Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $612 (156 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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

Read Article
close
View Me
2122 Dwight Way
Rent Specials
$1,911 - $2,316

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,911 - $2,316
Total Monthly Price$1,911 - $2,316
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Oct 5

2122 Dwight Way

2122 Dwight WayBerkeley, CA 94704
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Smoke Free

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Read Article
close
View Me
Hillside Village
$2,125 - $2,550

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,125 - $2,550
Total Monthly PriceVaries
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hillside Village

1801 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94709
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
close
View Me
1122U
$2,258 - $6,086

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,258 - $6,086
Total Monthly PriceVaries
Studio to 5 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

1122U

1122 University AveBerkeley, CA 94702
Furnished
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
property at 1342 Hearst Ave
$2,350

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,350
Total Monthly Price$2,350
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Oct 1
Affordability

1342 Hearst Ave, Unit B

1342 Hearst Ave
BerkeleyCA94702

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Read Article
property at 2727 McGee Ave
$2,400 - $3,495
2 To 3 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now

2727 McGee Ave

BerkeleyCA94703

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Read Article
property at 1939 Stuart St
$2,999

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,999
Total Monthly Price$2,999
Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Oct 1
Furnished

1939 Stuart St, Unit 4

1939 Stuart St
BerkeleyCA94703
close
View Me
1806 Franklin St, Unit A
$3,000

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$3,000
Total Monthly Price$3,000
2 Bedroom Apartment Available Sep 21

1806 Franklin St, Unit A

1806 Franklin StBerkeley, CA 94702
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Collab@Oxford
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Collab@Oxford

1773 Oxford StBerkeley, CA 94709
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
2210 MLK
5 to 6 Bedroom Apartments

2210 MLK

2210 Martin Luther King Jr WayBerkeley, CA 94704
Student Housing

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 4

Central Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Central Berkeley Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Central Berkeley area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at 1801 Milvia Street priced from $795. The Lair has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $850. Here are the most affordable Central Berkeley apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
1801 Milvia Street0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$795
The Lair3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$850
RUMI at King[2026 - 2027] By the Bed: Unlock Smart Living a...Studio,2BA$950
HeliosHelios - Bed rental - Shared Double 2026 - 2027...1BR,1BA$950
Roosevelt1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,200
2360 Ellsworth2 Bedroom | 1 Bath2BR,1BA$1,250
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,297
1803 Oxford St1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,395
BoscoUnit 2015BR,2BA$1,399
Aquatic @ U0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,448

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Berkeley, CA

As of September 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central Berkeley area is the $1.73 price per square foot 3B Private Bedroom Model at RUMI at King in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $1,850. The second greatest value Central Berkeley apartment is the B3 Model at Hillside Village starting at $2,400 with a $2.80 price per square foot in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central Berkeley apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
RUMI at King3B Private Bedroom3BR,2BA$1.73
Hillside VillageB32BR,2BA$2.80
ArtHaus DwightD14BR,2BA$1.88
2230 Haste St2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$3.05
2124 Parker3 Bedroom | 2 Bath A3BR,2BA$1.32
1648 Russell St, Unit 11648 Russell St2BR,1BA$3.12
The Lair1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.93
Student | Identity Logan ParkSelect 191BR,1BA$2.51
2360 Ellsworth2 Bedroom | 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2.11
FOUND Study Downtown BerkeleyA2 (1 Bed/1 Bath)1BR,1BA$3.05

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Central Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Ranked #7

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Best Local Schools in
Central Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central Berkeley Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Central Berkeley?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Central Berkeley is at 1801 Milvia Street listed at $795.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Central Berkeley Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Central Berkeley Apartment is $950 at Helios.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Central Berkeley Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Central Berkeley is starting from $1,081 at The Lair.

What is the most affordable Central Berkeley Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Central Berkeley Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Lair and starts from $850.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

decorative image for Where to Live Near San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities for Renters article

Where to Live Near San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities for Renters

Written by: Shannon Hilson

San Francisco is absolutely the type of city that pulls a person in right away, and it’s not hard to see why.

decorative image for Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA article

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

Written by: Shannon Hilson

San Francisco is so much more than just postcard-perfect views of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.

decorative image for Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers article

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers

Written by: Shannon Hilson

Deciding to move to San Francisco for work is a huge deal. San Fran is exciting and just weird enough to let you know you’re in for an amazing adventure, right from day one.

decorative image for Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco article

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco

Written by: Shannon Hilson

Naturally, going away to college or university is super exciting in and of itself. It’s the prelude to the rest of your life, not to mention an unforgettable experience all its own.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My! article

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.