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


2715 Dwight

Spectra Southside (Student)

2430 Prospect

2225 Hearst

The Harmony Collective

The Laureate

Aquatic @ U
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

2345 Fulton St

The Den

2345 Fulton St

2414 Telegraph

2701 Durant

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

Evans Manor

2210 MLK

Sterling Haste

2731 Durant Ave

2618 College

Roosevelt

Oregon Park 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.

2620 Regent

Rise at Berkeley

2710 College

Durant Park Apartment

Bishop Berkeley Apartments

2115 Haste St

2070 University Avenue

2437 Warring St
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.

6433 Telegraph Apartments
South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in South Berkeley?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Berkeley Studio Apartments | $2,633 | $1,070 | $5,226 |
| South Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,516 | $695 | $6,842 |
| South Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,717 | $999 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,589 | $775 | $8,700 |
| South Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,172 | $972 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,797 | $1,140 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 6 Bedroom Apartments | $1,491 | $963 | $2,555 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 33 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the South Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA.
See all Apartments in BerkeleyExplore Berkeley
South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available South Berkeley Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the South Berkeley area of San Francisco, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Lair priced from $775. Sterling Haste has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $789. Here are the most affordable South Berkeley apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $775 |
| Sterling Haste | Sterling Haste B2 | 2BR,1BA | $789 |
| 2731 Durant Ave | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $895 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| 2715 Dwight | 6 Bedroom | 4 Bath | 6BR,4BA | $963 |
| Spectra Southside (Student) | Single Deluxe - S | 1BR,1BA | $999 |
| 2430 Prospect | 2 Bedroom | 1 Bath B | 2BR,1BA | $1,025 |
| Bosco | Studio - 241 sqft | Studio,1BA | $1,090 |
| 2225 Hearst | First Floor | 5BR,2BA | $1,140 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,236 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Berkeley, CA
As of January 31, 2026 the best value apartment in the South 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 South Berkeley apartment is the Five Bedroom Three Bathroom Model at Wesley House starting at $1,200 with a $1.08 price per square foot in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for South 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 |
| Wesley House | Five Bedroom Three Bathroom | 5BR,3BA | $1.08 |
| 3009 Dana St, Unit C | 3009 Dana St | 2BR,1BA | $2.98 |
| 1730 Stuart St, Unit A | 1730 Stuart St | 2BR,1BA | $2.71 |
| 2232 Blake Street | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $3.00 |
| 2414 Telegraph | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $1.64 |
| ArtHaus Dwight | D1 | 4BR,2BA | $2.85 |
| 1533 Harmon St | 2 Bedroom Apartment w/wood flooring throughout | 2BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| 2430 Prospect | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $2.20 |
| SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available at The Telegraph Commons! 2 blocks from UCB! | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1.65 |
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.
Best Local Schools in South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap South Berkeley Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in South Berkeley?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in South Berkeley is under $1,236.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in South Berkeley?
The cheapest apartment in South Berkeley is 2731 Durant Ave which is listed at $895, while the average apartment in South Berkeley costs $22,447.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in South 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 502 regular apartments in South 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 South Berkeley?
Cheap apartments in South Berkeley have an average cost of $2,417 which is $20,030 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in South 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

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.

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.