
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Palo Alto Neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA from $2,100 (91 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Palo Alto area of Palo Alto.


325 Alma St, Unit Studio, Unit Studio

Villa Toscana

The Hamilton

170 Waverly St

657 Everett Avenue

463-465 Addison Ave

674-678 Homer Ave

1061 Alma St

825 Cowper 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.

350 Channing Ave

305-313 Kipling St

205 Hawthorne Ave

The Palo Alto

147-159 Emerson St

832 Kipling St

243 Byron St

166 Bryant St

103 Tennyson Ave

551-563 Miramonte Ave
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.

189 Cowper St

837 Waverly St

242-244 Ramona St

235 Emerson St

141-143 Alma St

201 Cowper St

165-171 Alma St

Abitare North

219 Ramona St

The Welch Road Apartments
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.

357-359 Hawthorne Ave

Hawthorne Gardens

Webster Court

Arbora Palo Alto

Webster Oak Apartments

542 Forest Ave

1051-1077 Middlefield Rd

171 Bryant Street

532 Forest Ave

Casa Real
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.

427-453 Forest Ave

Lytton Gardens Senior Communities

Webster Place Apartments

Webster Wood Apartments

Alma Place

University Garden Apartments

100-110 Webster St

Waverley Palms

Oak Court Apartments

200 Waverley St
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
Downtown Palo Alto, Palo Alto, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Palo Alto?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Palo Alto Studio Apartments | $3,425 | $2,950 | $3,900 |
| Downtown Palo Alto 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,217 | $2,400 | $6,210 |
| Downtown Palo Alto 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,811 | $2,975 | $7,130 |
| Downtown Palo Alto 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,910 | $6,910 | $6,910 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 91 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Downtown Palo Alto Neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA.
See all Apartments in Palo AltoExplore Palo Alto
Cheapest Available Downtown Palo Alto Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Palo Alto area of San Jose, CA is a 2 Beds unit found at Hawthorne Apartments priced from $2,975. 347-367 Everett Ave has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,995. Here are the most affordable Downtown Palo Alto apartments for rent in San Jose, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorne Apartments | 2BR/1BA | 2BR,1BA | $2,975 |
| 347-367 Everett Ave | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,995 |
| Arbora Palo Alto | B3 - 2 Bed 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $9,795 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Palo Alto, CA
As of May 04, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Palo Alto area is the $2.70 price per square foot 2BR/1BA Model at Hawthorne Apartments in the in the Duveneck neighborhood starting from $2,975. The second greatest value Downtown Palo Alto apartment is the B3 - 2 Bed 2 bath Model at Arbora Palo Alto starting at $9,795 with a $10.18 price per square foot in the Duveneck neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Palo Alto apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorne Apartments | 2BR/1BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.70 |
| Arbora Palo Alto | B3 - 2 Bed 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $10.18 |
| 347-367 Everett Ave | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.83 |
| 325 Alma St, Unit Studio | 325 Alma St | Studio ,1BA | $9.83 |
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’ve spent much time in San Jose, you’ve likely heard it referred to as “the capital of Silicon Valley” a time or two, and with good reason. San Jose has it all when it comes to the modern California lifestyle and then some.

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.