
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $900 (75 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


3420 Carlson Blvd

The Village at Town Center

6500 Donal Ave

938 Kearney St

5419 Silva Ave, Unit New ADU with bonus office, Unit New ADU with bonus office

5300 School St

Civic Plaza Apartments

5921 Central Ave

6501 Donal Ave
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.

Mayfair Station

535 Liberty St

Cerrito Vista

1639 Josephine St

Terraces at Nevin

California Apartments

4020 San Pablo Dam Rd

440 18th St, Unit b

Total Monthly Price
932 Delaware St, Unit Charming Studio with Kitchenette, Unit Charming Studio with Kitchenette

2736 Chanslor 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.

Villa Alvarado

Montoya Garden

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
21 Leisure Ln

Total Monthly Price
2316 Brooks Ave, Unit 2316 Brooks Ave, Unit 2316 Brooks Ave

706 Jetty Dr

Total Monthly Price
503 27th St, Unit 503, Unit 503

Total Monthly Price
3319 Nevin Ave, Unit D, Unit D

1650 Oxford St

Total Monthly Price
4353 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit 4, Unit 4
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.

Total Monthly Price
2814 Lowell Ave, Unit 2814A, Unit 2814A

12450 San Pablo Ave

1623 Grant St, Unit 1625B

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
836 Adams St, Unit B, Unit B

The U at California

1538 Arch St

Total Monthly Price
Heritage Grove Apartments

Solace

Total Monthly Price
1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 2, Unit 2
Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers
Maximize your work-life balance in San Francisco. Discover the ideal neighborhoods for renting, from SoMa to Nob Hill, for employees of the city's 5 leading companies.

6000 Bayview Ave

Total Monthly Price
1008 Ridgeview Dr, Unit #2, Unit #2

40 Avon Rd

Monterey Pines

2601 Center Ave

5103 Panama Ave

1176 University

Kona Apartments

Olsen Donald Apartments

1613 6th 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.
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 | $2,266 | $1,050 | $3,036 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,440 | $950 | $3,678 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,525 | $1,800 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,858 | $1,000 | $4,600 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,981 | $1,747 | $6,417 |
Browse Top Apartments in El Cerrito
See all Apartments in El CerritoExplore El Cerrito
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 301 | 6BR,3BA | $1,728 |
| Villa Alvarado | Studio 2nd floor with patio | Studio,1BA | $1,795 |
| 6500 Donal Ave | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,850 |
| Montoya Garden | 1 BR, 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,875 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA
As of April 09, 2026 the best value apartment in the El Cerrito area is the $0.75 price per square foot 3424 Yosemite Ave Model at 3424 Yosemite Ave, Unit 3 in the in the Midtown neighborhood starting from $1,000. The second greatest value El Cerrito apartment is the 3 BR x 2 BA Model at 1201 Liberty Apartments starting at $3,250 with a $2.95 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3424 Yosemite Ave, Unit 3 | 3424 Yosemite Ave | 3BR,2BA | $0.75 |
| 1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| Solace | Diamond | 2BR,2BA | $3.10 |
| 2619 Barrett Ave, Unit 2619 | 2619 Barrett Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.79 |
| 1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| 1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 2 | 1668 Shattuck Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.01 |
| Heritage Grove Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.07 |
| 2316 Brooks Ave, Unit 2316 Brooks Ave | 2316 Brooks Ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.55 |
| 21 Leisure Ln | 21 Leisure Ln | 2BR,1BA | $2.56 |
| Montoya Garden | 1 BR, 1 BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.68 |
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.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleCash 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.
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 $1,800 at Helios.
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 $1,740.
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.

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

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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.