Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Elmwood, and Berkeley Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 19, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,290, which is 3% higher 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

$1,862/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

41.2%

TransitScore® Rating

58/100

Units Available

7 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Southside. The average rent is $1,862, compared to the city average of $2,290. Rent prices have increased by 41.2%. Southside is convenient to People's Park, Downtown Berkeley Station, and Samuel Merritt University. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.

Elmwood

Average Rent

$2,373/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

34 Rentals

Elmwood is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,373. Compare this to the city average of $2,290. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Elmwood provides easy access to Rockridge Station, Downtown Berkeley Station, and Southside Square. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.

Berkeley Hills

Average Rent

$2,400/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

1 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 $2,400, while the city’s average stands at $2,290. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.5%. Berkeley Hills is near Berkeley City College, Samuel Merritt University, and Ashby Station.

Claremont

Average Rent

$2,400/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

48/100

Units Available

1 Rentals

Claremont is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Claremont is $2,400 while the city average is $2,290. This is a 0.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Temescal Neighborhood Center, Samuel Merritt University, and The Ridge. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.

South Berkeley

Average Rent

$2,507/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

65/100

Units Available

196 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out South Berkeley. The average rent is $2,507, compared to the city average of $2,290. Rent prices have increased by 0.9%. South Berkeley is convenient to Downtown Berkeley Station, Samuel Merritt University, and Southside Square. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.

Aquatic Park

Average Rent

$2,623/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

10.1%

TransitScore® Rating

54/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

Aquatic Park is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,623. Compare this to the city average of $2,290. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 10.1%. Aquatic Park provides easy access to UC Berkeley, Metro Oakland International, and Berkeley City College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 86.

Southwest Berkeley

Average Rent

$2,872/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.9%

TransitScore® Rating

58/100

Units Available

82 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southwest Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,872, while the city’s average stands at $2,290. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.9%. Southwest Berkeley is near Downtown Berkeley Station, San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), and Gilman Village.

Northwest Berkeley

Average Rent

$2,973/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

60/100

Units Available

64 Rentals

Northwest Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northwest Berkeley is $2,973 while the city average is $2,290. This is a -2.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln University, Oakland, El Cerrito Plaza Station, and Ashby Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.

Downtown Berkeley

Average Rent

$3,152/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.1%

TransitScore® Rating

71/100

Units Available

287 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Berkeley. The average rent is $3,152, compared to the city average of $2,290. Rent prices have increased by 3.1%. Downtown Berkeley is convenient to Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Berkeley City College. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.

North Berkeley

Average Rent

$3,517/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.1%

TransitScore® Rating

65/100

Units Available

138 Rentals

North Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $3,517. Compare this to the city average of $2,290. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.1%. North Berkeley provides easy access to Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Lincoln University, Oakland, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.

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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.