Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Palo Alto, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Palo Alto are Crescent Park, Ventura, and Midtown Palo Alto. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Palo Alto, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 25, 2026, the average rent in Palo Alto is $3,037, which is 3.8% 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.
Crescent Park
Average Rent
$2,972/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto, Crescent Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,972, while the city’s average stands at $3,037. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. Crescent Park is near Gateway 101 Shopping Center, San Francisco International, and Mountain View Station.
Ventura
Average Rent
$3,077/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
Units Available
13 Rentals
Ventura is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Ventura is $3,077 while the city average is $3,037. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Mountain View Station, Foothill Coll., Los Altos, and Moffett Park Station.
Midtown Palo Alto
Average Rent
$3,482/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.1%
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Palo Alto neighborhood on a budget, check out Midtown Palo Alto. The average rent is $3,482, compared to the city average of $3,037. Rent prices have increased by 5.1%. Midtown Palo Alto is convenient to Whisman Station, Moffett Park Station, and Mountain View Station.
Charleston Meadow
Average Rent
$3,493/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
Units Available
10 Rentals
Charleston Meadow is an affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto with an average rent price of $3,493. Compare this to the city average of $3,037. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Charleston Meadow provides easy access to Alma Village, Menlo College, and Foothill College, Middlefield.
Palo Alto Orchards
Average Rent
$3,695/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Orchards might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,695, while the city’s average stands at $3,037. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.6%. Palo Alto Orchards is near Esther Clark Nature Preserve, Bayshore Nasa Station, and Alma Village.
Green Acres
Average Rent
$3,695/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
Units Available
10 Rentals
Green Acres is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Green Acres is $3,695 while the city average is $3,037. This is a 1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 630 - 646 San Antonio Rd, Esther Clark Nature Preserve, and Foothill Coll., Los Altos.
Downtown Palo Alto
Average Rent
$4,638/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.6%
Units Available
26 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Palo Alto neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Palo Alto. The average rent is $4,638, compared to the city average of $3,037. Rent prices have increased by 6.6%. Downtown Palo Alto is convenient to San Francisco International, Stanford Shopping Center, and Whisman Station.
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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.