Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose are East San Jose, Garden Alameda, and South San Jose. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Jose, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 30, 2025, the average rent in San Jose is $2,622, which is 1.1% 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

$2,480/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

75 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out East San Jose. The average rent is $2,480, compared to the city average of $2,622. Rent prices have increased by 2.1%. East San Jose is convenient to Evergreen Valley College, White Road Plaza, and Santa Clara University. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.

Garden Alameda

Average Rent

$2,959/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

9.7%

TransitScore® Rating

61/100

Units Available

81 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.

South San Jose

Average Rent

$2,970/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

421 Rentals

South San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $2,970. Compare this to the city average of $2,622. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. South San Jose provides easy access to Ohlone/Chynoweth Station, Blossom Hill Station, and Southgate Shopping Center. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 61.

Buena Vista

Average Rent

$3,017/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

58 Rentals

Buena Vista is a residential area just two miles southwest of downtown San Jose. The neighborhood is minutes from several major institutions and amenities, such as City College, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and San Jose Mineta International Airport.

West Valley San Jose

Average Rent

$3,037/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.9%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

239 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, West Valley San Jose might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,037, while the city’s average stands at $2,622. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.9%. West Valley San Jose is near De Anza College, Fruitdale Station, and Santa Clara University.

Berryessa

Average Rent

$3,085/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

8.3%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

90 Rentals

Berryessa is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Berryessa is $3,085 while the city average is $2,622. This is a 8.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Jose City College, Brokaw Commons, and Sprouts @ Brokaw. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.

Santa Teresa

Average Rent

$3,138/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

TransitScore® Rating

34/100

Units Available

90 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.

Midtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,219/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

371 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

$3,327/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

118 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out Japantown. The average rent is $3,327, compared to the city average of $2,622. Rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. Japantown is convenient to San Jose Market Center, San Jose State University, and Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.

Downtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,338/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

33/100

Units Available

495 Rentals

Downtown San Jose is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $3,338. Compare this to the city average of $2,622. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.4%. Downtown San Jose provides easy access to St. James Station Southbound, St. James Station Northbound, and Metro Oakland International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.

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.