Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are Middle East Oakland, Lower Hills District, and Ivy Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 14, 2025, the average rent in Oakland is $2,076, which is 1.5% 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.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,804/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
26 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 $1,804, while the city’s average stands at $2,076. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.5%. Middle East Oakland is near Metro Oakland International, Fruitvale Station, and Oakland International Airport Station.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,984/Month
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
24 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.
Ivy Hill
Average Rent
$2,002/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Ivy Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ivy Hill is $2,002 while the city average is $2,076. This is a 0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Metro Oakland International, and Lake Merritt. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,060/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
35 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.
Peralta Heights
Average Rent
$2,084/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Peralta Heights. The average rent is $2,084, compared to the city average of $2,076. Peralta Heights is convenient to Macarthur, Samuel Merritt University, and Merritt Shopping Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Cleveland Heights
Average Rent
$2,088/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
Cleveland Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,088. Compare this to the city average of $2,076. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.2%. Cleveland Heights provides easy access to Rotary Nature Center, Metro Oakland International, and Morcom Rose Garden. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 90.
Piedmont by the Lake
Average Rent
$2,107/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Piedmont by the Lake might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,107, while the city’s average stands at $2,076. Piedmont by the Lake is near Shops on Broadway, Rotary Nature Center, and College of Alameda.
Grand Lake
Average Rent
$2,111/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
41 Rentals
Grand Lake is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Grand Lake is $2,111 while the city average is $2,076. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Macarthur Station, Rotary Nature Center, and Morcom Rose Garden. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
The Stanford
Average Rent
$2,127/Month
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out The Stanford. The average rent is $2,127, compared to the city average of $2,076. The Stanford is convenient to San Francisco International, Laney College, and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Highland of Adams Point
Average Rent
$2,150/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Highland of Adams Point is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,150. Compare this to the city average of $2,076. Highland of Adams Point provides easy access to Lake Merritt, Rotary Nature Center, and Broadway Office and Retail. 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.