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.
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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.