Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $400 (104 Rentals)

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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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property at 1467 Russell St

$1,595 - $2,195

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1467 Russell St

BerkeleyCA94702

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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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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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
  • Utilities Included
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Sterling Haste
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sterling Haste

2110 Haste StBerkeley, CA 94704
Student Housing

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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South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available South Berkeley Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the South Berkeley area of San Francisco, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at FOUND Study Southside Berkeley priced from $845. Helios has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $950. Here are the most affordable South Berkeley apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
FOUND Study Southside Berkeley4x2 - Double - Berkeley 26-274BR,2BA$845
HeliosShared Double1BR,1BA$950
The Lair3BR/2.0BA3BR,2BA$1,099
2737 Durant Avenue0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,125
2731 Durant Ave1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,195
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,237
The Harmony CollectiveSuite D - Furnished Rooms - Shared Bathroom1BR,$1,250
Aquatic @ U0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,348
Ace Berkeley2BR/2B - Deluxe - B102BR,2BA$1,375

Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Berkeley, CA

As of May 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the South Berkeley area is the $1.80 price per square foot 1BR/1.0BA Model at The Den in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $2,450. The second greatest value South Berkeley apartment is the 3012College Model at 3012 College Ave starting at $3,500 with a $2.92 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Den1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.80
3012 College Ave3012College3BR,2BA$2.92
2737 Durant Avenue0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$0.95
Hub Bancroft2x2 A2BR,2BA$1.83
The Lair2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.48
MB Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.33
1467 Russell St1467 Russell St1BR,1BA$2.63
FOUND Study Downtown BerkeleyA2 (1 Bed/1 Bath)1BR,1BA$3.05
SHARED & PRIVATE Dorm Style Units Available at The Telegraph Commons! 2 blocks from UCB!1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.82
Rise at Berkeley0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$3.33

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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 $1,375.

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

The cheapest apartment in South Berkeley is Helios which is listed at $950, while the average apartment in South Berkeley costs $2,800.

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 $2,818 which is $0 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

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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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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.

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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.

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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

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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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.