
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (105 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Berkeley area of Berkeley.


2731 Durant Ave

2715 Dwight

Casa Zimbabwe

1639 Josephine St

Wesley House

The Lair

2701 Durant

2737 Durant Avenue

Total Monthly Price
Pique Berkeley
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.

2627 Virginia St

Vanguard Apartments

Rise at Berkeley

Total Monthly Price
2414 Telegraph

Aquatic @ U

The Den

2344 Fulton St

California Apartments

2818 Telegraph Ave

2818 Telegraph 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.

1467 Russell St

2919 Shattuck Ave.

Total Monthly Price
1467 Russell St, Unit 2

2000 Durant Ave

1803 Oxford St

1609 Stuart St

UC Studios

2550 Dana St

1816 Carleton St

MB Apartments
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.

2508 Hillegass Ave

2325 Channing Way

2530 Hillegass Ave

2711 Shattuck Ave.

2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 2342

Total Monthly Price
Hillside Village

2121 Blake St

1816 Carleton St

Americana Apartments

Maison Durant
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.

Parker House

Shattuck Apartments

2412 Ellsworth St.

1801 Derby St

2333 Channing Way

Total Monthly Price
1329 Parker St, Unit 1329

2548 Virginia St

2214 Channing Way

Blake Apartments

Woolsey Walk
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 | $2,544 | $800 | $5,226 |
| Downtown Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,572 | $695 | $8,905 |
| Downtown Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,938 | $949 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,568 | $810 | $8,865 |
| Downtown Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,524 | $970 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $3,678 | $1,120 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 6 Bedroom Apartments | $2,118 | $748 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 105 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 2 Beds unit found at Collab@Oxford priced from $949. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collab@Oxford | 2X1 | 2BR,1BA | $949 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Ridge House Triples | 1BR,1BA | $1,030 |
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $1,099 |
| 2737 Durant Avenue | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,125 |
| Vanguard Apartments | 1bed,1bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,200 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,237 |
| Aquatic @ U | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,348 |
| Ace Berkeley | 2BR/2B - Deluxe - B10 | 2BR,2BA | $1,390 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Berkeley, CA
As of April 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Berkeley area is the $2.92 price per square foot 3012College Model at 3012 College Ave in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $3,500. The second greatest value Downtown Berkeley apartment is the 0BR/1.0BA Model at 2737 Durant Avenue starting at $1,125 with a $0.95 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3012 College Ave | 3012College | 3BR,2BA | $2.92 |
| 2737 Durant Avenue | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $0.95 |
| Hub Bancroft | 2x2 A | 2BR,2BA | $1.83 |
| 2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 2342 | 2342 Hilgard Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.09 |
| 1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 2 | 1668 Shattuck Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.01 |
| Collab@Oxford | 3X2 | 3BR,2BA | $1.62 |
| Vanguard Apartments | 1bed,1bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.60 |
| FOUND Study Southside Berkeley | 2 Bed/1 Bath Private | 2BR,1BA | $2.70 |
| 1467 Russell St, Unit 2 | 1467 Russell St | 1BR,1BA | $2.63 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Casa Zimbabwe Triples | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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 #4
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 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 $1,390.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Berkeley?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Berkeley is Helios which is listed at $950, while the average apartment in Downtown Berkeley costs $2,965.
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 625 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 $2,328 which is $637 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Berkeley.
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.

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders 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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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.