Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 12/04/2025
El Cajon’s rental market offers a dynamic mix of housing options that cater to a wide spectrum of lifestyles, from busy professionals to growing families. The city’s neighborhoods each bring their own character: Downtown El Cajon features vibrant shopping and dining, while the historic Rodeo Plaza area provides a walkable community feel. Families often gravitate toward the Tree‑lined streets of the College Area and the newer developments near the San Diego County Fairgrounds, which are close to parks, schools, and Lake Hodges. With easy access to major freeways and public transit, residents enjoy convenient commutes to the greater San Diego region while benefiting from the city’s own cultural attractions, such as the El Cajon Heritage Museum and seasonal events at the fairgrounds.
Rental prices in El Cajon reflect the city’s blend of affordability and quality. Studio units typically sit in the $1700s, with median rents hovering around $1500, making them an attractive entry point for renters. One‑bedroom apartments and houses generally fall within the $1700‑$1800 range, while two‑bedroom options rise to the $2300‑$2800 bracket. Larger three‑bedroom apartments are commonly found near the $3,200 mark, and spacious four‑plus bedroom homes command prices in the $4,700 range. These varied price points, combined with a mix of apartment complexes and single‑family homes, ensure that renters can find a setting that matches both their budget and lifestyle preferences in El Cajon.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $1,544 | $1,515 | $1,245 - $2,096 | $1,400 - $1,695 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,801 | $1,795 | $850 - $2,700 | $1,725 - $1,947 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $2,321 | $2,286 | $980 - $5,870 | $2,150 - $2,400 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $3,176 | $2,893 | $739 - $8,000 | $2,700 - $3,181 |
| House | Studio | $1,771 | $1,745 | $1,495 - $2,100 | $1,595 - $2,100 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $2,080 | $1,977 | $1,000 - $4,000 | $1,700 - $2,195 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $2,770 | $2,800 | $1,920 - $3,600 | $2,500 - $3,000 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $3,707 | $3,600 | $2,650 - $7,250 | $3,399 - $3,995 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $4,824 | $4,247 | $2,200 - $18,750 | $3,850 - $4,990 |
In the current period, the average rent in El Cajon was $1,585 for Studio, $1,832 for 1 Bedroom, $2,421 for 2 Bedroom, $3,526 for 3 Bedroom, and $4,600 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.