Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose are East San Jose, Buena Vista, and Sunol-Midtown. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Jose, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 26, 2024, the average rent in San Jose is $2,558, which is 2% 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

$2,595/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.6%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

115 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out East San Jose. The average rent is $2,595, compared to the city average of $2,558. Rent prices have increased by 2.6%. East San Jose is convenient to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, Alum Rock Science and Nature Center, and Evergreen Valley College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.

Buena Vista

Average Rent

$2,817/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.4%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

68 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.

Sunol-Midtown

Average Rent

$2,824/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.4%

TransitScore® Rating

62/100

Units Available

55 Rentals

Sunol-Midtown is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $2,824. Compare this to the city average of $2,558. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.4%. Sunol-Midtown provides easy access to Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus, San Jose City College, and Parkmoor Plaza. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 87.

South San Jose

Average Rent

$2,869/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

397 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 $2,869, while the city’s average stands at $2,558. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.7%. South San Jose is near Santa Clara University, Downer Square, and Evergreen Valley College.

Berryessa

Average Rent

$2,895/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

16.3%

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 $2,895 while the city average is $2,558. This is a -16.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Jose State University, Berryessa Station, and Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.

West Valley San Jose

Average Rent

$2,998/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

263 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out West Valley San Jose. The average rent is $2,998, compared to the city average of $2,558. Rent prices have increased by 0.9%. West Valley San Jose is convenient to De Anza College, Hamilton Station, and San Francisco International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.

Santa Teresa

Average Rent

$3,100/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

34/100

Units Available

83 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.

Washington-Guadalupe

Average Rent

$3,101/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

101 Rentals

Washington-Guadalupe is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $3,101. Compare this to the city average of $2,558. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Washington-Guadalupe provides easy access to Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, The Tech Museum of Innovation, and Children's Discovery Museum Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 86.

Midtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,118/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

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.

River Oaks

Average Rent

$3,158/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.3%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

73 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, River Oaks might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,158, while the city’s average stands at $2,558. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.3%. River Oaks is near Santa Clara University, Bonaventura Station, and San Jose City College.

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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.