
Cheap Homes for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $1,000 (13 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


938 Kearney St

13700 San Pablo Ave

173 22nd St

1130 Yuba Ave, Unit 3

1403 Carlson 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.

5317 Ridgeview Cir

1402 Berkeley Way

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

177 22nd St

5405 Morrow Dr, Unit 1

5313 Ridgeview Cir
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.

1436 Henry St
El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in El Cerrito?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,073 | $2,100 | $3,700 |
| El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,683 | $3,295 | $8,800 |
| El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,877 | $3,350 | $7,000 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in El Cerrito
Explore El Cerrito
El Cerrito, CA Local Guide
- El Cerrito Neighborhoods
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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 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA
As of July 07, 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.
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 El Cerrito
What type of rentals are currently available in El Cerrito?
There are currently 1480 Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA with pricing that ranges from $950 to $15,997. There are also 51 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in El Cerrito ranging from $1,000 to $8,800.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in El Cerrito?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in El Cerrito ranges from $1,000 to $8,800 with an average monthly rent of $3,751.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in El Cerrito?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in El Cerrito range from $1,748 to $5,995, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,295 to $8,800. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,350 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,399.
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.