
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $900 (24 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


2505 Mira Vista Dr, Unit 2

6500 Donal Ave

Terraces at Nevin

723 Buchanan St, Unit C

California Apartments

4150 San Pablo Dam Rd

4020 San Pablo Dam Rd
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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.

1988 California St

Montoya Garden

Villa Alvarado

1823 Delaware St

Monterey Pines

2601 Center Ave

1176 University

Kona Apartments
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Olsen Donald Apartments

1613 6th St

Tiki Apartments

1951 Chestnut St

1301 Gilman St

411 Stannage Ave

1213 San Pablo Ave

Courtyard Terrace Apartments
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El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in El Cerrito?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap El Cerrito Studio Apartments | $2,252 | $1,331 | $3,300 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,483 | $950 | $3,995 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,339 | $2,000 | $8,168 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,735 | $1,476 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,905 | $2,201 | $7,075 |
Browse Top Apartments in El Cerrito
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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
 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 $1,331. 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 |
| Terraces at Nevin | Studio Type A | Studio,1BA | $1,331 |
| Bosco | Unit 501 | 5BR,3BA | $1,450 |
| 6500 Donal Ave | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,850 |
| Villa Alvarado | 1 Bed 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $1,995 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA
As of January 07, 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 2 bedroom Model at 1401 Liberty St starting at $2,500 with a $2.94 price per square foot in the Del Norte 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| 1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| 3421 Belmont Ave, Unit Upper Level 2B1B | 3421 Belmont Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| 2505 Mira Vista Dr, Unit 2 | 2505 Mira Vista Dr | 1BR,1BA | $2.00 |
| Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| Heritage Grove Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.93 |
| Civic Plaza Apartments | Plan C | 1BR,1BA | $3.23 |
| 3319 Nevin Ave, Unit D | 3319 Nevin Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.13 |
| 1751 Liberty St, Unit 106 | 1751 Liberty St | 1BR,1BA | $2.60 |
| Terraces at Nevin | Studio Type A | Studio ,1BA | $3.25 |
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
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Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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Read ArticleLocal 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
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.
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
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 $1,331.
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 $2,095 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 $1,476.
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!