Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose are Willow Glen, East San Jose, 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 January 26, 2025, the average rent in San Jose is $2,573, which is 0.8% 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.

Willow Glen

Average Rent

$2,351/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

43/100

Units Available

50 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Jose, Willow Glen might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,351, while the city’s average stands at $2,573. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.6%. Willow Glen is near Metro Oakland International, San Jose City College, and Curtner Station.

East San Jose

Average Rent

$2,698/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

111 Rentals

East San Jose is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East San Jose is $2,698 while the city average is $2,573. This is a 2.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Santa Clara University, White Road Plaza, and Alum Rock Station. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.

South San Jose

Average Rent

$2,835/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

413 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out South San Jose. The average rent is $2,835, compared to the city average of $2,573. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. South San Jose is convenient to Hellyer County Park, Snell Station, and Evergreen Valley College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.

Buena Vista

Average Rent

$2,904/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.5%

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.

Santa Teresa

Average Rent

$2,969/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

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.

Berryessa

Average Rent

$2,981/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.1%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

123 Rentals

Berryessa is an affordable neighborhood in San Jose with an average rent price of $2,981. Compare this to the city average of $2,573. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3.1%. Berryessa provides easy access to Metro Oakland International, North Park Plaza, and Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 48.

Del Mar

Average Rent

$3,038/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

61 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 $3,038, while the city’s average stands at $2,573. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.3%. Del Mar is near San Jose State University, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, and Bascom Square.

Midtown San Jose

Average Rent

$3,047/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.5%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

382 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.

West Valley San Jose

Average Rent

$3,055/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

256 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 $3,055 while the city average is $2,573. This is a -1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Orchard City Green, West Valley College, and Park West. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.

Del Marietta-Southwest

Average Rent

$3,169/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.2%

TransitScore® Rating

48/100

Units Available

54 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Jose neighborhood on a budget, check out Del Marietta-Southwest. The average rent is $3,169, compared to the city average of $2,573. Rent prices have decreased by 6.2%. Del Marietta-Southwest is convenient to Hamilton Station, Orchard City Green, and Bascom Square. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.

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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.