Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are East Lake, Grand Lake, and Northeast Oakland Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 2, 2025, the average rent in Oakland is $2,060, which is 0.1% lower 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.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,120/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
32 Rentals
Home to vibrant Lake Merritt, East Lake offers everything a renter could ever want. With affordable housing, historic structures, and lakefront views, this area offers residents a little bit of everything, catering to different lifestyles and tastes.
Grand Lake
Average Rent
$2,146/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
44 Rentals
Grand Lake is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,146. Compare this to the city average of $2,060. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Grand Lake provides easy access to Merritt Shopping Center, San Francisco International, and Shops on Broadway. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
Northeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$2,257/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
75 Rentals
Northeast Oakland Hills presents breathtaking views of the Bay Area, with numerous hiking trails for nature lovers. The neighborhood’s peaceful setting and spacious homes create an ideal retreat from city life. Local parks and recreational facilities offer plenty of outdoor activities for all ages.
Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$2,401/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
263 Rentals
Oakland Hills boasts stunning vistas and natural beauty, with numerous parks and trails for outdoor recreation. Its serene environment and expansive properties make it a tranquil escape from the city's urban center. However, Oakland Hill is only a short drive away from bustling downtown areas, giving residents a perfect blend of rural serenity and urban conveniences.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,414/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Piedmont Avenue might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,414, while the city’s average stands at $2,060. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.8%. Piedmont Avenue is near The Ridge, Lakeside Park, and Lakeside Park Garden Center.
Pill Hill
Average Rent
$2,483/Month
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
90 Rentals
Pill Hill is an affordable neighborhood known for its historic architecture and its numerous medical facilities. This neighborhood is home to the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, a pillar of Oakland's medical ecosystem. Pill Hill's central location gives residents easy access to other parts of the city, with many venturing to neighboring communities for shopping, dining, and entertainment activities.
Old Oakland
Average Rent
$2,487/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
87/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
Old Oakland is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Old Oakland is $2,487 while the city average is $2,060. This is a -0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Macarthur Station, 19Th St Oakland Station, and College of Alameda. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
West Oakland
Average Rent
$2,531/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
100 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out West Oakland. The average rent is $2,531, compared to the city average of $2,060. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. West Oakland is convenient to Samuel Merritt University, West Oakland Station, and Lakeside Park Garden Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 85.
East Oakland
Average Rent
$2,557/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
262 Rentals
With its rich history and cultural diversity, East Oakland offers a unique living experience for renters looking to settle down in the Bay Area. The area is well-known for its lively festivals and community gatherings, contributing to its tight-knit community feel. East Oakland also offers easy access to public transportation, making commuting throughout the city convenient and efficient.
Longfellow
Average Rent
$2,664/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
63/100
Units Available
31 Rentals
Longfellow is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,664. Compare this to the city average of $2,060. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.6%. Longfellow provides easy access to La Mancha Plaza, Samuel Merritt University, and Berkeley City College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
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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.