Cheap Apartments for Rent in the South Berkeley Neighborhood of Berkeley, CA from $500 (34 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the South Berkeley area of Berkeley.

The Den

2430 Prospect

The Harmony Collective

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.

The Laureate

2414 Telegraph

California Apartments

2813 Shattuck Ave

2428 McGee 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.

2721 California St

1926 Alcatraz 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
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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 | $2,521 | $995 | $4,449 |
| South Berkeley 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,371 | $600 | $5,090 |
| South Berkeley 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,604 | $699 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,475 | $775 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,970 | $972 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 5 Bedroom Apartments | $4,748 | $1,140 | $10,000+ |
| South Berkeley 6 Bedroom Apartments | $1,484 | $963 | $2,555 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 34 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
- Nearby Berkeley neighborhoods
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- Local Counties
- School Districts
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. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $775 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| 2715 Dwight | 6 Bedroom | 4 Bath | 6BR,4BA | $963 |
| 2430 Prospect | 2 Bedroom | 1 Bath B | 2BR,1BA | $1,025 |
| The Harmony Collective | Suite A - Unfurnished Room - Shared Bathroom | 1BR, | $1,050 |
| Bosco | Studio - 241 sqft | Studio,1BA | $1,090 |
| Spectra Southside (Student) | Single | 1BR,1BA | $1,099 |
| 2225 Hearst | First Floor | 5BR,2BA | $1,140 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,236 |
| Ace Berkeley | 2BR/2B - Deluxe - B10 | 2BR,2BA | $1,375 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in South Berkeley, CA
As of December 13, 2025 the best value apartment in the South Berkeley area is the $2.50 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Model at 2129 Haste Street in the in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood starting from $3,695. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2129 Haste Street | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| 3012 College Ave | 3012College | 3BR,2BA | $2.92 |
| 2232 Blake Street | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $3.00 |
| 1940-1942 Haste St. | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.23 |
| 2414 Telegraph | 3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 3BR,1BA | $1.64 |
| ArtHaus Dwight | D1 | 4BR,2BA | $2.85 |
| FOUND Study Downtown Berkeley | B1 (2 Bed/1 Bath) | 2BR,1BA | $3.08 |
| 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 | $1.43 |
| Rise at Berkeley | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $3.33 |
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 LifestyleSouth 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 South Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Getting Around the South Berkeley Neighborhood in Berkeley, CA
Walk Score®
93 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
94 / 100
Biker's Paradise
Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Transit Score®
65 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
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 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 $16,434.
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 495 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 $2,593 which is $13,841 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.

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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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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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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
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Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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