
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Plaza Neighborhood of El Cerrito, CA from $1,700 (135 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Plaza area of El Cerrito.


Metro 510

1201 Liberty Apartments

Civic Plaza Apartments

1401 Liberty St

6500 Central

3234 Yosemite Ave

840 Lexington Ave

5621 El Dorado Ave

438 Everett St
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.

6530 Gladys Ave

6401 Fairmount Ave

936-942 Lexington Ave

Bon Aire

545 Elm St

6534 Stockton Ave

3028-3030 Carlson Blvd

3218 Yosemite Ave

6521 Manila Ave

6000 Avila St
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.

501 Lexington Ave

856 Balra Dr

6520 Manila Ave

6612 Schmidt Ln

3451-3455 Yosemite Ave

544 Lexington Ave

906 Liberty St

611 Lexington Ave

539 Everett St

435 Liberty St
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.

6431 Stockton Ave

1230 Liberty St

1015 Liberty St

2924 Santa Clara Ave

5732 Central Ave

519 Oak St

The Carriage House

6511 Central Ave

6531 Liberty St

6026 El Dorado St
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.

554 Liberty St

3232 Santa Clara Ave

6900 Stockton Ave

851 Liberty St

512 Liberty St

540 Lexington Ave

605-607 Liberty St

929 Liberty St

6618 Lincoln Ave

520 Lexington Ave
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Plaza?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Studio Apartments | $2,562 | $2,425 | $2,700 |
| Plaza 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,638 | $2,175 | $3,200 |
| Plaza 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,133 | $2,290 | $4,000 |
| Plaza 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,973 | $2,950 | $5,890 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 135 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Plaza Neighborhood of El Cerrito, CA.
See all Apartments in El CerritoExplore El Cerrito
Plaza, El Cerrito, CA Local Guide
- Nearby El Cerrito neighborhoods
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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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Plaza Apartments | Plan C | 1BR,1BA | $2,175 |
| Hillside Terrace | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| The Village at Town Center | The Laguna | 1BR,1BA | $2,410 |
| 1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| 1201 Liberty Apartments | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| Metro 510 | 1A | 1BR,1BA | $2,875 |
| Cerrito Vista | 2BD, 1BTH A | 2BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5819 Bayview Ave, Unit In law unit | 5819 Bayview Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| 1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 2 BA | 3BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| 1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| Metro 510 | 1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.39 |
| Cerrito Vista | 2BD, 1BTH A | 2BR,1BA | $3.75 |
| Hillside Terrace | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $3.14 |
| Civic Plaza Apartments | Plan C | 1BR,1BA | $3.23 |
| The Village at Town Center | The Laguna | 1BR,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.
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.
Pet Friendly LifestylePlaza, El Cerrito, CA
Ranked #2
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Plaza, El Cerrito, CA
Harding Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
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

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 Insider's 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.