&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=199&width=480&quality=90 "Monterey Village Pool")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=199&width=480&quality=90 "Monterey Village Playground")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=199&width=480&quality=90 "Monterey Village Main Entrance")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=199&width=480&quality=90 "Monterey Village Tennis and Basketball Courts")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90)
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90)
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90 "Open concept living and dining area with kitchen bar")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=450&width=480&quality=90 "Study Lounge")
.jpg?crop=(0,0,300,450)&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=450&width=480&quality=90 "4 Bed, 2 Bath Flat Bedroom B")
.jpg?crop=(0,0,300,450)&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=450&width=480&quality=90 "4x2 Flat Dining Room")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90 "Property Picture 2")
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=450&width=480&quality=90)
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90)
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90)
&cropxunits=300&cropyunits=200&width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
-X3.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
-X3.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
.jpg?width=480&quality=90)
Prices and availability in California were last updated on 24 Oct 2026.
The best apartments in California are: Arrive Temecula, Arrive Vacaville, Westwood Riviera Apartments, The Villas at Anacapa Canyon and Legends at Rancho Belago.
In California, 44% of the residents are renting compared to 56% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 17% of California's rentals, 54% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 27% are single-family rentals.
Searching for apartments for rent in California under $1,200 is not an easy task, but luckily you have come to the right place. Whether you are a student on a budget, a young professional on the move, or simply a frugal person, RentCafe can help you find what you are looking for. Just make sure you know what you consider non-negotiable and what you can compromise on. Your new home is just a few clicks away. In California, where the average rent is $1,205 per month, there are 1,659 units available for less than $1,200. Click on any of these units to see pictures, floor plans, amenities and more. After you have picked your favorite, you can contact the property to check availability. Considering that you are trying to spend as little as possible, looking at 1 bedroom apartments and studio apartments might be a good idea.
Finding a nice cheap apartment is by no means impossible. You just have to be patient. Your “apartments near me under $1,200” search can bear fruit sooner than you think if you look carefully and check our site often. You never know when discount deals and special offers might pop up. Keep in mind that you are not the only one looking for an affordable apartment in California. Choose “Save Search” to receive the latest apartments available directly to your inbox. This way, you will be able to stay one step ahead of the competition. With the cheapest apartments in California going for $315 per month, there are great deals waiting to be discovered. Feeling lucky? Expand your search to 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom apartments as well for more space.
