
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $900 (58 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


938 Kearney St

Civic Plaza Apartments

Donal Park Apartments

535 Liberty St

Cerrito Vista

2029 Nevin Ave

Terraces at Nevin

2349 Roosevelt Ave

2347 Roosevelt Ave
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.

Montevista Senior

1213 San Pablo Ave

California Apartments

4010 Macdonald Ave

1130 Yuba Ave, Unit 3

1709 University Ave

1246 Hearst Ave

1925 Tenth St

Villa Alvarado

BUSD Workforce Housing
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.

Montoya Garden

12450 San Pablo Ave

1920 Francisco LLC

Total Monthly Price
245 S 22nd St, Unit 245

Total Monthly Price
Heritage Grove Apartments

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

1532 Milvia St

510 McLaughlin St

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

Monterey Pines
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.

2601 Center Ave

Kona Apartments

Acton Courtyard

1613 6th St

Tiki Apartments

13700 San Pablo Ave

1951 Chestnut St

945 S 45th St

1301 Gilman St

1403 Carlson Blvd
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.

173 22nd St

411 Stannage Ave

1213 San Pablo Ave

Courtyard Terrace Apartments

5317 Ridgeview Cir

University Ave Apartments

146 19th St

1402 Berkeley Way

922 Carlson Blvd

1233 S 56th St
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
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 | $2,275 | $1,250 | $3,734 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,301 | $950 | $3,200 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,203 | $1,895 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,548 | $1,748 | $5,995 |
| Cheap El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,576 | $1,399 | $8,847 |
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 $1,508. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cerrito apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helios | Helios - Bed rental - Shared Double 2026 - 2027... | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| Terraces at Nevin | Seniors Studio Type A | Studio,1BA | $1,508 |
| Bosco | Unit 301 | 6BR,3BA | $1,688 |
| 945 S 45th St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $1,695 |
| BUSD Workforce Housing | 1BR IBA | 1BR,1BA | $1,798 |
| Montoya Garden | STUDIO | Studio,1BA | $1,875 |
| 146 19th St | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $1,895 |
| 1920 Francisco LLC | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,900 |
| 922 Carlson Blvd | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $1,949 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA
As of July 08, 2026 the best value apartment in the El Cerrito area is the $2.05 price per square foot 5819 Bayview Ave Model at 5819 Bayview Ave, Unit In law unit in the in the Midtown neighborhood starting from $2,500. The second greatest value El Cerrito apartment is the 1337 Cornell Ave Model at 1337 Cornell Ave, Unit 2BD 1BA Upstairs Unit starting at $3,400 with a $2.83 price per square foot in the University Village 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5819 Bayview Ave, Unit In law unit | 5819 Bayview Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| 1337 Cornell Ave, Unit 2BD 1BA Upstairs Unit | 1337 Cornell Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.83 |
| 1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| Evergreen Apartments | Standard 2 | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| 1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| 5210 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit 5 | 5210 San Pablo Dam Rd | 2BR,1BA | $2.76 |
| 1668 Shattuck Ave, Unit 2 | 1668 Shattuck Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.01 |
| Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| 146 19th St | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| 922 Carlson Blvd | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $2.97 |
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 $1,508.
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 $1,895 at 146 19th St.
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 $1,808.
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

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.