Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Plaza Neighborhood of El Cerrito, CA from $1,700 (135 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Plaza area of El Cerrito.

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6500 Central
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

6500 Central

6500 Central AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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3234 Yosemite Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3234 Yosemite Ave

3234 Yosemite AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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840 Lexington Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

840 Lexington Ave

840 Lexington AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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5621 El Dorado Ave
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

5621 El Dorado Ave

5621 El Dorado AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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438 Everett St
1 Bedroom Apartments

438 Everett St

438 Everett StEl Cerrito, CA 94530

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.

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6530 Gladys Ave
3 Bedroom Apartments

6530 Gladys Ave

6530 Gladys AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6401 Fairmount Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

6401 Fairmount Ave

6401 Fairmount AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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Bon Aire
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bon Aire

939 Lexington AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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545 Elm St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

545 Elm St

545 Elm StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6534 Stockton Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

6534 Stockton Ave

6534 Stockton AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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3218 Yosemite Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3218 Yosemite Ave

3218 Yosemite AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6521 Manila Ave
Studio Apartments

6521 Manila Ave

6521 Manila AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6000 Avila St
Studio Apartments

6000 Avila St

6000 Avila StEl Cerrito, CA 94530

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.

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856 Balra Dr
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

856 Balra Dr

856 Balra DrEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6520 Manila Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

6520 Manila Ave

6520 Manila AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6612 Schmidt Ln
2 Bedroom Apartments

6612 Schmidt Ln

6612 Schmidt LnEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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544 Lexington Ave
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

544 Lexington Ave

544 Lexington AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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906 Liberty St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

906 Liberty St

906 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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611 Lexington Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

611 Lexington Ave

611 Lexington AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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539 Everett St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

539 Everett St

539 Everett StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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435 Liberty St
2 Bedroom Apartments

435 Liberty St

435 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530

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.

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6431 Stockton Ave
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

6431 Stockton Ave

6431 Stockton AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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1230 Liberty St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1230 Liberty St

1230 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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1015 Liberty St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1015 Liberty St

1015 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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5732 Central Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

5732 Central Ave

5732 Central AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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519 Oak St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

519 Oak St

519 Oak StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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The Carriage House
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Carriage House

945 Kearney StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6511 Central Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

6511 Central Ave

6511 Central AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6531 Liberty St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

6531 Liberty St

6531 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6026 El Dorado St
2 Bedroom Apartments

6026 El Dorado St

6026 El Dorado StEl Cerrito, CA 94530

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.

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554 Liberty St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

554 Liberty St

554 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6900 Stockton Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

6900 Stockton Ave

6900 Stockton AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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851 Liberty St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

851 Liberty St

851 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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512 Liberty St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

512 Liberty St

512 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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540 Lexington Ave
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

540 Lexington Ave

540 Lexington AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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605-607 Liberty St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

605-607 Liberty St

605-607 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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929 Liberty St
1 Bedroom Apartments

929 Liberty St

929 Liberty StEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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6618 Lincoln Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

6618 Lincoln Ave

6618 Lincoln AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530
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520 Lexington Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

520 Lexington Ave

520 Lexington AveEl Cerrito, CA 94530

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.

Plaza, El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Plaza Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Plaza area of San Francisco, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Civic Plaza Apartments priced from $2,175. Hillside Terrace has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $2,295. Here are the most affordable Plaza apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Civic Plaza ApartmentsPlan C1BR,1BA$2,175
Hillside Terrace2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2,295
The Village at Town CenterThe Laguna1BR,1BA$2,410
1401 Liberty St2 bedroom2BR,1BA$2,500
1201 Liberty Apartments2 bedroom2BR,1BA$2,500
Metro 5101A1BR,1BA$2,875
Cerrito Vista2BD, 1BTH A2BR,1BA$2,928

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Plaza, CA

As of July 10, 2026 the best value apartment in the Plaza 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 Plaza 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 Plaza apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
5819 Bayview Ave, Unit In law unit5819 Bayview Ave2BR,1BA$2.05
1201 Liberty Apartments3 BR x 2 BA3BR,2BA$2.95
1401 Liberty St2 bedroom2BR,1BA$2.94
Metro 5101A1BR,1BA$3.39
Cerrito Vista2BD, 1BTH A2BR,1BA$3.75
Hillside Terrace2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$3.14
Civic Plaza ApartmentsPlan C1BR,1BA$3.23
The Village at Town CenterThe Laguna1BR,1BA$3.80

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.

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Real 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.

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Quick 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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Plaza, El Cerrito, CA

Ranked #2

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Plaza Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Plaza?

The cheapest apartment in Plaza is Civic Plaza Apartments which is listed at $2,175, while the average apartment in Plaza costs $3,725.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Plaza?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 1 regular apartments in Plaza that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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

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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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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.

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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.

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Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.