Apartments in the San Fernando Valley Under $2,500: Best ZIP Codes (2026)
Last updated October 31, 2026. Rent figures: Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), September 2026; HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents. See our editorial standards.
With a $2,500 budget, the San Fernando Valley gives you more choice than almost anywhere else in the City of Los Angeles. These seven ZIP codes had typical rents under $2,500 in September 2026.
Valley ZIP codes with typical rent under $2,500
| Area | ZIP | Typical rent (ZORI Sep 2026) | 1-yr change | HUD studio | HUD 1BR | HUD 2BR | Typical under $2,500? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Hollywood (north) / Sun Valley | 91605 | $2,072 | +0.4% | $1,970 | $2,200 | $2,720 | Yes |
| Canoga Park / West Hills | 91304 | $2,162 | -2.0% | $2,230 | $2,490 | $3,070 | Yes |
| Panorama City | 91402 | $2,208 | +3.5% | $1,980 | $2,210 | $2,730 | Yes |
| Van Nuys | 91405 | $2,384 | +0.2% | $2,170 | $2,420 | $2,990 | Yes |
| Van Nuys / Valley Glen | 91401 | $2,402 | -0.3% | $2,210 | $2,470 | $3,050 | Yes |
| Van Nuys (Lake Balboa area) | 91411 | $2,419 | +0.3% | $2,360 | $2,630 | $3,250 | Yes |
| Northridge | 91325 | $2,426 | +0.5% | $2,330 | $2,600 | $3,210 | Yes |
Source: Zillow ZORI, Sep 2025 and Sep 2026; HUD FY2027 SAFMR. ZIP boundaries do not match neighborhood boundaries exactly.
Highlights
- 91605 had the lowest typical rent in this group ($2,072), and HUD’s FY2027 one-bedroom benchmark there is $2,200.
- 91304 (Canoga Park / West Hills) fell about 2.0% year over year, to $2,162.
- 91402 (Panorama City) rose about 3.5%, the largest increase here, but is still near $2,200.
- In Van Nuys and Northridge (91405, 91401, 91411, 91325) typical rents cluster around $2,380 to $2,430. HUD’s two-bedroom benchmarks there are $2,990 to $3,250, so a $2,500 budget usually means a one-bedroom.
Renter tips for the Valley
- Many older Valley buildings are covered by the City of LA RSO; see RSO explained.
- CSUN students: see apartments near CSUN.
- Compare Burbank vs. North Hollywood, or read our North Hollywood and Sherman Oaks guides.
- For the lowest Valley rents, see cheapest San Fernando Valley neighborhoods.
About the numbers
Zillow ZORI is a smoothed, ZIP-level index of typical observed market asking rents across all home types (not a single listing, and not bedroom-specific). HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMR) are HUD’s FY2027 per-bedroom estimates used to set housing voucher payment standards; they are gross-rent estimates (rent plus basic utilities), not asking prices. Neither number guarantees a specific unit at that price. Always confirm rent, fees and terms with the landlord in writing.
FAQ
Where can I rent in the San Fernando Valley for under $2,500?
In September 2026, typical rents were under $2,500 in 91605, 91304, 91402, 91405, 91401, 91411 and 91325 (Zillow ZORI).
Can I get a two-bedroom in the Valley for $2,500?
It’s hard. HUD’s FY2027 two-bedroom benchmarks in these ZIPs range from $2,720 (91605) to $3,250 (91411). A $2,500 budget is more realistic for a one-bedroom.
What is the cheapest ZIP in this list?
91605 (North Hollywood north / Sun Valley), with a typical rent of $2,072 in September 2026.
Are Valley rents rising?
Mostly flat. Changes from September 2025 to September 2026 ranged from about -2.0% (91304) to +3.5% (91402).
Related: LA rent report, LA neighborhood map.
Sources
Zillow Research, ZORI (ZIP, smoothed, all homes plus multifamily), Sep 2026
HUD USER, FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents
City of LA Housing Department, Rent Stabilization
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