
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Oakland, CA from $400 (129 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Oakland.


Claridge Hotel LP.

2775-2777 E 21st St

Northgate Terrace

2204 E 24th St

La Peralta

Raymond Investments LLC.

Oak Village

3619-3619 San Leandro St

MacArthur Heights
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.

ArtHaus 820

2825 67th Ave

Oakland Station

2567 Foothill Blvd

2624 Foothill Blvd

2624 Foothill Blvd

2920 Filbert St

1091 59th St

518 W MacArthur Blvd

1929 26th Avenue
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.

1468-1474 MacArthur Blvd

Total Monthly Price
535 30th St

MacArthur Commons

San Leandro Apartments

530 24th Street

1532 8th Ave

1757 26th Ave

2339 88th Ave

1757 26th Ave

Total Monthly Price
1596 Tucker St
Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
Unlock the personality of Renting and Living in the City by the Bay. Learn where to eat the best tacos, find hidden views, and embrace the charming contradictions of San Francisco life.

1408 21st Ave

Mark Twain Homes

The Grove

Victoria Park Apts Edmond

The Brooklyn (Furnished Rooms)

Brookfield Place

2375 Fruitvale Ave

Louise Street Lofts

668 28th St

Tassafaronga Village
Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers
Maximize your work-life balance in San Francisco. Discover the ideal neighborhoods for renting, from SoMa to Nob Hill, for employees of the city's 5 leading companies.

Grand Lake Terrace Apartments

Artthaus SIX

715 Peralta St

Hillcastle Apartments

Regent Darien Apartments LLC.

Oakland 34 Apartments

Nook on Valdez

2042-2046 International Blvd

Miley Gardens at Eastmont- 55+ Senior Affordable Community

Electric Lofts
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
Oakland, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Oakland?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Oakland Studio Apartments | $2,362 | $600 | $6,500 |
| Cheap Oakland 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,861 | $695 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Oakland 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,111 | $949 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Oakland 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,632 | $400 | $8,865 |
| Cheap Oakland 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,713 | $970 | $10,000+ |
| Oakland 5 Bedroom Apartments | $3,664 | $1,120 | $10,000+ |
| Oakland 6 Bedroom Apartments | $2,079 | $748 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Oakland
See all Apartments in OaklandExplore Oakland
Oakland, CA Local Guide

- Oakland Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Oakland, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/04/2026Current apartment rentals in the Oakland, CA area range in price from $748 to $259,501 with an overall median price of $5,107. The three Oakland neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Old Oakland at $1,917, Fruitvale at $1,395, and Santa Fe at $1,150. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Oakland Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Oakland | $3,295 | $1,917 | 3 |
| Fruitvale | $3,300 | $1,395 | 20 |
| Santa Fe | $3,495 | $1,150 | 15 |
| Castro Valley NE Outer Hayward | $3,995 | $1,424 | 210 |
| Chinatown | $4,078 | $1,895 | 56 |
| Jack London Square | $4,078 | $1,245 | 57 |
| East Oakland | $4,304 | $850 | 326 |
| Lakeside | $4,337 | $1,245 | 116 |
| Uptown Oakland | $4,337 | $895 | 141 |
| Jingletown | $4,397 | $850 | 168 |
Cheapest Available Oakland Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Oakland, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Brookfield Place in the Laqua Manor neighborhood priced from $779. Claridge Hotel LP. in the West Oakland neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $895. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Oakland apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield Place | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $779 |
| Claridge Hotel LP. | SRO | Studio,1BA | $895 |
| Collab@Oxford | 2X1 | 2BR,1BA | $949 |
| Helios | Shared Double | 1BR,1BA | $950 |
| Casa Zimbabwe | Ridge House Triples | 1BR,1BA | $1,030 |
| The Lair | 3BR/2.0BA | 3BR,2BA | $1,099 |
| 2737 Durant Avenue | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,125 |
| La Peralta | SRO with Bath | Studio,1BA | $1,195 |
| Vanguard Apartments | 1bed,1bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Oakland, CA
As of April 04, 2026 the best value apartment in the Oakland area is the $1.31 price per square foot Loft 4 Model at 1080 Lofts in the in the Fruitvale Station neighborhood starting from $2,355. The second greatest value Oakland apartment is the Live/Work lofts Model at Vulcan Lofts starting at $2,050 with a $1.23 price per square foot in the St. Elizabeth neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Oakland apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080 Lofts | Loft 4 | Studio ,1BA | $1.31 |
| Vulcan Lofts | Live/Work lofts | Studio ,1BA | $1.23 |
| Oakland Heights - 55+ Active Adult Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.44 |
| 2737 Durant Avenue | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $0.95 |
| Hub Bancroft | 2x2 A | 2BR,2BA | $1.83 |
| Collab@Oxford | 3X2 | 3BR,2BA | $1.62 |
| 2401 Park Blvd unit 3a, Unit Park Blvd | 2401 Park Blvd unit 3a | 3BR,1.5BA | $1.12 |
| Vanguard Apartments | 1bed,1bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.60 |
| RUMI at King | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $0.92 |
| Brookfield Place | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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 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.
Oakland Overview
There’s a lot that could be said to convince you that renting apartments in Oakland would be one of the best decisions of your life. Maybe you’d be interested in the fact that Oakland is a smart city, it’s one of the top cities when counting residents with bachelor’s degrees. Maybe you’d be intrigued by the fact that Oakland is known for its ethnic diversity, as well as its sustainability practices. Many more facts could be spewed at you, and they’d all add up to one thing—Oakland is an awesome, hip place to live.
Why live in Oakland, CA?
Oakland is a city like no other. It lies incredibly close to another major city, San Francisco, and yet it retains its own unique identity. Oakland is a city of diversity and political activism, industry and artistry, culture, and sports teams to rally behind. It’s also known for its food, its culinary culture is likely influenced by the city’s diversity as the cuisine often features international foods, as well as locally grown produce. Oakland truly has its own place in this world, and living in apartments in Oakland would allow you to become a member of this exciting and thriving city.
Best Local Schools in Oakland, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Oakland, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Oakland, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Oakland Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Oakland?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Oakland is under $1,200.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Oakland?
The cheapest apartment in Oakland is Brookfield Place which is listed at $779, while the average apartment in Oakland costs $5,107.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Oakland?
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 227 regular apartments in Oakland that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Oakland?
Cheap apartments in Oakland have an average cost of $1,066 which is $4,041 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Oakland.
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

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.