
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $900 (62 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


6501 Donal Ave

6500 Donal Ave

938 Kearney St

733 Balra Dr

Mayfair Station

Total Monthly Price
6021 El Dorado St, Unit NA, Unit NA

Civic Plaza Apartments

5921 Central Ave

2029 Key Blvd
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.

535 Liberty St

Cerrito Vista

1639 Josephine St

1960-1964 San Pablo Ave

Terraces at Nevin

Total Monthly Price
1600 Edith St, Unit A, Unit A

2029 Nevin Ave

Montevista Senior

California Apartments

555 Pierce St, Unit #1134, Unit #1134
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.

Villa Alvarado

1835 Bonita Rd

1920 Francisco LLC

1925 Tenth St

Montoya Garden

4166 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit 4166A San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit 4166A San Pablo Dam Rd

1402 Berkeley Way

Total Monthly Price
Heritage Grove Apartments

12450 San Pablo Ave

450 39th St, Unit 1, Unit 1
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.

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
1730 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Unit SI ID1501143P

510 McLaughlin St

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

1228 Delaware St

Monterey Pines

2601 Center Ave

1176 University

Kona Apartments
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Acton Courtyard

Olsen Donald Apartments

1613 6th St

Tiki Apartments

1951 Chestnut St

1301 Gilman St

411 Stannage Ave

1213 San Pablo Ave

173 22nd St

Courtyard Terrace Apartments
Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
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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 | $2,266 | $1,050 | $3,722 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,436 | $950 | $4,001 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,251 | $1,888 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,647 | $1,395 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,761 | $1,788 | $6,554 |
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 $1,459. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cerrito apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helios | Bed rental - Shared Double Occupancy Room | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| Terraces at Nevin | Seniors Studio Type A | Studio,1BA | $1,459 |
| Acton Courtyard | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1,618 |
| Bosco | Unit 301 | 6BR,3BA | $1,688 |
| 1920 Francisco LLC | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,795 |
| 6500 Donal Ave | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,850 |
| Heritage Grove Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,995 |
| Mayfair Station | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,073 |
| Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| The Village at Town Center | The Cobblestone | 2BR,2BA | $2.98 |
| Evergreen Apartments | Standard 2 | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| 1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| 1600 Edith St, Unit A | 1600 Edith St | 3BR,1BA | $1.74 |
| 1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 2 | 1668 Shattuck Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.01 |
| Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| Villa Alvarado | 2 Bed 1 Ba, 2nd Flr | 2BR,1BA | $3.37 |
| Civic Plaza Apartments | Plan C | 1BR,1BA | $3.23 |
| La Cha Farrel | studio | Studio ,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.
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 ArticleReal 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.
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 $1,459.
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.
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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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.