Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Elmwood, and Claremont. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 16, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,312, which is 0.7% 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
$2,183/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.1%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
9 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 $2,183, while the city’s average stands at $2,312. In the last year, prices have decreased by 5.1%. Southside is near Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, People's Park, and North Berkeley Station.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,372/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Elmwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Elmwood is $2,372 while the city average is $2,312. This is a 2.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Metro Oakland International, UC Berkeley, and Rockridge Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Claremont
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
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 $2,312. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Claremont is convenient to Willard Park, Berkeley City College, and Temescal Regional Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,478/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
200 Rentals
South Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,478. Compare this to the city average of $2,312. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.4%. South Berkeley provides easy access to Downtown Berkeley Station, Essig Museum of Entomology, and People's Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
Berkeley Hills
Average Rent
$2,750/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
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 $2,750, while the city’s average stands at $2,312. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.6%. Berkeley Hills is near Lincoln University, Oakland, Rockridge Station, and Berkeley City College.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,762/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Aquatic Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Aquatic Park is $2,762 while the city average is $2,312. This is a -6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), UC Berkeley, and Ashby Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,897/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
59 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Southwest Berkeley. The average rent is $2,897, compared to the city average of $2,312. Rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Southwest Berkeley is convenient to San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), Cedar-Rose Park, and Strawberry Creek Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,003/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
46 Rentals
Northwest Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $3,003. Compare this to the city average of $2,312. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3%. Northwest Berkeley provides easy access to Eddy Arboretum, Strawberry Creek Park, and Berkeley City College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,045/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
297 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 $3,045, while the city’s average stands at $2,312. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.7%. Downtown Berkeley is near Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Ashby Station, and Southside Square.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,321/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
152 Rentals
North Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Berkeley is $3,321 while the city average is $2,312. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Berkeley City College, Southside Square, and Ashby Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable 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.