Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose are East San Jose, South San Jose, and Garden Alameda. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Jose, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 16, 2025, the average rent in San Jose is $2,602, which is 1.9% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

East San Jose

Average Rent

$2,509/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.6%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

82 Rentals

East San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $2,509. Compare this to the city average of $2,602. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.6%. East San Jose provides easy access to San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, and White Road Plaza. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 67.

South San Jose

Average Rent

$2,891/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

436 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, South San Jose might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,891, while the city’s average stands at $2,602. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. South San Jose is near Hellyer County Park, Almaden Lake Park, and Snell Station.

Garden Alameda

Average Rent

$2,956/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.1%

TransitScore® Rating

61/100

Units Available

87 Rentals

Garden Alameda is a relaxed respite from the business of city streets and downtown excitement. This neighborhood is near Guadalupe River Park, providing a serene atmosphere for renters. Garden Alameda is just a mile west of downtown, making for a quick commute to work.

Santa Teresa

Average Rent

$3,021/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

TransitScore® Rating

34/100

Units Available

95 Rentals

Santa Teresa features affordable rental options minutes south of downtown. Bordered to the south by Coyote Valley, the neighborhood includes access to multiple parks, restaurants, and shopping centers, adding to the area's overall appeal.

West Valley San Jose

Average Rent

$3,051/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

265 Rentals

West Valley San Jose is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Valley San Jose is $3,051 while the city average is $2,602. This is a 0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Clara University, Downtown Campbell Station, and Fruitdale Station. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.

Berryessa

Average Rent

$3,081/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

12.4%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

83 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out Berryessa. The average rent is $3,081, compared to the city average of $2,602. Rent prices have increased by 12.4%. Berryessa is convenient to San Jose City College, Sprouts @ Brokaw, and Hostetter Station. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.

Midtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,164/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

384 Rentals

Midtown San Jose is right beside downtown, providing residents access to everything the city offers. Rentals range from studio apartments to single-family homes, and locals enjoy the mix of residential comfort with city conveniences. Commuting is made easy with bike lanes and available Amtrak stations for public transportation.

Downtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,384/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

61/100

Units Available

578 Rentals

Downtown San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $3,384. Compare this to the city average of $2,602. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Downtown San Jose provides easy access to Santa Clara Station Northbound, San Antonio Plaza, and Paseo Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.

Del Marietta-Southwest

Average Rent

$3,391/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

48/100

Units Available

87 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, Del Marietta-Southwest might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,391, while the city’s average stands at $2,602. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. Del Marietta-Southwest is near Race Station, Bascom Station, and Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose.

Japantown

Average Rent

$3,415/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.9%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

141 Rentals

Japantown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Japantown is $3,415 while the city average is $2,602. This is a 2.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Jose Market Center, Santa Clara University, and Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.