Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $900 (62 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.

property at 237 Colusa Ave

$1,650

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,650

Total Monthly Price
$1,650

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Jun 1

237 Colusa Ave

El CerritoCA94530
property at 733 Balra Dr

$1,995

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,995

Total Monthly Price
$1,995

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

733 Balra Dr

El CerritoCA94530

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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535 Liberty St
1 Bedroom Apartments

535 Liberty St

535 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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Cerrito Vista
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Cerrito Vista

10963 San Pablo AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
property at 555 Pierce St

$1,600

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,600

Total Monthly Price
$1,600

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

555 Pierce St, Unit #1134, Unit #1134

555 Pierce St
AlbanyCA94706

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property at 1228 Delaware St

$2,200 - $2,350

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Jun 10

1228 Delaware St

BerkeleyCA94702
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Monterey Pines
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Monterey Pines

680 37th StRichmond, CA 94805
  • Utilities Included
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2601 Center Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

2601 Center Ave

2601 Center AveRichmond, CA 94804
  • Utilities Included
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1176 University
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1176 University

1176 University AveBerkeley, CA 94702
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Kona Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Kona Apartments

2645 Church LnSan Pablo, CA 94806
  • Utilities Included

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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Acton Courtyard
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Acton Courtyard

1370 University AveBerkeley, CA 94704
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1613 6th St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1613 6th St

1613 6th StBerkeley, CA 94710
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Tiki Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tiki Apartments

2688 Rollingwood DrSan Pablo, CA 94806
  • Utilities Included
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1951 Chestnut St
Studio Apartments

1951 Chestnut St

1951 Chestnut StBerkeley, CA 94702
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1301 Gilman St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1301 Gilman St

1301 Gilman StAlbany, CA 94706
  • Utilities Included
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411 Stannage Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

411 Stannage Ave

411 Stannage AveAlbany, CA 94706
  • Utilities Included
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1213 San Pablo Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1213 San Pablo Ave

1213 San Pablo AveAlbany, CA 94706
  • Utilities Included

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

Unlock the personality of Renting and Living in the City by the Bay. Learn where to eat the best tacos, find hidden views, and embrace the charming contradictions of San Francisco life.

El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Available El Cerrito Apartments for Rent

 

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. Terraces at Nevin in the Cortez neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,459. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cerrito apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
HeliosBed rental - Shared Double Occupancy Room1BR,1BA$950
Terraces at NevinSeniors Studio Type AStudio,1BA$1,459
Acton Courtyard2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$1,618
BoscoUnit 3016BR,3BA$1,688
1920 Francisco LLC0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,795
6500 Donal Ave1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,850
Heritage Grove Apartments1x11BR,1BA$1,995
Mayfair StationStudioStudio,1BA$2,073
Casa del Sol2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2,095

Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA

As of May 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the El Cerrito area is the $2.95 price per square foot 3 BR x 2 BA Model at 1201 Liberty Apartments in the in the Midtown neighborhood starting from $3,250. The second greatest value El Cerrito apartment is the The Cobblestone Model at The Village at Town Center starting at $3,200 with a $2.98 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1201 Liberty Apartments3 BR x 2 BA3BR,2BA$2.95
The Village at Town CenterThe Cobblestone2BR,2BA$2.98
Evergreen ApartmentsStandard 22BR,1BA$2.74
1401 Liberty St2 bedroom2BR,1BA$2.94
1600 Edith St, Unit A1600 Edith St3BR,1BA$1.74
1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 21668 Shattuck Ave2BR,1BA$3.01
Casa del Sol2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.75
Villa Alvarado2 Bed 1 Ba, 2nd Flr2BR,1BA$3.37
Civic Plaza ApartmentsPlan C1BR,1BA$3.23
La Cha FarrelstudioStudio ,1BA$3.28

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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Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco

A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Bay area for affordable living. Find your perfect San Francisco Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com

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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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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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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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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 Terraces at Nevin listed at $1,459.

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 $1,618 at Acton Courtyard.

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 $1,748.

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.

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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.

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