Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Berkeley Hills, and Northbrae. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 27, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,304, which is 0.1% lower than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,972/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
5 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Southside. The average rent is $1,972, compared to the city average of $2,304. Rent prices have increased by 2.7%. Southside is convenient to University and Jepson Herbaria, Ashby Station, and Downtown Berkeley Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Berkeley Hills
Average Rent
$2,117/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
3 Rentals
Berkeley Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,117. Compare this to the city average of $2,304. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Berkeley Hills provides easy access to Glendale La Loma Park, Lincoln University, Oakland, and El Cerrito Plaza Station. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 60.
Northbrae
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Northbrae might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,400, while the city’s average stands at $2,304. Northbrae is near El Cerrito Plaza Station, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Ashby Station.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,492/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
156 Rentals
South Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Berkeley is $2,492 while the city average is $2,304. This is a -1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ashby Station, College Square, and Acheson Commons. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,498/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Elmwood. The average rent is $2,498, compared to the city average of $2,304. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Elmwood is convenient to Downtown Berkeley Station, University and Jepson Herbaria, and Rockridge Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Claremont Hills
Average Rent
$2,500/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
Claremont Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,500. Compare this to the city average of $2,304. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Claremont Hills provides easy access to North Berkeley Station, Botanical Garden at Berkeley, and College Square. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 55.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,677/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Aquatic Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,677, while the city’s average stands at $2,304. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.1%. Aquatic Park is near Macarthur Station, UC Berkeley, and Shorebird Park.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,815/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
50 Rentals
Southwest Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Southwest Berkeley is $2,815 while the city average is $2,304. This is a -0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Downtown Berkeley Station, Samuel Merritt University, and San Francisco International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,017/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Northwest Berkeley. The average rent is $3,017, compared to the city average of $2,304. Rent prices have decreased by 0.5%. Northwest Berkeley is convenient to Metro Oakland International, North Berkeley Station, and El Cerrito Plaza Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,147/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
240 Rentals
Downtown Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $3,147. Compare this to the city average of $2,304. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.4%. Downtown Berkeley provides easy access to Macarthur Station, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and Habitot Children's Museum. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.