Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Oakland are Middle East Oakland, Southeast Oakland Hills, and Fruitvale. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Oakland, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 5, 2026, the average rent in Oakland is $2,090, which is 0.9% 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.
Middle East Oakland
Average Rent
$1,562/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
57/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Middle East Oakland. The average rent is $1,562, compared to the city average of $2,090. Rent prices have increased by 1.2%. Middle East Oakland is convenient to Eastmont Town Center, Laney College, and Redwood Regional Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.
Southeast Oakland Hills
Average Rent
$1,810/Month
TransitScore® Rating
33/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Southeast Oakland Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $1,810. Compare this to the city average of $2,090. Southeast Oakland Hills provides easy access to Eastmont Town Center, San Leandro Station, and Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 25.
Fruitvale
Average Rent
$1,873/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Fruitvale might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,873, while the city’s average stands at $2,090. In the last year, prices have decreased by 3.6%. Fruitvale is near Fruitvale Village, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Lake Merritt Station.
Lower Hills District
Average Rent
$1,958/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
13 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.
East Lake
Average Rent
$2,087/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
23 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.
Highland of Adams Point
Average Rent
$2,179/Month
TransitScore® Rating
64/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Highland of Adams Point is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Highland of Adams Point is $2,179 while the city average is $2,090. Residents enjoy convenient access to Merritt Shopping Center, Rotary Nature Center, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.
Grand Lake
Average Rent
$2,222/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
53/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Oakland neighborhood on a budget, check out Grand Lake. The average rent is $2,222, compared to the city average of $2,090. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Grand Lake is convenient to Morcom Rose Garden, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Oakland Museum of California. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
East Oakland
Average Rent
$2,264/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.4%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
192 Rentals
With its rich history and cultural diversity, East Oakland offers a unique living experience for renters looking to settle down in the Bay Area. The area is well-known for its lively festivals and community gatherings, contributing to its tight-knit community feel. East Oakland also offers easy access to public transportation, making commuting throughout the city convenient and efficient.
Piedmont Avenue
Average Rent
$2,306/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Piedmont Avenue is an affordable neighborhood in Oakland with an average rent price of $2,306. Compare this to the city average of $2,090. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.8%. Piedmont Avenue provides easy access to Metro Oakland International, Laney College, and Samuel Merritt University. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.
Rockridge
Average Rent
$2,361/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
62/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Oakland, Rockridge might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,361, while the city’s average stands at $2,090. In the last year, prices have increased by 4%. Rockridge is near Downtown Berkeley Station, Lincoln University, Oakland, and Morcom Rose Garden.
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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.