As the city continues to grow, finding the cheapest neighborhoods in San Jose remains a top priority for renters looking to balance cost and convenience. Whether you’re a first-time renter, or just looking to increase your savings, exploring apartments in San Jose can help you find a community that fits your lifestyle and budget.
In this Rent. article, we’ll explore some of the most affordable neighborhoods in San Jose, complete with neighborhood highlights and key details to help you find your perfect home.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in San Jose and what you can expect to pay for a one-bedroom apartment in each area.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-bedroom rent |
| Cadillac East | $1,995 |
| Oak Grove | $2,065 |
| Lynhaven | $2,135 |
| Alma-Almaden | $2,153 |
| Summerside | $2,162 |
| Winchester | $2,195 |
| Hamann Park | $2,195 |
| Magliocco-Huff | $2,195 |
| East Northside | $2,199 |
1. Cadillac East
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,995
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,495
Neighborhood highlights: Quiet residential streets, easy freeway access, local shopping
Cadillac East has a mix of older apartment complexes and smaller single-family rental homes. The neighborhood is well-connected, with easy access to Capitol Expressway and Highway 101. This makes commuting around the South Bay relatively simple. One of the biggest perks of living here is the proximity to Emma Prusch Farm Park. This unique green space has walking trails, community gardens, and even farm animals. You’re also close to Eastridge Center, a major shopping mall with retail stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
2. Oak Grove
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,065
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,737
Neighborhood highlights: Green spaces, family-owned restaurants, close to Santa Teresa
Oak Grove has more of a suburban feel while still being close to major highways. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the proximity to Santa Teresa County Park, which has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the city. You’re also near Village Oaks Shopping Center, which has everything from grocery stores to casual dining spots like MOD Pizza and Starbucks. While public transit is limited, access to Highway 85 makes commuting easy.
3. Lynhaven
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,135
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,620
Neighborhood highlights: Westfield Valley Fair access, biking trails, local cafes
Lynhaven is a great choice for renters who want an affordable neighborhood with easy access to both San Jose and Campbell. One of the biggest draws is the Westgate Center, a major shopping hub with stores like Target, Nike, and plenty of dining options, including The Counter for custom burgers. The neighborhood is also close to Winchester Boulevard, which connects to Santana Row and Valley Fair Mall for even more shopping and entertainment.
4. Alma-Almaden
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,153
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,408
Neighborhood highlights: Guadalupe River Trail, close to downtown, historic charm
Alma-Almaden is one of the cheapest places to rent in San Jose while still being close to downtown. The area is primarily made up of older apartments and rental homes, making it a budget-friendly option for those who need to be near the city center. It’s home to Solari Park, a small but well-maintained green space with basketball courts and a playground. Public transit is a plus here, with VTA bus routes and Tamien Station, which connects to both Caltrain and VTA Light Rail.
5. Summerside
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,162
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,775
Neighborhood highlights: Proximity to Eastridge Mall, diverse dining, expanding developments
Summerside is an affordable, residential neighborhood in East San Jose. The area is close to Capitol Expressway and Highway 101, making it convenient for commuters. One of the biggest perks of living in Summerside is its proximity to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, a great spot for weekend outings. The neighborhood is also near Coyote Creek Trail, a scenic path that runs through San Jose and is perfect for biking or walking.
6. Hamann Park
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,195
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,700
Neighborhood highlights: Neighborhood parks, strong community vibe, close to shopping centers
Hamann Park is one of San Jose’s quieter neighborhoods. The biggest draw here is Hamann Park itself, a well-maintained green space with playgrounds, basketball courts, and shaded picnic areas. The neighborhood sits between San Tomas Expressway and Winchester Boulevard, giving renters easy access to both Campbell and San Jose’s business districts. While it doesn’t have a ton of nightlife, it’s just a short drive to Downtown Campbell, where you’ll find breweries, live music, and great restaurants like Orchard City Kitchen.
7. Winchester
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,195
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,625
Neighborhood highlights: Santana Row nearby, walkable streets, lively retail areas
Winchester sits in a convenient location between West San Jose and Campbell. This makes it a great option for those who want easy access to both areas. A huge perk of living in Winchester is how close you are to Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair Mall, two of the best shopping and entertainment hubs in the city. While Winchester itself is more residential, you’ll find plenty of casual dining spots, like Falafel Drive-In, a legendary spot for Middle Eastern food.
8. Magliocco-Huff
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,195
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,700
Neighborhood highlights: Central location, access to major highways, diverse restaurants
Magliocco-Huff is an underrated neighborhood for renters looking for affordability near West San Jose. Its close to Valley Fair Mall, which means you have high-end shopping, movie theaters, and dining options like Din Tai Fung just a few minutes away. The neighborhood is also near the VTA Light Rail, making it a good choice for commuters who prefer public transportation. While Magliocco-Huff itself is mostly residential, the nearby Winchester Mystery House adds a bit of quirky local history to the area.
9. East Northside
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,199
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,650
Neighborhood highlights: Japantown nearby, close to San Pedro Square, historic architecture
East Northside has a mix of older rental homes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings, many of which have a charming, historic feel. You’re within walking distance of Japantown, where you’ll find amazing restaurants like Minato and Roy’s Station Coffee & Teas, a local favorite in a converted gas station. The neighborhood is also close to Backesto Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities with sports courts, picnic areas, and jogging paths. Public transit is a huge plus here, with easy access to VTA bus lines and the future BART extension, making commuting around the Bay Area easier.
Methodology: All neighborhoods listed are based on San Jose’s Rental Market Trends on Rent.com. Average rental data sourced from February 2025.
