Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are Foothill, San Antonio, and Ivy Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 6, 2026, the average rent in Oakland is $2,100, which is 0.8% 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.
Foothill
Average Rent
$1,521/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Foothill. The average rent is $1,521, compared to the city average of $2,100. Rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Foothill is convenient to Lakeside Park Garden Center, 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, and Lake Merritt Station.
San Antonio
Average Rent
$1,578/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.9%
Units Available
15 Rentals
San Antonio is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,578. Compare this to the city average of $2,100. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 7.9%. San Antonio provides easy access to Lake Merritt Station, College of Alameda, and Fruitvale.
Ivy Hill
Average Rent
$1,777/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
Units Available
19 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Ivy Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,777, while the city’s average stands at $2,100. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Ivy Hill is near College of Alameda, 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, and Oakland Museum of California.
East Lake
Average Rent
$1,874/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
Units Available
37 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.
Fruitvale
Average Rent
$1,877/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
Units Available
15 Rentals
Fruitvale is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fruitvale is $1,877 while the city average is $2,100. This is a -0.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Oakland Museum of California, Melrose Fruitvale Center, and San Francisco International.
Cleveland Heights
Average Rent
$1,895/Month
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Cleveland Heights. The average rent is $1,895, compared to the city average of $2,100. Cleveland Heights is convenient to San Francisco International, Morcom Rose Garden, and Rotary Nature Center.
Southeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$1,927/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
Southeast Oakland Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,927. Compare this to the city average of $2,100. Southeast Oakland Hills provides easy access to Fruitvale, Coliseum, and Arroyo Viejo Creek at the Oakland Zoo.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,944/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Middle East Oakland might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,944, while the city’s average stands at $2,100. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.4%. Middle East Oakland is near High Street Plaza, San Leandro, and Lake Merritt Station.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$2,039/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
Units Available
13 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.
East Oakland
Average Rent
$2,235/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
Units Available
197 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.
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.