Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Palo Alto, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Palo Alto are Crescent Park, St Claire Gardens, and Stanford University Villa. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Palo Alto, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 9, 2025, the average rent in Palo Alto is $2,996, which is 3.1% 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.
Crescent Park
Average Rent
$2,650/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
46/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
Crescent Park is an affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto with an average rent price of $2,650. Compare this to the city average of $2,996. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Crescent Park provides easy access to Mountain View Station, Seminary Oaks Park, and Bayshore/Nasa Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 79.
St Claire Gardens
Average Rent
$2,808/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.7%
TransitScore® Rating
38/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto, St Claire Gardens might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,808, while the city’s average stands at $2,996. In the last year, prices have increased by 7.7%. St Claire Gardens is near Stanford University, Gamble Garden, and Norman Y Mineta San Jose International.
Stanford University Villa
Average Rent
$2,808/Month
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Stanford University Villa is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stanford University Villa is $2,808 while the city average is $2,996. Residents enjoy convenient access to Terman Park, Bayshore Nasa Station, and Alma Village. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 63.
Midtown Palo Alto
Average Rent
$3,237/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Palo Alto neighborhood on a budget, check out Midtown Palo Alto. The average rent is $3,237, compared to the city average of $2,996. Rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Midtown Palo Alto is convenient to Bayshore Nasa Station, Mountain View Station, and San Francisco International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 66.
Ventura
Average Rent
$3,580/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
43/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
Ventura is an affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto with an average rent price of $3,580. Compare this to the city average of $2,996. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Ventura provides easy access to Charleston Shopping Center, Bayshore/Nasa Station, and Rinconada Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 84.
Evergreen Park
Average Rent
$4,053/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto, Evergreen Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $4,053, while the city’s average stands at $2,996. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.2%. Evergreen Park is near Bayshore Nasa Station, Menlo College, and Stanford University.
Downtown Palo Alto
Average Rent
$4,366/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
29 Rentals
Downtown Palo Alto is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Palo Alto is $4,366 while the city average is $2,996. This is a 2.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Whisman Station, Rinconada Park, and Town & Country Village. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
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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.