Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Claremont Hills, and Elmwood. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 26, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,292, 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
$2,252/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.6%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,252, while the city’s average stands at $2,292. In the last year, prices have decreased by 4.6%. Southside is near Lincoln University, Oakland, North Berkeley Station, and University and Jepson Herbaria.
Claremont Hills
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
Claremont Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Claremont Hills is $2,350 while the city average is $2,292. This is a 0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Ashby Station, UC Berkeley, and Downtown Berkeley Station. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,370/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Elmwood. The average rent is $2,370, compared to the city average of $2,292. Rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Elmwood is convenient to Acheson Commons, Ashby Station, and Downtown Berkeley Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Claremont
Average Rent
$2,375/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
48/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Claremont is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,375. Compare this to the city average of $2,292. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Claremont provides easy access to Temescal Regional Park, Botanical Garden at Berkeley, and Downtown Berkeley Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,450/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
171 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, South Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,450, while the city’s average stands at $2,292. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1%. South Berkeley is near College Square, Ashby Station, and San Francisco International.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,610/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Southwest Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Southwest Berkeley is $2,610 while the city average is $2,292. This is a -0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Habitot Children's Museum, San Francisco International, and Strawberry Creek Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,631/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Aquatic Park. The average rent is $2,631, compared to the city average of $2,292. Rent prices have decreased by 6%. Aquatic Park is convenient to Rockridge Station, UC Berkeley, and Berkeley City College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,791/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
Northwest Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,791. Compare this to the city average of $2,292. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.6%. Northwest Berkeley provides easy access to Town Center, Samuel Merritt University, and Lincoln University, Oakland. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Berkeley Hills
Average Rent
$2,950/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
3 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Berkeley Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,950, while the city’s average stands at $2,292. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.6%. Berkeley Hills is near Berkeley City College, North Berkeley Station, and Ashby Station.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,110/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
269 Rentals
Downtown Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Berkeley is $3,110 while the city average is $2,292. This is a 1.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Southside Square, Habitot Children's Museum, and Gilman Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable 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.