
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (37 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Berkeley area of Berkeley.


Historic-Charming Apartment Steps from the South Side of Campus

Rise at Berkeley

2414 Telegraph
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.

1154 Hearst Ave

Hub Bancroft

B28

Collab@Oxford

2530 Hillegass Ave

1725 Oxford St

1707 Sacramento St, Unit 1

1569 Arch St
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.
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.
Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Berkeley?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Downtown Berkeley Studio Apartments | $2,537 | $999 | $3,955 |
Downtown Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,738 | $795 | $5,090 |
Downtown Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,333 | $800 | $7,607 |
Downtown Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,110 | $849 | $9,300 |
Downtown Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,296 | $1,165 | $10,000+ |
Downtown Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $2,834 | $1,290 | $10,000+ |
Downtown Berkeley 6 Bedroom Apartments | $1,636 | $1,315 | $2,115 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 37 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA.
See all Apartments in BerkeleyExplore Berkeley
Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Berkeley neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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- Local Counties
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Cheapest Available Downtown Berkeley Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Berkeley area of San Francisco, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at Student | Identity Logan Park priced from $849. The Lair has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $999. Here are the most affordable Downtown Berkeley apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Student | Identity Logan Park | Select 14 | 3BR,3BA | $849 |
The Lair | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $999 |
2210 MLK | 5 Bedroom | 2 Bath B | 5BR,2BA | $1,100 |
Roosevelt | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,100 |
2715 Dwight | 4 Bedroom | 2 Bath B | 4BR,2BA | $1,135 |
Historic-Charming Apartment Steps from the South Side of Campus | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath B | 3BR,1BA | $1,165 |
Spectra Southside (Student) | Single Deluxe - S | 1BR,1BA | $1,165 |
2618 College | 5 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 5BR,3BA | $1,225 |
2225 Hearst | First Floor | 5BR,2BA | $1,290 |
Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,297 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Berkeley, CA
As of June 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Berkeley area is the $2.86 price per square foot 4 Bed 2 Bath Model at 2434-2436 Fulton St in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $5,295. The second greatest value Downtown Berkeley apartment is the 4 Bedroom | 3 Bath Model at 2710 College starting at $2,215 with a $1.22 price per square foot in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Berkeley apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
2434-2436 Fulton St | 4 Bed 2 Bath | 4BR,2BA | $2.86 |
2710 College | 4 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 4BR,3BA | $1.22 |
2620 Regent | 5 Bedroom | 3 Bath | 5BR,3BA | $1.16 |
The Laureate | 4 Beds, 2 Baths | 4BR,2BA | $1.19 |
Bosco | 2 Bed 1 Bath - 1280 sqft | 2BR,1BA | $2.90 |
2210 MLK | 5 Bedroom | 2 Bath A | 5BR,2BA | $1.36 |
RUMI at King | 2B2B Private Bedroom & Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $2.02 |
Hillside Village | B3 | 2BR,2BA | $2.27 |
The Durant (new) | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.97 |
2729 Dwight | Studio | 1 Bath | Studio ,1BA | $2.68 |
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Ranked #6
Among neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Berkeley. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Getting Around the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood in Berkeley, CA
Walk Score®
97 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
98 / 100
Biker's Paradise
Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Transit Score®
71 / 100
Excellent Transit
Transit is convenient for most trips
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 Downtown Berkeley Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Berkeley?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Berkeley is under $1,297.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Berkeley?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Berkeley is Roosevelt which is listed at $1,100, while the average apartment in Downtown Berkeley costs $4,062.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown Berkeley?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 370 regular apartments in Downtown Berkeley that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown Berkeley?
Cheap apartments in Downtown Berkeley have an average cost of $1,871 which is $2,191 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Berkeley.
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.

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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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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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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.