Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are Middle East Oakland, Peralta Heights, and Ivy Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 12, 2025, the average rent in Oakland is $2,120, which is 2.2% 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
$1,829/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
19 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 $1,829, while the city’s average stands at $2,120. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.7%. Middle East Oakland is near Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, College of Alameda, and Oakland Zoo.
Peralta Heights
Average Rent
$1,954/Month
TransitScore® Rating
67/100
Units Available
14 Rentals
Peralta Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Peralta Heights is $1,954 while the city average is $2,120. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Old Oakland, and Oakland Museum of California. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Ivy Hill
Average Rent
$1,957/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
61/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Ivy Hill. The average rent is $1,957, compared to the city average of $2,120. Rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Ivy Hill is convenient to San Francisco International, Merritt Shopping Center, and Oakland Museum of California. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,965/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
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.
Cleveland Heights
Average Rent
$2,009/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Cleveland Heights is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,009. Compare this to the city average of $2,120. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Cleveland Heights provides easy access to Oakland Museum of California, Samuel Merritt University, and Dimond Retail Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 90.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,133/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
30 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.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,235/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
36 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 $2,235, while the city’s average stands at $2,120. In the last year, prices have increased by 2%. Piedmont Avenue is near Morcom Rose Garden, Lincoln University, Oakland, and San Francisco International.
Rockridge
Average Rent
$2,294/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Rockridge is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Rockridge is $2,294 while the city average is $2,120. This is a 1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Temescal Neighborhood Center, and Morcom Rose Garden. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 95.
Highland of Adams Point
Average Rent
$2,299/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Highland of Adams Point. The average rent is $2,299, compared to the city average of $2,120. Highland of Adams Point is convenient to 12Th Street / Oakland City Center, Samuel Merritt University, and 12Th St Oakland City Center Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Grand Lake
Average Rent
$2,370/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Grand Lake is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,370. Compare this to the city average of $2,120. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Grand Lake provides easy access to Oakland Museum of California, Lakeside Park, and Morcom Rose Garden. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 93.
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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.