Best Affordable 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 December 22, 2025, the average rent in Oakland is $2,092, which is 1.6% 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
$1,598/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, San Antonio might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,598, while the city’s average stands at $2,092. In the last year, prices have decreased by 4.7%. San Antonio is near 19Th St Oakland Station, Oakland Museum of California, and Metro Oakland International.
Foothill
Average Rent
$1,635/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
Foothill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Foothill is $1,635 while the city average is $2,092. This is a 0.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 19Th St Oakland Station, San Francisco International, and Fruitvale Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 84.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,663/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Middle East Oakland. The average rent is $1,663, compared to the city average of $2,092. Rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Middle East Oakland is convenient to Fruitvale Station, Metro Oakland International, and High Street Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.
Southeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$1,826/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Southeast Oakland Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,826. Compare this to the city average of $2,092. Southeast Oakland Hills provides easy access to Oakland Zoo, Oak Knoll, and San Leandro Station. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 25.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,943/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
11 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.
Fruitvale
Average Rent
$2,065/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Fruitvale might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,065, while the city’s average stands at $2,092. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.1%. Fruitvale is near Mills College, Oakland Museum of California, and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,154/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Piedmont Avenue is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Piedmont Avenue is $2,154 while the city average is $2,092. This is a 3.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Macarthur Station, Metro Oakland International, and Macarthur. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,158/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
18 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.
Grand Lake
Average Rent
$2,172/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Grand Lake. The average rent is $2,172, compared to the city average of $2,092. Rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Grand Lake is convenient to Oakland Museum of California, Morcom Rose Garden, and Samuel Merritt University. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Highland of Adams Point
Average Rent
$2,189/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
Highland of Adams Point is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,189. Compare this to the city average of $2,092. Highland of Adams Point provides easy access to 12Th St Oakland City Center Station, Lincoln University, Oakland, and 12Th Street / Oakland City Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
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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.