Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Northbrae, and Elmwood. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 30, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,286, which is 1.1% 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
$2,017/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
8 Rentals
Southside is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,017. Compare this to the city average of $2,286. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.7%. Southside provides easy access to Berkeley City College, Samuel Merritt University, and College Square. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 78.
Northbrae
Average Rent
$2,275/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 $2,275, while the city’s average stands at $2,286. Northbrae is near San Francisco International, Ashby Station, and Downtown Berkeley Station.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,391/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
Elmwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Elmwood is $2,391 while the city average is $2,286. This is a 1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Acheson Commons, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Southside Square. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Claremont
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
48/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Claremont. The average rent is $2,400, compared to the city average of $2,286. Rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Claremont is convenient to Samuel Merritt University, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and Ashby Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
Berkeley Hills
Average Rent
$2,495/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Berkeley Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,495. Compare this to the city average of $2,286. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Berkeley Hills provides easy access to El Cerrito Plaza Station, Cragmont Rock Park, and Glendale La Loma Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 60.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,502/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
200 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 $2,502, while the city’s average stands at $2,286. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.1%. South Berkeley is near College Square, Rockridge Station, and UC Berkeley.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,628/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.9%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Aquatic Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Aquatic Park is $2,628 while the city average is $2,286. This is a -6.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco International, Downtown Berkeley Station, and The Public Market. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,824/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
66 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Southwest Berkeley. The average rent is $2,824, compared to the city average of $2,286. Rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Southwest Berkeley is convenient to Ashby Station, Gilman Village, and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,868/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
54 Rentals
Northwest Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,868. Compare this to the city average of $2,286. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.9%. Northwest Berkeley provides easy access to North Berkeley Station, Eddy Arboretum, and Ashby Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,015/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
291 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Downtown Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,015, while the city’s average stands at $2,286. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.6%. Downtown Berkeley is near UC Berkeley, Berkeley City College, and Samuel Merritt University.
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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.