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.

Ready to make your move to Berkeley? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.