Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Claremont Hills, and Northbrae. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 27, 2024, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,306, which is 0.8% 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
$1,946/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
12%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
5 Rentals
Southside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Southside is $1,946 while the city average is $2,306. This is a 12% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to University and Jepson Herbaria, Botanical Garden at Berkeley, and Willard Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Claremont Hills
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Claremont Hills. The average rent is $2,400, compared to the city average of $2,306. Rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Claremont Hills is convenient to Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Samuel Merritt University, and San Francisco International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 55.
Northbrae
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
Northbrae is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,400. Compare this to the city average of $2,306. Northbrae provides easy access to Mortar Rock Park, Metro Oakland International, and UC Berkeley. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 90.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,446/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
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 $2,446, while the city’s average stands at $2,306. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5%. Aquatic Park is near San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), Bay Street Emeryville, and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,466/Month
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Elmwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Elmwood is $2,466 while the city average is $2,306. This is a 0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Metro Oakland International, San Francisco International, and Berkeley City College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Berkeley Hills
Average Rent
$2,500/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Berkeley Hills. The average rent is $2,500, compared to the city average of $2,306. Rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Berkeley Hills is convenient to Cragmont Rock Park, Downtown Berkeley Station, and Rockridge Station. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 60.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,664/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
129 Rentals
South Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,664. Compare this to the city average of $2,306. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.4%. South Berkeley provides easy access to Downtown Berkeley Station, Habitot Children's Museum, and Metro Oakland International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,875/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
50 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 $2,875, while the city’s average stands at $2,306. In the last year, prices have decreased by 1.5%. Southwest Berkeley is near Gilman Village, Strawberry Creek Park, and North Berkeley Station.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,940/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
Northwest Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northwest Berkeley is $2,940 while the city average is $2,306. This is a 0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cedar-Rose Park, Ashby Station, and Rockridge Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,082/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
204 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Berkeley. The average rent is $3,082, compared to the city average of $2,306. Rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Downtown Berkeley is convenient to University and Jepson Herbaria, San Francisco International, and Samuel Merritt University. The community is 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.