Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (37 Rentals)

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

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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Evans Manor
1 Bedroom Apartments

Evans Manor

2316 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
Student Housing
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Oregon Park Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Oregon Park Apartments

1425 Oregon StBerkeley, CA 94702
Senior Living
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2210 MLK
5 to 6 Bedroom Apartments

2210 MLK

2210 Martin Luther King Jr WayBerkeley, CA 94704
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Roosevelt
1 Bedroom Apartments

Roosevelt

2132 Roosevelt AveBerkeley, CA 94703
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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
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2620 Regent
4 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

2620 Regent

2620 Regent StBerkeley, CA 94704

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.

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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
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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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1951 Chestnut St
Studio Apartments

1951 Chestnut St

1951 Chestnut StBerkeley, CA 94702
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2322 Haste St
Studio Apartments

2322 Haste St

2322 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
  • Utilities Included

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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2218 Haste St
Studio Apartments

2218 Haste St

2218 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
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2227 Carleton St
3 Bedroom Apartments

2227 Carleton St

2227 Carleton StBerkeley, CA 94704

Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Student | Identity Logan ParkSelect 143BR,3BA$849
The Lair0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$999
2210 MLK5 Bedroom | 2 Bath B5BR,2BA$1,100
Roosevelt1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,100
2715 Dwight4 Bedroom | 2 Bath B4BR,2BA$1,135
Historic-Charming Apartment Steps from the South Side of Campus3 Bedroom | 1 Bath B3BR,1BA$1,165
Spectra Southside (Student)Single Deluxe - S1BR,1BA$1,165
2618 College5 Bedroom | 3 Bath5BR,3BA$1,225
2225 HearstFirst Floor5BR,2BA$1,290
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
2434-2436 Fulton St4 Bed 2 Bath4BR,2BA$2.86
2710 College4 Bedroom | 3 Bath4BR,3BA$1.22
2620 Regent5 Bedroom | 3 Bath5BR,3BA$1.16
The Laureate4 Beds, 2 Baths4BR,2BA$1.19
Bosco2 Bed 1 Bath - 1280 sqft2BR,1BA$2.90
2210 MLK5 Bedroom | 2 Bath A5BR,2BA$1.36
RUMI at King2B2B Private Bedroom & Bathroom2BR,2BA$2.02
Hillside VillageB32BR,2BA$2.27
The Durant (new)2x12BR,1BA$2.97
2729 DwightStudio | 1 BathStudio ,1BA$2.68

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Ranked #6

Among neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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

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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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.