
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (35 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Berkeley area of Berkeley.


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.

1569 Arch St

2414 Telegraph

California Apartments

Panoramic Northside

The Laureate
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

2813 Shattuck Ave
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.
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.
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 | $2,498 | $995 | $4,449 |
| Downtown Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,331 | $600 | $5,090 |
| Downtown Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,669 | $699 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,375 | $775 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,258 | $972 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,897 | $1,140 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown Berkeley 6 Bedroom Apartments | $1,324 | $963 | $2,555 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 35 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
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $600 |
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $775 |
| The Den | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $895 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| 2715 Dwight | 6 Bedroom | 4 Bath | 6BR,4BA | $963 |
| Aquatic @ U | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $995 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $999 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Ridge House Triples | 1BR,1BA | $1,030 |
| Bosco | Studio - 241 sqft | Studio,1BA | $1,090 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Berkeley, CA
As of November 16, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Berkeley area is the $0.66 price per square foot 1BR/1.0BA Model at The Den in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $895. The second greatest value Downtown Berkeley apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at The Lair starting at $775 with a $0.74 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Den | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $0.66 |
| The Lair | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $0.74 |
| 2151 Russell St | 2151 Russell St | 2BR,1BA | $2.73 |
| 2342 Hilgard Ave, Unit 2342 | 2342 Hilgard Ave | 2BR,1BA | $1.10 |
| 2414 Telegraph | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $1.64 |
| Acton Courtyard | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.45 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Casa Zimbabwe Triples | 1BR,1BA | $2.06 |
| SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.43 |
| Aquatic @ U | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $2.60 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $2.69 |
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 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.
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 $1,090.
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 $2,725.
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 523 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 $2,730 which is $0 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.

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.

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!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

























