Cheapest Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are San Antonio, Foothill, and Middle East Oakland. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 19, 2026, the average rent in Oakland is $2,256, which is 6.1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
San Antonio
Average Rent
$1,726/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.9%
Units Available
10 Rentals
San Antonio is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in San Antonio is $1,726 while the city average is $2,256. This is a -5.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco International, College of Alameda, and Oakland Museum of California.
Foothill
Average Rent
$1,756/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Foothill. The average rent is $1,756, compared to the city average of $2,256. Rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Foothill is convenient to Rotary Nature Center, Oakland Jack London Square Water Shuttle Dock, and Lakeside Park Garden Center.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,778/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
33 Rentals
Middle East Oakland is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,778. Compare this to the city average of $2,256. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.3%. Middle East Oakland provides easy access to Arroyo Viejo Creek at the Oakland Zoo, Oakland International Airport Station, and Oakland Zoo.
Southeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$1,882/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Southeast Oakland Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,882, while the city’s average stands at $2,256. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.7%. Southeast Oakland Hills is near Lincoln University, Oakland, Oakland International Airport Station, and San Leandro.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,972/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
Units Available
21 Rentals
Despite being one of the biggest communities in the Bay Area, the Lower Hill District provides residents with a welcoming, small-town feel. Renters will find affordable housing options throughout the area's tree-lined streets, as well as a plethora of shopping and dining options along MacArthur Boulevard.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,116/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
Units Available
27 Rentals
Piedmont Avenue is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Piedmont Avenue is $2,116 while the city average is $2,256. This is a 3.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Rockridge, Delaware Plaza, and Berkeley City College.
Rockridge
Average Rent
$2,237/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Rockridge. The average rent is $2,237, compared to the city average of $2,256. Rent prices have decreased by 2.7%. Rockridge is convenient to 19Th Street Oakland, Downtown Berkeley, and UC Berkeley.
East Oakland
Average Rent
$2,260/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
Units Available
180 Rentals
With its rich history and cultural diversity, East Oakland offers a unique living experience for renters looking to settle down in the Bay Area. The area is well-known for its lively festivals and community gatherings, contributing to its tight-knit community feel. East Oakland also offers easy access to public transportation, making commuting throughout the city convenient and efficient.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
Units Available
20 Rentals
Home to vibrant Lake Merritt, East Lake offers everything a renter could ever want. With affordable housing, historic structures, and lakefront views, this area offers residents a little bit of everything, catering to different lifestyles and tastes.
Northeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$2,449/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
Units Available
23 Rentals
Northeast Oakland Hills presents breathtaking views of the Bay Area, with numerous hiking trails for nature lovers. The neighborhood’s peaceful setting and spacious homes create an ideal retreat from city life. Local parks and recreational facilities offer plenty of outdoor activities for all ages.
Ready to make your move to Oakland? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.