Cheap Homes for Rent in the Downtown Oakland Neighborhood of Oakland, CA from $1,000 (20 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Downtown Oakland area of Oakland.

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.

property at 321 Athol Ave

$1,795

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1

321 Athol Ave
OaklandCA94606

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.

property at 150 Pearl St

$1,800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,800

Total Monthly Price
$1,800

Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

150 Pearl St

OaklandCA94611
property at 626 8th St

$1,895

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

626 8th St, Unit #3

626 8th St
OaklandCA94607

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.

Downtown Oakland, Oakland, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Oakland Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Oakland area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Claridge Hotel LP. priced from $895. Northgate Terrace has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,050. Here are the most affordable Downtown Oakland apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Claridge Hotel LP.SROStudio,$895
Northgate TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$1,050
ArtHaus NorthgateFloor Plan A Studio 1BAStudio,1BA$1,198
La PeraltaSRO with BathStudio,1BA$1,245
Nook on ValdezFLOOR PLAN EStudio,1BA$1,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Oakland, CA

As of July 09, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Oakland area is the $2.42 price per square foot 874 36th St Model at 874 36th St, Unit C in the in the West Oakland neighborhood starting from $3,600. The second greatest value Downtown Oakland apartment is the Loft C Model at 5th Street Lofts starting at $2,865 with a $2.12 price per square foot in the West Oakland neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Oakland apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
874 36th St, Unit C874 36th St3BR,2BA$2.42
5th Street LoftsLoft CStudio ,1BA$2.12
Common MacArthurFloor Plan I 4BR 2BA4BR,2BA$2.82
3136 Union St, Unit 31363136 Union St3BR,1BA$2.81
Tudor Hall1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2.77
Piedmont2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Income-Restricted2BR,1BA$2.49
Alice Court1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.33
937 International Blvd2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2.47
2124 5th Ave, Unit Apt B2124 5th Ave1BR,1BA$2.52
1523-1527 8th Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2.85

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
Downtown Oakland, Oakland, 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 Downtown Oakland

What type of rentals are currently available in Downtown Oakland?

There are currently 2438 Apartments for Rent in Downtown Oakland, CA with pricing that ranges from $800 to $15,778. There are also 101 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Downtown Oakland ranging from $1,000 to $5,500.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Downtown Oakland?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Downtown Oakland ranges from $1,000 to $5,500 with an average monthly rent of $3,331.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Downtown Oakland?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Downtown Oakland range from $800 to $6,749, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,495 to $4,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,795 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,802.

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

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

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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.