
Cheap Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA from $1,000 (34 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in El Cerrito.


The Village at Town Center

6025 El Dorado St, Unit 1

Cerrito Vista Apartments

1628 Spruce St

2349 Roosevelt Ave

4666 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit 8

Montoya Garden

1245 Francisco St
San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

1349-1351 Carlson Blvd

5405 Morrow Dr

1423 Oxford St

5815 Alameda Ave, Unit 5815

3320 Barrett Ave
El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in El Cerrito?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap El Cerrito Studio Apartments | $2,210 | $1,304 | $2,779 |
Cheap El Cerrito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,452 | $1,000 | $4,140 |
Cheap El Cerrito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,215 | $1,795 | $5,378 |
Cheap El Cerrito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,006 | $2,850 | $5,800 |
Cheap El Cerrito 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,012 | $3,141 | $5,495 |
Browse Top Apartments in El Cerrito
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El Cerrito, CA Local Guide

- El Cerrito Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available El Cerrito Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in El Cerrito, CA is a Studio unit found at University Park in the Downtown Berkeley neighborhood priced from $1,304. 1176 University in the University Village neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,550. Here is today’s list of the most affordable El Cerrito apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
University Park | S1 | Studio,1BA | $1,304 |
1176 University | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,550 |
Montoya Garden | STUDIO | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1,995 |
Cerrito Vista Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $2,000 |
1385 Shattuck Ave | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,145 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in El Cerrito, CA
As of March 09, 2025 the best value apartment in the El Cerrito area is the $2.40 price per square foot 5533 Madison Ave Model at 5533 Madison Ave, Unit #7 in the in the Del Norte neighborhood starting from $2,995. The second greatest value El Cerrito apartment is the 1636 Lexington Ave Model at 1636 Lexington Ave, Unit 1636 starting at $2,850 with a $2.59 price per square foot in the Del Norte neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for El Cerrito apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
5533 Madison Ave, Unit #7 | 5533 Madison Ave | 3BR,2BA | $2.40 |
1636 Lexington Ave, Unit 1636 | 1636 Lexington Ave | 3BR,2BA | $2.59 |
Mayfair Station | 2 Bedroom Large | 2BR,2BA | $2.50 |
1201 Liberty Apartments | 3 BR x 1 BA | 3BR,1BA | $2.85 |
1401 Liberty St | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.82 |
1807 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Unit #C | 1807 Martin Luther King Jr Way | 1BR,1BA | $2.70 |
Casa del Sol | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
1176 University | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $2.07 |
2425 Church Ln, Unit B | 2425 Church Ln | 1BR,1BA | $2.64 |
4666 San Pablo Dam Rd, Unit 8 | 4666 San Pablo Dam Rd | 1BR,1BA | $2.99 |
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El Cerrito Overview
Part of the glorious San Francisco Bay area, El Cerrito is a scenic hot spot that is sure to appeal to many. A relatively 'new' city, this west coast locale is brimming with industry, convenience and a world of amenities at your fingertips.
Why live in El Cerrito, CA?
Boasting an impressive number of public parks, not to mention jaw-dropping water views and plenty in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightclubs, a El Cerrito is sure to please. Convenient to a number of area universities as well as the excitement of San Francisco proper, this California destination is an ideal spot for anyone eager to connect with a new home on the west coast.
Best Local Schools in El Cerrito, CA
Madera Elementary
Fred T. Korematsu Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore El Cerrito, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in El Cerrito, CA
Getting Around El Cerrito, CA
Walk Score®
88 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
83 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
57 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap El Cerrito Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in El Cerrito?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in El Cerrito is at University Park listed at $1,304.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cerrito Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom El Cerrito Apartment is $1,875 at Montoya Garden.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom El Cerrito Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in El Cerrito is starting from $1,995 at Casa del Sol.
What is the most affordable El Cerrito Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap El Cerrito Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at 1201 Liberty Apartments and starts from $2,850.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money
Written by: Amber Kanuckel
With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

What to Know About Fees and Fines When Renting
Written by: Trey Huguley
When it comes to renting a new apartment or home there can be a number of fees that you will want to keep in mind going into the process.

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting
Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD
While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.