Cheap Apartments for Rent in Berkeley, CA from $500 (66 Rentals)

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

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.

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.

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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

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.

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Rise at Berkeley
Studio Apartments

Rise at Berkeley

2025 Kala Bagai WayBerkeley, CA 94704
Student Housing
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2618 College
1 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

2618 College

2618 College AveBerkeley, CA 94704
Furnished
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Oregon Park Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Oregon Park Apartments

1425 Oregon StBerkeley, CA 94702
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
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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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Roosevelt
1 Bedroom Apartments

Roosevelt

2132 Roosevelt AveBerkeley, CA 94703
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2731 Durant Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

2731 Durant Ave

2731 Durant AveBerkeley, CA 94704
Student Housing
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2710 College
4 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

2710 College

2710 College AveBerkeley, CA 94705
Furnished
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1176 University
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1176 University

1176 University AveBerkeley, CA 94702

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.

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Durant Park Apartment
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Durant Park Apartment

2226-2230 Durant AveBerkeley, CA 94704
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2115 Haste St
1 Bedroom Apartments

2115 Haste St

2115 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
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1770 La Loma
1 Bedroom Apartments

1770 La Loma

1770 La Loma AveBerkeley, CA 94709
Student Housing
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1613 6th St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1613 6th St

1613 6th StBerkeley, CA 94710
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1951 Chestnut St
Studio Apartments

1951 Chestnut St

1951 Chestnut StBerkeley, CA 94702
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2437 Warring St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

2437 Warring St

2437 Warring StBerkeley, CA 94704
  • Utilities Included

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

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$600
The Lair3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$775
The Den1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$895
HeliosShared Double1BR,1BA$950
Aquatic @ U0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$995
873 32nd StreetStudioStudio,1BA$998
Spectra Southside (Student)Single1BR,1BA$999
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$999
2430 Prospect2 Bedroom | 1 Bath B2BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
680 Hiller Dr5 Bedrooms, 3 Full & 2 Half Baths5BR,3.5BA$2.11
4538 Martin Luther King Jr Way4538 Martin Luther King Jr Way1BR,1BA$2.50
The Lair2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$0.74
2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 23422342 Hilgard Ave2BR,1BA$1.10
2414 Telegraph3 Bedroom | 1 Bath3BR,1BA$1.64
1176 University0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$1.99
334 45th St328C1BR,1BA$2.54
2430 Prospect3 Bedroom | 1 Bath3BR,1BA$2.20
Casa ZimbabweCasa Zimbabwe Triples1BR,1BA$2.06
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available1BR/1.0BA1BR,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.

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Don'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.

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The 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.

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Local 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

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Quick 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.

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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!

Explore Berkeley, CA Rentals by Map

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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 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.

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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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.