
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Berkeley, CA from $500 (66 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Berkeley.


Pique Berkeley

2430 Prospect

The Harmony Collective

1569 Arch St
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Viewpoint

The Laureate

2414 Telegraph

1614-1630 University Ave

Panoramic Northside
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

2428 McGee Ave

2813 Shattuck Ave

2818 Telegraph Ave
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Piedmont
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
Berkeley, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Berkeley?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Berkeley Studio Apartments | $2,408 | $995 | $9,100 |
| Cheap Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,486 | $600 | $5,961 |
| Cheap Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,013 | $550 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,023 | $775 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,950 | $1,150 | $10,000+ |
| Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $7,482 | $1,140 | $10,000+ |
| Berkeley 6 Bedroom Apartments | $1,305 | $979 | $1,509 |
Browse Top Apartments in Berkeley
See all Apartments in BerkeleyExplore Berkeley
Berkeley, CA Local Guide

- Berkeley Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available Berkeley Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Berkeley, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood priced from $600. The Lair in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $775. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Berkeley apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $600 |
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $775 |
| The Den | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $895 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| Aquatic @ U | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $995 |
| 873 32nd Street | Studio | Studio,1BA | $998 |
| Spectra Southside (Student) | Single | 1BR,1BA | $999 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $999 |
| 2430 Prospect | 2 Bedroom | 1 Bath B | 2BR,1BA | $1,025 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Berkeley, CA
As of October 26, 2025 the best value apartment in the Berkeley area is the $2.11 price per square foot 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full & 2 Half Baths Model at 680 Hiller Dr in the in the Montclair Business neighborhood starting from $7,900. The second greatest value Berkeley apartment is the 4538 Martin Luther King Jr Way Model at 4538 Martin Luther King Jr Way starting at $3,000 with a $2.50 price per square foot in the Longfellow neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Berkeley apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 680 Hiller Dr | 5 Bedrooms, 3 Full & 2 Half Baths | 5BR,3.5BA | $2.11 |
| 4538 Martin Luther King Jr Way | 4538 Martin Luther King Jr Way | 1BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| The Lair | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.74 |
| 2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 2342 | 2342 Hilgard Ave | 2BR,1BA | $1.10 |
| 2414 Telegraph | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $1.64 |
| 1176 University | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $1.99 |
| 334 45th St | 328C | 1BR,1BA | $2.54 |
| 2430 Prospect | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $2.20 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Casa Zimbabwe Triples | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 |
| SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.43 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
Read ArticleDon't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleLocal Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Bay area for affordable living. Find your perfect San Francisco Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Berkeley Overview
Berkeley, CA, home of the University of California, Berkeley, is a home for those in search of culture, good food, and a place they can easily walk or bike around to call home. Neighborhoods and apartments in Berkeley run the gamut, and include quiet places to relax at the end of the day, smaller buildings in historic neighborhoods, and bigger buildings in always busy university neighborhoods. Whether you are part of the university community or want to benefit from all it has to offer, Berkeley has something for everyone.
Why live in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley is a fantastic mix of cultural opportunities offered by the university community, year-round great weather, and proximity to major cities such as San Francisco and Oakland. It is a short drive from Berkeley to the beach when it's time for fun in the sun, or to wine country to sample new vintages.
Best Local Schools in Berkeley, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Berkeley, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Berkeley, CA
Getting Around Berkeley, CA
Walk Score®
92 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
93 / 100
Biker's Paradise
Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Transit Score®
62 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Berkeley Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Berkeley?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Berkeley is at Aquatic @ U listed at $995.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Berkeley Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Berkeley Apartment is $600 at SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Berkeley Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Berkeley is starting from $775 at The Lair.
What is the most affordable Berkeley Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Berkeley Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Lair and starts from $775.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.


































