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 21, 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
San Antonio is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,598. Compare this to the city average of $2,092. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 4.7%. San Antonio provides easy access to San Francisco International, Samuel Merritt University, and Rotary Nature Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 90.
Foothill
Average Rent
$1,635/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Foothill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,635, while the city’s average stands at $2,092. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.3%. Foothill is near Lakeside Park, Fruitvale Station, and Fruitvale Village.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,663/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Middle East Oakland is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Middle East Oakland is $1,663 while the city average is $2,092. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to College of Alameda, Metro Oakland International, and Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.
Southeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$1,826/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Southeast Oakland Hills. The average rent is $1,826, compared to the city average of $2,092. Southeast Oakland Hills is convenient to Eastmont Town Center, Bay Fair Station, and San Leandro Station. The community is car-dependent 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
Fruitvale is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,065. Compare this to the city average of $2,092. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.1%. Fruitvale provides easy access to Melrose Fruitvale Center, Laney College, and Fruitvale Village. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,153/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Piedmont Avenue might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,153, while the city’s average stands at $2,092. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.3%. Piedmont Avenue is near Lincoln University, Oakland, Lakeside Park Garden Center, and The Ridge.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,158/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
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
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Grand Lake is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Grand Lake is $2,172 while the city average is $2,092. This is a 2.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Broadway Office and Retail, 12Th St Oakland City Center Station, and San Francisco International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Highland of Adams Point
Average Rent
$2,189/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Highland of Adams Point. The average rent is $2,189, compared to the city average of $2,092. Highland of Adams Point is convenient to College of Alameda, Metro Oakland International, and San Francisco International. The community is walkable 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.