Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (47 Rentals)

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

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.

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.

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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
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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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2620 Regent
4 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

2620 Regent

2620 Regent StBerkeley, CA 94704
Furnished

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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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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2715 Channing
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2715 Channing

2715 Channing WayBerkeley, CA 94704
Affordability
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Durant Park Apartment
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Durant Park Apartment

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

2115 Haste St

2115 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704

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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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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1930 Channing Way
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

1930 Channing Way

1930 Channing WayBerkeley, CA 94704
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2322 Haste St
Studio Apartments

2322 Haste St

2322 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
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Collab@Oxford
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Collab@Oxford

1773 Oxford StBerkeley, CA 94709
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2218 Haste St
Studio Apartments

2218 Haste St

2218 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
  • Utilities Included

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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2508 Hillegass Ave
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

2508 Hillegass Ave

2508 Hillegass AveBerkeley, CA 94704
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Durant CAL Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Durant CAL Apartments

2539 Durant AveBerkeley, CA 94704
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Shattuck Studios
Studio Apartments

Shattuck Studios

2711 Shattuck AveBerkeley, CA 94705
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1725 Oxford St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1725 Oxford St

1725 Oxford StBerkeley, CA 94709
  • Utilities Included
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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 1 Bed unit found at SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available priced from $600. The Lair has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $775. Here are the most affordable Downtown Berkeley apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$600
The Lair3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$775
HeliosShared Double1BR,1BA$950
Spectra Southside (Student)Single1BR,1BA$999
Student | Identity Logan ParkSelect 143BR,3BA$999
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$999
2225 HearstFirst Floor5BR,2BA$1,140
The BerkArch D14BR,1BA$1,150

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Berkeley, CA

As of October 01, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Berkeley area is the $0.74 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at The Lair in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $775. The second greatest value Downtown Berkeley apartment is the 2342 Hilgard Ave Model at 2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 2342 starting at $995 with a $1.10 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.
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
1433 Dwight Way2 Bedroom, 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2.83
FOUND Study Downtown BerkeleyB2 (2 bed/1 bath)2BR,1BA$1.36
FOUND Study Southside Berkeley2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$2.28
Casa ZimbabweCasa Zimbabwe Triples1BR,1BA$2.32
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.43
Aquatic @ U0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$2.60
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$2.69

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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Ranked #8

Among cities in California 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 $1,150.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Berkeley?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Berkeley is SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available which is listed at $600, while the average apartment in Downtown Berkeley costs $5,195.

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 353 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 $2,891 which is $2,304 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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A Phoenix Experts Relocation Guide: Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near Banner, ASU, & Amazon

Written by: Andrew Jollett

Phoenix has long been one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States. When I think about how much I’ve seen it change over the years, it’s no wonder so many young professionals flock to the area every year.

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Kansas Citys Major Employers & the Best Places to Rent Near Them | A Local Expert Guide

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

Hey, there! I’m Amber, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Kansas City, and I’m back with my recommendations for top employers in the area.

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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!