Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Lake Merritt District Oakland, CA from $700 (138 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Lake Merritt District area of Oakland.

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

Read Article
property at 321 Athol Ave

$1,780

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

1

321 Athol Ave
OaklandCA94606
close
View Me
1900 Broadway
Rent Specials
$1,802 - $7,072
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,802 - $7,072
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

1900 Broadway

1950 BroadwayOakland, CA 94612
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Read Article
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
close
View Me
535 30th St, Unit #2
$1,925
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,925
Total Monthly Price
$1,925
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

535 30th St, Unit #2

535 30th StOakland, CA 94609
Affordability
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
661 Fairmount Ave, Unit 661
$2,000
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000
Total Monthly Price
$2,000
Studio Apartment Available Sep 20

661 Fairmount Ave, Unit 661

661 Fairmount AveOakland, CA 94611
Furnished
  • Smoke Free

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
668 28th St
1 to 7 Bedroom Apartments

668 28th St

668 28th StOakland, CA 94609
Student Housing
close
View Me
Hillcastle Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Hillcastle Apartments

1431 Jackson StOakland, CA 94612
  • Utilities Included

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Read Article
close
View Me
ArtHaus Linden
Studio Apartments

ArtHaus Linden

1054 18th StOakland, CA 94607
close
View Me
Ivy Haus
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy Haus

1844 7th AveOakland, CA 94606
close
View Me
Nook on Valdez
Studio Apartments

Nook on Valdez

2425 Valdez StOakland, CA 94612
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
3301 Telegraph Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3301 Telegraph Ave

3301 Telegraph AveOakland, CA 94609
close
View Me
Piedmont
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Piedmont

215 W MacArthur BlvdOakland, CA 94611
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
ArtHaus Ninth
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

ArtHaus Ninth

685 9th StOakland, CA 94607
close
View Me
Electric Lofts
Studio Apartments

Electric Lofts

2415 Valdez StOakland, CA 94612

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 3

Lake Merritt District, Oakland, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Lake Merritt District Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Lake Merritt District 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 Lake Merritt District apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Claridge Hotel LP.SROStudio,$895
Northgate TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$1,050
La PeraltaSRO with BathStudio,1BA$1,345
ArtHaus LindenFloor Plan A Studio 1BAStudio,1BA$1,348
Nook on ValdezFLOOR PLAN BStudio,1BA$1,350
Piedmont1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Income-Restricted1BR,1BA$1,381
ArtHaus ChestnutFloor Plan B Studio 1BAStudio,1BA$1,425
ArtHaus NinthFloor Plan B 2BR Co LivingStudio,1BA$1,448
ArtHaus BrushFloor Plan C Studio 1BAStudio,1BA$1,500
Electric LoftsStudio JStudio,1BA$1,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake Merritt District, CA

As of July 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake Merritt District area is the $3.07 price per square foot D1 Model at Telegraph Arts in the in the Pill Hill neighborhood starting from $3,720. The second greatest value Lake Merritt District apartment is the 2335 Market St Model at 2335 Market St, Unit A starting at $3,695 with a $3.08 price per square foot in the West Oakland neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Lake Merritt District apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Telegraph ArtsD13BR,3BA$3.07
2335 Market St, Unit A2335 Market St2BR,2BA$3.08
2208 Lakeshore Ave2 Beds, 2 Baths2BR,2BA$2.72
3136 Union St, Unit 31363136 Union St3BR,1BA$2.81
485 36th St, Unit Sunny spacious top unit485 36th St2BR,1BA$3.03
ReNew on MerrittShoreline2BR,1BA$3.14
Piedmont2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Income-Restricted2BR,1BA$2.49
Alice Court1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.33
LakePark Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.10
Lakeview Towers1x11BR,1BA$2.78

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Lake Merritt District, Oakland, CA

Ranked #5

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Best Local Schools in
Lake Merritt District, Oakland, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

This website compares millions of points of data to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of neighborhoods, cities, and rental properties across California, including Oakland. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for the best outdoor access, luxury amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Lake Merritt District Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Lake Merritt District?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Lake Merritt District is under $1,500.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Lake Merritt District?

The cheapest apartment in Lake Merritt District is Northgate Terrace which is listed at $1,250, while the average apartment in Lake Merritt District costs $4,000.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Lake Merritt District?

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 28 regular apartments in Lake Merritt District 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 Lake Merritt District?

Cheap apartments in Lake Merritt District have an average cost of $560 which is $3,440 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Lake Merritt District.

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

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

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.

decorative image for Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers article

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.

decorative image for Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco article

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.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.

decorative image for Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention article

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.

decorative image for How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

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.