If you want to go cheap, look into hostels. You can often reserve in advance, pay less than $20 a night, and they are often in great locations. You have to share a room but that's tollerable in exchange for the money you save. They have kitchens so you can do your own cooking to save money. I'm aquainted with the San Diego ones downtown and in Pt.Loma/Ocean Beach and both are great locations. Also a good way to meet people. Although mostly young people, there are people of all ages.This locator map should point you in the right direction http://www.hostelhandbook.com/usa/ca.htm