San Diego from San Ysidro!

Locals commend San Ysidro’s proximity to nearby schools for elementary, middle and high school students. The neighborhood is also extremely close to the US-Mexico border.

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,100 and the median cost of buying a property is $851,908, as of July 2023. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,535
• Median property buying cost: $760,265

Hence, its name, Oceanside borders the Pacific Ocean, including its access to the Oceanside Harbor Beach. Due to its sense of community, Oceanside is known for having a small town feel while also being close to San Diego and Los Angeles. 

The area has green space like Heritage Park & Museum promoting an environmentally friendly ambiance as well as access to surrounding beaches, attributing to the Southern California surf culture. 

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $760,265, while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,535 as of August 2023, making it one of the cheapest neighborhoods to live in San Diego. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,792.5
• Median property buying cost: $730,872

Chula Vista is the second-largest city in San Diego, located near the San Diego Bay. One of its major advantages is its proximity to the US-Mexico border, making it great for anyone who loves to travel. 

Residents love the access to 92.75 miles of trails and Chula Vista’s 65 parks. Locals and newcomers can check out the neighborhood’s official page for upcoming meetings and events to take part in the community. 

As of August 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,792.5 and the median cost of buying a property is $730,872, as of July 2023. 

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)

• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,400
• Median property buying cost: $990,000

Clairemont Mesa is a central neighborhood close to San Diego and a 19-minute drive to the San Diego International Airport. The neighborhood offers its residents easy access to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, although many locals prefer to use their bike to get around.

Clairemont Mesa is also known for its hiking trails like Rose Creek Trail, Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and La Jolla Trail. The area has many restaurants with Asian cuisine, along with bars and cafés. 

As of July 2023, the median cost of buying a property is $990,000 while the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $3,400 as of August 2023.

Rocket Homes (July 2023) & Zillow (August 2023)