Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are Foothill, San Antonio, and Southeast Oakland Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 4, 2025, the average rent in Oakland is $2,103, which is 1.9% 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
$1,653/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
14 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 $1,653, while the city’s average stands at $2,103. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.3%. Foothill is near 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, Laney College, and Rotary Nature Center.
San Antonio
Average Rent
$1,653/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
San Antonio is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in San Antonio is $1,653 while the city average is $2,103. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lakeside Park, 12Th St Oakland City Center Station, and Fruitvale Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.
Southeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$1,716/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 $1,716, compared to the city average of $2,103. Southeast Oakland Hills is convenient to Oakland Zoo, Mills College, and Bay Fair Station. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 25.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,837/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
22 Rentals
Middle East Oakland is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,837. Compare this to the city average of $2,103. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.4%. Middle East Oakland provides easy access to Fruitvale Station, Arroyo Viejo Creek at the Oakland Zoo, and Laney College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 80.
East Lake
Average Rent
$1,873/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
33 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.
Ivy Hill
Average Rent
$1,880/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
12 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 $1,880, while the city’s average stands at $2,103. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.3%. Ivy Hill is near Samuel Merritt University, Pacific Renaissance, and Lakeside Park Garden Center.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,888/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
15 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
$2,059/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Fruitvale is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fruitvale is $2,059 while the city average is $2,103. This is a 0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, Metro Oakland International, and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Dogtown
Average Rent
$2,217/Month
TransitScore® Rating
59/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Dogtown. The average rent is $2,217, compared to the city average of $2,103. Dogtown is convenient to Laney College, Lakeside Park Garden Center, and West Oakland Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,236/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Piedmont Avenue is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,236. Compare this to the city average of $2,103. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.5%. Piedmont Avenue provides easy access to 19Th St Oakland Station, 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, and Laney College. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.
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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.