Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are Middle East Oakland, Lakeshore Hills, and Lower Hills District. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 29, 2025, the average rent in Oakland is $2,094, 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.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,851/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
16 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 $1,851 while the city average is $2,094. This is a 0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Leandro Station, Eastmont Town Center, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.
Lakeshore Hills
Average Rent
$1,862/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Lakeshore Hills. The average rent is $1,862, compared to the city average of $2,094. Lakeshore Hills is convenient to Mills College, Lakeside Park Garden Center, and San Francisco International.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,941/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
25 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
$1,991/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Ivy Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,991. Compare this to the city average of $2,094. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Ivy Hill provides easy access to 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, Laney College, and College of Alameda. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 87.
Peralta Heights
Average Rent
$2,020/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Peralta Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,020, while the city’s average stands at $2,094. Peralta Heights is near Lakeside Park, 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, and Laney College.
Cleveland Heights
Average Rent
$2,049/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
Cleveland Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Cleveland Heights is $2,049 while the city average is $2,094. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Macarthur, College of Alameda, and Lincoln University, Oakland. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.
Piedmont by the Lake
Average Rent
$2,090/Month
TransitScore® Rating
51/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Piedmont by the Lake. The average rent is $2,090, compared to the city average of $2,094. Piedmont by the Lake is convenient to Laney College, Metro Oakland International, and San Francisco International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Highland of Adams Point
Average Rent
$2,129/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Highland of Adams Point is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,129. Compare this to the city average of $2,094. Highland of Adams Point provides easy access to 19Th St Oakland Station, Morcom Rose Garden, and Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 91.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,136/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
25 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
$2,170/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Grand Lake might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,170, while the city’s average stands at $2,094. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.7%. Grand Lake is near Rotary Nature Center, Laney College, and Macarthur Station.
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.