Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (33 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Berkeley area of Berkeley.

The Den

1569 Arch St

The Laureate
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.

Pique Berkeley

2414 Telegraph

2210 Martin Luther King Jr Way

2210 Martin Luther King Jr Way

California Apartments

2813 Shattuck Ave
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

2721 California 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.
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 | $2,597 | $1,348 | $4,617 |
| Downtown Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,400 | $600 | $5,090 |
| Downtown Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,620 | $699 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,508 | $775 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,964 | $972 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,677 | $1,140 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 33 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
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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 The Lair priced from $775. Helios has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $950. Here are the most affordable Downtown Berkeley apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $775 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| 2715 Dwight | 6 Bedroom | 4 Bath | 6BR,4BA | $963 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Ridge House Triples | 1BR,1BA | $1,030 |
| Spectra Southside (Student) | Single | 1BR,1BA | $1,099 |
| 2225 Hearst | First Floor | 5BR,2BA | $1,140 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,236 |
| Ace Berkeley | 2BR/2B - Deluxe - B10 | 2BR,2BA | $1,375 |
| 2414 Telegraph | 4 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 4BR,1BA | $1,400 |
| Bosco | Unit 501 | 5BR,3BA | $1,450 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Berkeley, CA
As of December 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Berkeley area is the $2.50 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Model at 2129 Haste Street in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $3,695. The second greatest value Downtown Berkeley apartment is the Unit 201 Model at Bosco starting at $2,138 with a $1.77 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2129 Haste Street | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| Bosco | Unit 201 | 5BR,2BA | $1.77 |
| 3012 College Ave | 3012College | 3BR,2BA | $2.92 |
| 2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 2342 | 2342 Hilgard Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.09 |
| 2414 Telegraph | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $1.64 |
| ArtHaus Dwight | D1 | 4BR,2BA | $2.85 |
| Acton Courtyard | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.45 |
| 1736 Stuart St, Unit Apt C | 1736 Stuart St | 2BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Casa Zimbabwe Triples | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 |
| SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available at The Telegraph Commons! 2 blocks from UCB! | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.43 |
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 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 ArticleCash 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.
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Ranked #5
Among cities in California 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Berkeley Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Berkeley?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Berkeley is at Rise at Berkeley listed at $1,236.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Berkeley Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Berkeley Apartment is $950 at Helios.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Berkeley Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Berkeley is starting from $999 at The Lair.
What is the most affordable Downtown Berkeley Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Downtown Berkeley Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Lair and starts from $775.
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

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.

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.

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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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!





















