
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $900 (25 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


1160 Hearst Ave

2347 Roosevelt Ave

2349 Roosevelt Ave

578 Civic Center St

Montoya Garden
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.

1925 Tenth St

5533 Madison Ave, Unit #3

4212 Nevin Ave

5018-5022 Barrett Ave

1988 California St
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.

2235 Church Ln
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.
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.
El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in El Cerrito?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
El Cerrito Studio Apartments | $2,247 | $1,375 | $2,837 |
El Cerrito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,334 | $900 | $3,770 |
El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,437 | $1,995 | $4,977 |
El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,737 | $1,475 | $6,785 |
El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,901 | $1,400 | $8,847 |
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El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

- El Cerrito Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available El Cerrito Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in El Cerrito, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Helios in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood priced from $950. Bosco in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 5 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,408. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cerrito apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
Bosco | Unit 401 | 5BR,3BA | $1,408 |
1176 University | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1,995 |
Heritage Grove Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA and Nearby
As of July 08, 2025 the best value apartment in the El Cerrito area is the $1.38 price per square foot 3410 San Pablo Dam Rd Model at 3410 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit #3414 in the in the Hilltop neighborhood starting from $2,750. The second greatest value El Cerrito apartment is the 3 BR x 1 BA Model at 1201 Liberty Apartments starting at $2,850 with a $2.85 price per square foot in the Midtown neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for El Cerrito apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
3410 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit #3414 | 3410 San Pablo Dam Rd | 3BR,1BA | $1.38 |
1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 1 BA | 3BR,1BA | $2.85 |
Terraces at Nevin | 2 Bedroom Type A | 2BR,1BA | $2.39 |
5533 Madison Ave, Unit #3 | 5533 Madison Ave | 1BR,1BA | $1.89 |
3340 Belmont Ave, Unit A | 3340 Belmont Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.76 |
1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.82 |
1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 2 | 1668 Shattuck Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.01 |
Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
1176 University | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $1.99 |
847 S 47th St, Unit A | 847 S 47th St | 1BR,1BA | $3.09 |
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El Cerrito Overview
Part of the glorious San Francisco Bay area, El Cerrito is a scenic hot spot that is sure to appeal to many. A relatively 'new' city, this west coast locale is brimming with industry, convenience and a world of amenities at your fingertips.
Why live in El Cerrito, CA?
Boasting an impressive number of public parks, not to mention jaw-dropping water views and plenty in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightclubs, a El Cerrito is sure to please. Convenient to a number of area universities as well as the excitement of San Francisco proper, this California destination is an ideal spot for anyone eager to connect with a new home on the west coast.
Best Local Schools in El Cerrito, CA
Madera Elementary
Fred T. Korematsu Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore El Cerrito, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in El Cerrito, CA
Getting Around El Cerrito, CA
Walk Score®
88 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
84 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
57 / 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 El Cerrito Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in El Cerrito?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in El Cerrito is at 1176 University listed at $1,495.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cerrito Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cerrito Apartment is $950 at Helios.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom El Cerrito Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in El Cerrito is starting from $1,995 at Casa del Sol.
What is the most affordable El Cerrito Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap El Cerrito Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Bosco and starts from $1,475.
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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.