Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose are East San Jose, South San Jose, and Santa Teresa. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Jose, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 3, 2025, the average rent in San Jose is $2,593, which is 1.6% 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

$2,472/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

88 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out East San Jose. The average rent is $2,472, compared to the city average of $2,593. Rent prices have increased by 2.1%. East San Jose is convenient to White Road Plaza, San Jose City College, and Berryessa / North San Jose. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.

South San Jose

Average Rent

$2,906/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

422 Rentals

South San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $2,906. Compare this to the city average of $2,593. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. South San Jose provides easy access to Snell Station, La Mission Center, and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 61.

Santa Teresa

Average Rent

$2,923/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.2%

TransitScore® Rating

34/100

Units Available

97 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.

Garden Alameda

Average Rent

$3,009/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.6%

TransitScore® Rating

61/100

Units Available

107 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.

Berryessa

Average Rent

$3,032/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.7%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

70 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, Berryessa might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,032, while the city’s average stands at $2,593. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.7%. Berryessa is near Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus, Metro/Airport Station, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International.

West Valley San Jose

Average Rent

$3,034/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

263 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 $3,034 while the city average is $2,593. This is a -0.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Winchester Station, West Valley College, and Jack Fischer Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.

Midtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,197/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

385 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.

Japantown

Average Rent

$3,378/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.3%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

142 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out Japantown. The average rent is $3,378, compared to the city average of $2,593. Rent prices have increased by 3.3%. Japantown is convenient to San Jose City College, Japantown/Ayer Station, and Miraido Village. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.

Del Marietta-Southwest

Average Rent

$3,431/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.9%

TransitScore® Rating

48/100

Units Available

80 Rentals

Del Marietta-Southwest is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $3,431. Compare this to the city average of $2,593. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 6.9%. Del Marietta-Southwest provides easy access to Pierce Plaza, West Valley College, and San Jose City College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 55.

Del Mar

Average Rent

$3,440/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

74 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, Del Mar might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,440, while the city’s average stands at $2,593. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.6%. Del Mar is near Norman Y Mineta San Jose International, Santa Clara University, and Bascom Station.

Ready to make your move to San Jose? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.