Cheap Apartments for Rent in Berkeley, CA from $500 (90 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Berkeley.

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.

property at 2832 Derby St

2832 Derby St

BerkeleyCA94705

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.

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.

property at 2308 Woolsey St

2308 Woolsey St

BerkeleyCA94705
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Evans Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Evans Manor

2316 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
  • Utilities Included
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2210 MLK
5 to 6 Bedroom Apartments

2210 MLK

2210 Martin Luther King Jr WayBerkeley, CA 94704
Furnished
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2715 Dwight
2 to 6 Bedroom Apartments

2715 Dwight

2715 Dwight WayBerkeley, CA 94704
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2618 College
1 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

2618 College

2618 College AveBerkeley, CA 94704
Furnished
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Roosevelt
1 Bedroom Apartments

Roosevelt

2132 Roosevelt AveBerkeley, CA 94703

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Oregon Park Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Oregon Park Apartments

1425 Oregon StBerkeley, CA 94702
Senior Living
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12 Panoramic
2 to 6 Bedroom Apartments

12 Panoramic

12 Panoramic WayBerkeley, CA 94704
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2620 Regent
4 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

2620 Regent

2620 Regent StBerkeley, CA 94704
Furnished
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Viewpoint
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Viewpoint

651 Addison StBerkeley, CA 94710
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2710 College
5 Bedroom Apartments

2710 College

2710 College AveBerkeley, CA 94705
Furnished
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1176 University
Studio Apartments

1176 University

1176 University AveBerkeley, CA 94702
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Durant Park Apartment
Studio Apartments

Durant Park Apartment

2226-2230 Durant AveBerkeley, CA 94704
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2813 Shattuck Ave
Studio Apartments

2813 Shattuck Ave

2813 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94705
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2115 Haste St
1 Bedroom Apartments

2115 Haste St

2115 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

Berkeley, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Available Berkeley Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Berkeley, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Lair in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood priced from $775. SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $795. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Berkeley apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Lair3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$775
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$795
Student | Identity Logan ParkSelect 143BR,3BA$849
HeliosShared Double1BR,1BA$950
2715 Dwight6 Bedroom | 4 Bath6BR,4BA$963
The Laureate4 Beds, 3 Baths4BR,3BA$995
2618 College5 Bedroom | 3 Bath5BR,3BA$1,054
The Den0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,095
Roosevelt1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,100
The Harmony CollectiveSuite C - Unfurnished Room - Shared Bathroom1BR,$1,100

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Berkeley, CA

As of July 26, 2025 the best value apartment in the Berkeley area is the $2.24 price per square foot 7 Beds, 3 Baths Model at 960 61st St in the in the Glashaus neighborhood starting from $4,195. The second greatest value Berkeley apartment is the 5 Bedroom | 3 Bath Model at 2620 Regent starting at $1,513 with a $1.02 price per square foot in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Berkeley apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
960 61st St7 Beds, 3 Baths7BR,3BA$2.24
2620 Regent5 Bedroom | 3 Bath5BR,3BA$1.02
The Laureate3 Beds, 2.5 Baths3BR,2.5BA$1.43
2909 Myrtle St, Unit 2907.52909 Myrtle St2BR,1BA$2.00
2804 Adeline St2804 Adeline St2BR,2BA$2.27
Uni Flats2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2.09
1176 University0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$1.99
2729 DwightStudio | 1 BathStudio ,1BA$2.34
Casa ZimbabweCasa Zimbabwe Triples1BR,1BA$2.32
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.89

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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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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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

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 The Laureate 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 $795 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 $999 at Student | Identity Logan Park.

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.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.